 | This article may contain excessive or inappropriate references to self-published sources. (January 2023) |
 Akali-Nihang Flag | |
 Photograph of an Akali-Nihang bodyguard serving in the Nizam of Hyderabad's irregular Sikh army, c. 1865 | |
| Founder | |
|---|---|
| Disputed | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Punjab | |
| Religions | |
| Sikhism | |
| Scriptures | |
| Guru Granth Sahib • Dasam Granth • Sarbloh Granth | |
| Languages | |
| Punjabi • Khalsa bole |
| Part of a series on |
| Sikhism |
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The Akali-Nihang (also spelt as Akali-Nihung lit. "Crocodiles") and Akali (lit. "Immortals"), is an armed Sikh warrior order originating in the Indian subcontinent.[1] Akali-Nihangs are believed to have originated either from Fateh Singh and the attire he wore[2] or from the "Akal Sena" (lit. Army of the Immortal) started by Guru Hargobind.[3] Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Akali-Nihang once formed the irregular guerrilla squads of the armed forces of the Sikh Empire, the Sikh Khalsa Army.
- ^ Brard, Gurnam (2007). East of Indus: My Memories of Old Punjab. Hemkunt Press. p. 185. ISBN 9788170103608.
- ^ Surjit, Gandhi (2007). History of Sikh Gurus Retold: 1606-1708 C.E, Volume 2 of History of Sikh Gurus Retold. Atlantic Publishers & Distributors. p. 999. ISBN 9788126908585.
- ^ Singh, Khushwant (1999). A History of the Sikhs Volume I:1469-1839. India: Oxford University Press. p. 215. ISBN 0-19-562643-5.