Small and Big "holocaust"

I don't think what you're saying is in dispute with the book.

You're right, I agree that Ahluwalia is likely to have issued a "challenge" but the context in which he did so is significant and absolves him of any guilt of precipitating whatever followed.

it wasn't like Mughals were constantly on open hunting season for Sikhs.

Not constantly but seven years leading up to the first Ghallugara? Yes it was open season on Sikhs and that is why I believe there was going to be a large scale massacre no matter what Ahluwalia's fate was.

you can be responsible for something while sticking up for ideals.

Depends on the ideals. In this case, I don't think Banda Singh nor Ahluwalia should be made to bear any responsibility.

Kaura Mal wasn't only sympathetic to the Khalsa, he actually "worshipped" the Sikh Gurus....they're all actually "Sehajdharis" in that they worship Sikh Gurus and only go to Gurdwaras --they just don't adopt Khalsa tenants.

By your definition, Kaura Mal would not qualify because, although he had deep respects for the Guru's and the Sikhs, he was still a Hindu and did not only go to Gurudwara's. The definition of what it is to be a "Sehajdhari" Sikh has evolved over time and I believe he fit the bill back in the day but not by today's standards. In either case, I'm not trying to take anything away from the man because, Sikh or not, his selfless contributions are what matter and they were very valuable and honorable.

the title of "Nawab" that Kapur Singh had was axtually granted to him by the Mughals, as was "Sultan Ul Qaum" Jassa Ahluwalia. And during the time period of the vadda Ghallughara, Sikhs allied with Mughals.

These are regarded as political moves and not something the Mughals did out of the goodness of their kind hearts. Let's not lose sight of the true nature they exhibited when they ruled supreme just because they threw a few crumbs our way while in decline. You're right that we do take things to an extreme but the couple of points you make in their favor are pretty weak. They may not have been the worst thing ever but that's not really saying much.

/r/Sikh Thread