Khalsa bole (Gurmukhi: ਖਾਲਸਈ ਬੋਲੇ or ਖਾਲਸਾ ਬੋਲੀ; khālăsaī bōlē, khālăsā bōlī; meaning "words of Khalsa"; alternatively transcribed as Khalsa boli) is a bravado-based language variety developed and spoken by members of the Akali-Nihang sect of Sikhism. It has also been described as a coded language. Sant Singh Sekhon describes the lect as a "grandiloquent patois" that "comprises euphemisms and jargon symbolic of high-spirited confidence and courage". The Nihangs use certain vocabulary with distinct semantics.
Names Other common names for the lect are gaṛgajjă bole (ਗੜਗੱਜ ਬੋਲੇ; meaning "words that thunder"), nihaṅgă siṅghă de bole ("words of the Nihang Sikhs"), nihaṅgă bolā ("Nihang speak"), and Khalsā de bole ("words of the Khalsa").
Purpose The dialect encompasses the Sikh philosophical concept of remaining ever optimistic, known as Chardi kala. The unique dialect serves martial and mental objectives, such as helping the speaker and listeners remain in high-spirits in the face of adversity. It serves as a verbal act of dissent in the face of troubling circumstances.
An account of Khalsa bole published in 1903 is as follows:
History
Origin Some claim it was invented by Banda Singh Bahadur, the early 18th century Sikh general and martyr. particularly within the 50-year period following a Mughal edict on 10 December 1710. The dialect developed during the period of intense persecution of the Sikhs by the Mughal and Durrani empires in the 18th century. During that period, Sikhs vacated for the mountains, jungles, and deserts to escape the genocidal policies enacted against them.
Jasbir Singh Sarna claims the language variety evolved during the time-period of Nawab Kapur Singh. Piara Singh Padam claims it originated in the 18th century.
The Nihangs developed the special vocabulary full of euphemisms and parallels to common words and phrases to complement their martial role and character. The terms were used by Nihangs to "make light of hardships", to describe enemies in a bold and provocative manner, and to belittle/ridicule things of worldly comfort. Khalsai Bole encapsulates the core aspects of the Nihang way of life: self-respect, wisdom, aesthetics, and fearlessness.
Present-day
The dialect is still used by some modern Sikhs, especially the Akali-Nihangs. Nihangs still employ Khalsa Bole in their encampments and also when they talk to members of the general public. The Khalsa Bole used by Nihangs today with the public are for the purpose of comedy but also secrecy. The euphemisms used by the Nihangs can be interpreted as derogatory.
Many modern Nihangs are ridiculed for using their dialect. They are often the target for jokes by outsiders. While many of the terms of Khalsa Bole have been forgotten and lost, new ones continue to be coined, referring to modern concepts.
Linguistic sources Khalsa bole sources its vocabulary from "a mixture of Punjabi, Old Hindi, Persian and other dialects used in various regions of India".
List of vocabulary examples