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Who were the five 'Punj Pyare' appointed to assist Banda Singh ?

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Final answer:

The 'Punj Pyare' in the context of Banda Singh Bahadur were his five military lieutenants, not to be confused with the original religious figures initiated into Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh.

Step-by-step explanation:

The five 'Punj Pyare' appointed to assist Banda Singh Bahadur were not the same 'Panj Pyare' from the creation of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh. Rather, these were five trusted lieutenants chosen by Banda Singh Bahadur for his military campaigns to lead the Sikh forces against the Mughals after the demise of Guru Gobind Singh. Historical records specifically mentioning the names of these five individuals are scarce, though. Banda Singh Bahadur's lieutenants played a crucial role in the expeditions against the Mughal forces and acted as his closest advisors and commanders during the early 18th century battles.

It is important to recognize that the term 'Punj Pyare' in the Sikh tradition refers to the five beloved ones who were initiated into the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. However, Banda Singh Bahadur's Punj Pyare were his military aides, distinct from the original bearers of that title. As such, in studying the Sikh history and the leadership of Banda Singh Bahadur, one should not confuse Banda Singh's five chosen lieutenants with the religious figures of earlier significance.

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