Muntakhab al-lubab 146.5

146.5

In this sect it is deemed a great sin to shave the hair of the head or beard. Many of the secret adherents of the sect belonging to the castes of Khatri and Jat were employed in service with the army, at the Court, and in public offices. A proclamation was issued requiring Hindus in general to shave off their beards. A great many of them thus had to submit to what they considered the disgrace of being shaved, and for a few days the barbers were very busy. Some men of name and position committed suicide to save the honour of their beards.