Guru Gobind Singh's stirring war-cry achieved miracles. It converted a gentle, peaceable people into a fighting force that brooked no injustice. His band of Khalsas, the 'pure', who wore their hair long and were never without their breeches, their distinguishing bracelet and a handy comb and dagger, challenged the mighty Mughal armies. Guided by the teachings of their brave Guru, they have remained to this day the Singhs (or lions) of their native Punjab.