Masand

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Masand (Hindī and Pañjābī corruption of Persian masnad-ī-ālā, lofty throne, title of courtiers). Agent of Sikh Gurūs, originally appointed to organize the worship of the sangats and to collect their offerings. The masands were instructed to come annually on Baisākhī day to present the Sikhs' contributions. The masands appointed were devout, informed men who could instruct the increasing saṅgats.

Unfortunately, the system degenerated as individual masands supported rival claimants to Gurūship. Consequently Gurū Gobind Siṅgh dismissed the masands and in successive hukamnāmās bade the Sikhs to ignore them and bring their offerings direct to the Gurū.