Nand Lal

Sikh writer

Also known as: Goya

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July 17, 2026

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Nand Lal (1633–1715) was a Sikh writer who composed devotional works in Persian. His writings, along with those of Bhai Gurdas, are notable for being among the few texts, besides the Sikh scriptures, that can be recited in gurdwaras.1

Nand Lal joined the retinue of Guru Gobind Singh and adopted the pen name Goya, meaning "Eloquent." While his works were admired, their limited reach among the Panth (the Sikh community) is attributed to the language barrier, as he wrote in Persian. His compositions offered social and historical commentary, contributing to Sikh literature beyond purely devotional content.1

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Sikhism
Devotional and other works
…of Bhai Gurdas (1551–1637) and Nand Lal (1633–1715) are the only texts aside from the Granths that can be recited in the gurdwaras. Their compositions are more than just devotional, including social and historical commentary. This was particularly true of the works of Bhai Gurdas, whose 40 lengthy poems, composed…
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…of Bhai Gurdas (1551–1637) and Nand Lal (1633–1715) are the only texts aside from the Granths that can be recited in the gurdwaras. Their compositions are more than just devotional, including social and historical commentary. This was particularly true of the works of Bhai Gurdas, whose 40 lengthy poems, composed…
Read More