late 16th to early 17th century) also spelt as Balwand and Rai Balvand,[1] was a poet mystic and rabab player in the court of Guru Arjan.

[3][1] Eventually, they would return to serving the Sikh guru after falling ill and realizing their errors, where they were pardoned for their earlier transgressions.

[3] He co-composed this Ballad of Ramkali with his brother, Bhai Satta Doom, who was a drummer (player of the jori),[6] which includes a total of six hymns.

[8] The compositions he co-composed with his brother Satta can be found on pages 966–968 of the Guru Granth Sahib under the title of Ramkali ki Vaar Rai Balwand tatta Satte doom akhi.

[8][1] The Sikh guru was greatly impressed by the work and conduct of Balvand, therefore he gave the title of "Rai", which is usually reserved for Brahmin scholars alone.