He played an important role in awakening the Sikh masses during the Gurdwara Reform Movement in the early 20th century.
He is among the list of Sikh martyrs who struggled and volunteered for the liberation of Gurdwara Nankana Sahib from Mahant Narain Das on 20 February 1921.
Every year on 21 February at the Shaheedi Asthan, Guru Granth Sahib's Swaroop with bullet marks is brought to Deewan (assembly hall) from 2pm to 4pm for darshan of the Sikh Sangat.
Bhai Tehal Singh was born in a Kamboj family on Diwali Night of 1875, in Nizampur village, District Amritsar.
The family moved to Chak No 38, Village Nizampur Deva Singh Wala, District Sheikhupur during the colonization of Lower Chenab Bar in the early years of the 19th century.
[1] Soon after his second return from Malaya, Bhai Tehal Singh took Amrit-pan and joined the Sikh Gurdwara Reform Movement.
He participated in the Political Conference of Dharowal and joined the squad that went to liberate Gurdawara Tarn Taran from Mahant control on 26 January 1921.
[2] They decided to hold a Panthik Diwan on 4, 5 and 6 March 1921 in Nankana to take control of the Gurdawara complex from Mahant Narain Das.
After performing ardas on 19 February, the Jatha marched towards Nankana Sahib commanded by Jathedar Lachhman Singh Dharowali.
It is very un-Singh-like to suspend the march and return home...Today is also very special day for us since it coincides with the birth day of Guru Har Rai ji who, though possessed army and weapons, yet did not use them in spite of numerous provocations from his enemies...The worst the Mahant could do is kill us, but who is afraid of death?"
On 21 February Mr King, Commissioner Lahore handed over the keys of the Gurdawara complex to Sardar Harbans Singh.
Massacre at Nankana Sahib : [1] Sikh Gurdwaras in History and Role of Jhabbar: Archived 15 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine