The Nihang are an armed Sikh order. They are also referred to as Akali (lit. immortal). Nihang are believed to have originated either from Fateh Singh and the attire he wore or from the "Akal Sena"(lit. The Army of the Immortal) started by Guru Hargobind. Their beliefs differ from orthodox Sikhs in that they maintain some tenets of the Hindu faith, such as worshipping deities of the Hindu pantheon as aspects of the one god. Early Sikh military history was dominated by the Nihang, known for their victories where they were heavily outnumbered. Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in the battlefield, the Nihang once formed the guerrilla squads of the armed forces of Ranjit Singh.