Dear editor,
There are major (historical) errors, unsubstantiated, perhaps even deliberate, to glorify (by the authors) in your post. Our Kirtaniya tradition is extraordinary and we have amazing history that anyone would envy. The tradition does not gain anything from such dubiousness, rather does end as the loser.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-sikhi-sikhism/5653-gurmat-sangeet-sikh-musical-instruments.html
People who are not aware of the dynamics of honesty in scholarship from within the world of educations (santhya) attempt such simplistic or rather embarrassing methods. You may want to do some research and search a counter view on these matters before posting them. I have read these kind of newer history at many places and am aware of the people who are using this info, but to find it posted in your site is alarming.
I am privileged to serve this tradition of the Gur-darbar and have actually studied instrument making and pioneered the revival of most of the extinct instruments from the Gur-Sikh tradition. Just to say that my first hand experience of actually learning from the last remaining maestros and their teaching does not verify quite a few aspects of your post. Perhaps you may want to reconsider.
warmly,
bhai baldeep singh