Sikhism facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sikhism |
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The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. It is the holiest place for Sikhs.
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| Type | Ethnic religion; universal religion |
| Classification | Indian religion |
| Scripture | Guru Granth Sahib Dasam Granth Sarbloh Granth |
| Theology | Classical theism Monotheism Panentheism Monism |
| Governance | Panj Takht |
| Region | Predominant religion in Punjab, India (58%), and widespread worldwide as minorities (Sikh diaspora) |
| Headquarters | Akal Takht |
| Founder | Guru Nanak |
| Origin | 15th-16th century CE Punjab region |
| Separations | Ravidassia |
| Number of followers | 25-30 million (referred to as "Sikhs" or "Sikh Panth") |
| Other name(s) | Sikhi |
Sikhism, also called Sikhi, is a religion and way of life that started in the Punjab region of India around the late 1400s. It is one of the newest and largest religions in the world, with about 25 to 30 million followers, who are called Sikhs.
Sikhism grew from the teachings of Guru Nanak (1469–1539), who was the first of ten important teachers called Gurus. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708), said that the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, would be the last and forever living Guru. This book now guides Sikhs in their spiritual journey.
Guru Nanak taught that living a "truthful, faithful, self-controlled, and pure" life is more important than just thinking about deep spiritual ideas. He believed that an ideal person connects with God, understands God's will, and then acts on it. Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, taught that spiritual life and worldly life are both important and connected.
The Sikh holy book starts with the Mul Mantar, a basic prayer about Ik Onkar, which means 'One Creator'. Key beliefs in Sikhism include:
- Believing in and meditating on the one creator.
- Seeing all people as equal.
- Doing seva, which means 'selfless service'.
- Working for justice and the good of everyone.
- Living honestly and earning a living fairly.
Sikhism teaches that no single religion has all the truth. Sikhs focus on simran (meditation and remembering the Gurus' teachings). This can be done through singing holy songs called kirtan or by silently meditating on God's name, called naam japna. Sikhs also learn to control their "Five Thieves": rage, greed, attachment, and ego.
1. Golden Temple, Akaal Takht 2. Kesgarh Sahib 3. Damdama Sahib 4. Patna Sahib 5. Hazur Sahib 6. Panja Sahib 7. Nankana Sahib 8. Dera Sahib 9. Ber Sahib 10. Kartarpur Sahib, Dera Baba Nanak 11. Hemkund Sahib 12. Sis Ganj Sahib
Sikhism grew during times of religious persecution. Two Sikh Gurus, Guru Arjan and Guru Tegh Bahadur, were tortured and killed by the Mughal emperors because they refused to change their religion to Islam. This persecution led Guru Gobind Singh to create the Khalsa in 1699. The Khalsa is a special group of Sikhs who are committed to protecting freedom of belief and religion. Its members are known as Sant-Sipāhī or 'saint-soldiers'.
Contents
What is a Sikh?
Most Sikh holy writings were first written in the Gurmukhi script. This script was made standard by Guru Angad, the second Guru. People who follow Sikhism are called Sikhs. This word means 'students' or 'disciples' of the Guru. The word Sikhism comes from the Punjabi word Sikhi, which means "the path of learning".
Sikh Beliefs and Teachings
Sikhism is an Indian religion, like Buddhism and Hinduism. Its main ideas come from the teachings of Guru Nanak and the Gurus who followed him. Sikh ethics teach that spiritual growth and good behavior in daily life go hand-in-hand. Guru Nanak said, "Truth is the highest virtue, but living truthfully is even higher."
What Sikhs Believe About God
Sikhism believes in one God. This God is everywhere and in everything at the same time. God is shown as Ik Onkar in the Gurmukhi script. In Sikhism, God is called Waheguru, meaning 'Wondrous Teacher'. Waheguru is seen as 'Shapeless', 'Timeless', 'the Creator', and 'Beyond Understanding'.
God has no gender in Sikhism. But sometimes, God is spoken of as masculine, and God's power as feminine. For example, God is called Akaal Purkh ('beyond time and death') and Nirankar ('Formless'). The Guru Granth Sahib says all humans are like soul-brides who want to unite with their 'husband Lord'. Sikhs also believe God has created life on many other worlds.
The Sikh holy book starts with Ik Onkar, meaning 'the One Creator'. This shows that Sikhs believe in one unified God.
The Mul Mantar
The Mul Mantar is the most important prayer in Sikhism. It is the first part of the Guru Granth Sahib. It says:
ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ॥
"There is one supreme being, the eternal reality, the creator, without fear and without hate, immortal, never born, self-existent, known by grace through the true Guru."
Understanding Worldly Illusions
Māyā means a temporary illusion. It refers to worldly things that give only short-term happiness and pain. These things can distract people from focusing on God. Guru Nanak taught that the world is real, but its values can be misleading. In Sikhism, feelings like ego, anger, greed, and attachment are seen as very distracting and harmful. Sikhs believe the world is currently in a "dark age" because people are too focused on māyā. To fix this, one needs strong devotion to God.
Connecting with Timeless Truth
Guru Nanak taught that the main goal in life is to reconnect with Akal ('The Timeless One'). Egotism is the biggest problem in doing this. By following the Guru's teachings and remembering nām (God's divine Name), egotism can end. The word Guru means 'teacher'. It is the source of knowledge and guide to salvation. Since God is everywhere, the Guru is seen as one with God. A person connects with the Guru by truly seeking truth. Eventually, the seeker realizes that the true Guru is the inner consciousness that follows God's word. The human body is just a way to reach this truth.
Finding Freedom
Guru Nanak's teachings are not about going to heaven or hell. They are about spiritually uniting with Akal, which leads to salvation or jivanmukti (freedom while still alive). Guru Gobind Singh said that human birth is a great gift, so we should make the most of it.
Sikhs believe in reincarnation and karma, like in Hinduism. However, in Sikhism, God's grace (nadar) can change karma and lead to freedom. Guru Nanak said, "the body takes birth because of karma, but salvation is attained through grace." To get closer to God, Sikhs avoid the problems of maya. They keep truth in mind, sing shabad kirtan (musical hymns), meditate on naam, and serve humanity. Being with satsang (true people) or sadh sangat (holy company) helps Sikhs break free from the cycle of rebirth.
Power and Devotion: Miri and Piri
Miri-Piri is a Sikh idea that has been around since the 1600s. It means that worldly life (Miri, like social and political matters) and spiritual life (Piri, like guiding one's soul) are both important. Guru Nanak first spoke of this idea. But it was Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, who fully explained it in 1606. After his father, Guru Arjan, was killed, Guru Hargobind wore two swords. One sword stood for worldly power, and the other for spiritual power. This showed that Sikhs should be both spiritual and ready to defend justice.
Guru Nanak taught that the most important way to worship is Bhakti, which means devotion to Waheguru (God). Guru Arjan said that true religion is about loving God. The Guru Granth Sahib gives advice on how Sikhs should always practice Bhakti. Some scholars say Sikhism is a Bhakti tradition that focuses on devotion to God without physical form.
Sikh Gurus also taught that spiritual life and family life are connected. They are not separate. This means that as Sikhs become more spiritually aware, they should take a more active part in the world. Guru Nanak said that living an "active, creative, and practical life" of "truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity" is better than just thinking about deep spiritual ideas.
The Ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, taught that an ideal Sikh should have both Shakti (worldly power) and Bhakti (spiritual qualities). This led to the idea of the "saint-soldier" by the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
Singing and Music in Sikhism
Sikhs call the hymns of the Gurus Gurbani ('Guru's word'). Shabad Kirtan is the singing of Gurbani. The verses in the Guru Granth Sahib are written as poetry and set to classical Indian music. Guru Nanak started the Shabad Kirtan tradition. He taught that listening to kirtan helps achieve peace while meditating. Singing God's praises with devotion is the best way to connect with God.
Sikhs have three morning prayers: Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, and Tav-Prasad Savaiye. Sikhs who have been baptized (called Amritdharis) wake up early to meditate. Then they recite five daily prayers before breakfast. After these prayers, they say an Ardās. This prayer teaches the principle of Sarbat da Bhala, which means blessings for everyone, without judging anyone.
Remembering the Divine Name
A main practice for Sikhs is remembering Naam (God's divine name), Waheguru. This is done through Nām Japna (repeating the divine name) or Naam Simran (remembering the divine Name through recitation). Repeating God's name is an old practice in India. Guru Nanak taught that practicing nām simraṇ helps a person grow closer to God through five stages. The last stage is Sach Khaṇḍ (The Realm of Truth), which is the final union of the spirit with God.
Service and Action
The Sikh Gurus taught that by always remembering God's name (naam simran) and by doing selfless service (sēvā), a person can overcome egotism (Haumai). Egotism is seen as the main cause of five evil impulses and the cycle of birth and death.
Service in Sikhism has three forms:
- Tan: Physical service, like doing work.
- Man: Mental service, like dedicating your heart to help others.
- Dhan: Material service, like giving money to support the community.
Sikhism also emphasizes kirat karō, which means "honest work". Sikhs are taught to share, or vaṇḍ chakkō, by giving to those in need for the good of everyone.
Justice and Equality
Sikhism sees God as the true ruler, who gives justice through the law of karma and divine grace. Justice in Sikhism is called Niāyā. It is linked to dharam, which means 'moral order' and doing what is right.
Guru Gobind Singh said that one should first try peaceful ways to get justice. If those fail, then it is right to "draw the sword in defense of righteousness." Sikhism believes that an attack on dharam is an attack on justice and moral order, and dharam "must be defended at all costs." Forgiveness is a virtue in Sikhism, but Sikhs are also taught to fight injustice and religious persecution.
Sikhism does not treat religious duties differently for men and women. God in Sikhism has no gender, and Sikh holy writings do not discriminate against women. Women in Sikhism have held leadership roles, including leading in wars.
The Ten Gurus and Their Authority
The word Guru means teacher or guide. The beliefs and practices of Sikhism were set by ten Gurus from 1469 to 1708. Each Guru built on the teachings of the one before them. Guru Nanak was the first Guru. Guru Gobind Singh was the last human Guru. Before he died in 1708, he declared that the Guru Granth Sahib would be the final and eternal Guru for Sikhs.
Guru Nanak said his Guru was God, who is the same forever. Nanak said he was only a guide and teacher. He taught that human Gurus are mortal and should be respected, but not worshipped.
Guru Angad followed Guru Nanak. Then, Guru Amar Das became the third Guru. He started building a strong community of followers. He created special ceremonies for birth, marriage, and death. He also set up a system for religious leadership.
Guru Ram Das, Guru Amar Das's son-in-law, founded the city of Amritsar. This city is home to the Golden Temple and is considered the holiest city for Sikhs. Guru Arjan was arrested and killed by Mughal rulers because they were suspicious of the growing Sikh community. His death inspired later Gurus to organize Sikhs to defend themselves.
The Sikh Gurus created a way for the Sikh community to respond to changes. The sixth Guru, Guru Har Gobind, created the Akal Takht (throne of the timeless one). This is the highest decision-making center for Sikhs and is in Amritsar. The Sarbat Ḵẖālsā (a group representing the Khalsa) meets at the Akal Takht on special festivals. They discuss important matters for all Sikhs. A gurmatā is an order passed by the Sarbat Ḵẖālsā. It is binding for all Sikhs if it concerns the basic principles of the religion. A hukamnāmā is an edict or royal order, often a hymn from the Gurū Granth Sāhib that gives guidance to Sikhs.
Sikh Holy Books
The main holy book for Sikhs is the Gurū Granth Sāhib. It is also sometimes called the Ādi Granth. The Ādi Granth was the first version of the scripture, put together by Guru Arjan in 1604. The Gurū Granth Sāhib is the final, expanded version, completed by Guru Gobind Singh. While the Guru Granth Sahib is the most important, another text, the Dasam Granth, is also important to many Sikhs, though not all agree on its full authority.
The Adi Granth
The Ādi Granth was mainly put together by Bhai Gurdas under Guru Arjan's guidance between 1603 and 1604. It is written in the Gurmukhi script. This script was made standard by Guru Angad. The Gurus created this official holy book to keep the hymns and teachings pure. It includes writings from the first five Gurus, as well as 13 Hindu and 2 Muslim saints from medieval India. These saints often spoke of going beyond religious labels. For example, Kabir, often seen as a Muslim, wrote in the Adi Granth, "I am not Hindu nor Muslim." The Gurus taught that different ways of devotion lead to the same God.
The Guru Granth Sahib
The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of Sikhs and is seen as the living Guru.
How it was Made
The Guru Granth started as a collection of Guru Nanak's poems. Before he died, he passed his writings to Guru Angad. The final version of the Gurū Granth Sāhib was put together by Guru Gobind Singh in 1678. It includes the original Ādi Granth plus the hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Most of the Guru Granth Sahib is made up of writings by seven Sikh Gurus. It also has teachings from 13 Hindu saints and 2 Muslim saints.
The book has 6,000 poetic compositions. These are set to rhythmic classical Indian music. The hymns are mostly arranged by the musical rāgas they are meant to be sung in.
Language and Script
The main language in the holy book is Sant Bhasha. This language is related to both Punjabi and Hindi. It was used a lot in northern India by people who taught devotional religion. The text is printed in the Gurmukhi script, which Guru Angad is believed to have developed.
What it Teaches
The Guru Granth Sahib teaches about a society based on divine justice, where no one is oppressed.
The book begins with the Mūl Mantra, a very important verse that Guru Nanak received directly from God.
The Guru Granth Sahib as Guru
Guru Gobind Singh named the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, as his successor. This ended the line of human Gurus. The book became the living form of the eternal Guru. It serves as the spiritual guide for Sikhs.
Sikhs are commanded to accept the Granth as their Guru. Punjabi: ਸੱਬ ਸਿੱਖਣ ਕੋ ਹੁਕਮ ਹੈ ਗੁਰੂ ਮਾਨਯੋ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ । "All Sikhs are commanded to take the Granth as Guru."
The Guru Granth Sahib is placed in Sikh temples, called Gurdwaras. Many Sikhs bow or kneel before it when they enter the temple. The Guru Granth Sahib is treated with great respect, like a living person. Old copies are not thrown away; instead, special ceremonies are held for them.
Other Important Texts
The Dasam Granth is another Sikh holy book. It contains texts that many believe were written by Guru Gobind Singh. Some parts of the Dasam Granth, like Jaap Sahib and Benti Chaupai, are part of the daily prayers for Sikhs. The Dasam Granth includes stories from Hindu mythology and other sources.
The Sarbloh Granth is another scripture with poetic verses. It is traditionally linked to Guru Gobind Singh, but scholars believe it was written later by an unknown poet. This book includes Sikh laws of war. It is highly respected by some Sikh groups, like the Akali Nihangs, but many other Sikhs do not see it as an authentic work of the 10th Guru.
The Janamsakhis are writings that tell stories about Guru Nanak's life. They are not considered holy scripture in the same way as the Guru Granth Sahib. They offer a look into Guru Nanak's life and the early days of Sikhism.
Sikh Practices and Customs
Sikhs follow many practices and traditions to strengthen their faith. It is recommended to recite God's divine name, Waheguru, daily. Also, specific passages from the Guru Granth Sahib, like the Japu hymns, are recited after waking up and bathing. Baptized Sikhs recite five morning prayers, an evening prayer, and a night prayer. Families often read from the holy book and visit the gurdwara (meaning 'the doorway to God'). Gurdwaras are open to everyone, no matter their religion or background.
Worship in a gurdwara mainly involves singing passages from the holy book. Sikhs usually enter the gurdwara and touch the ground with their foreheads before the holy scripture. They also say the ardās prayer, which remembers the community's past struggles and triumphs, and asks for God's grace for all humanity.
Gurdwaras also host the Langar, a community meal. All gurdwaras offer free vegetarian meals to anyone, regardless of their faith. People eat together, and volunteers from the Sikh community prepare and serve the food.
Sikh Festivals and Events
Guru Amar Das chose certain festivals for Sikhs to celebrate together.
Vaisakhi is one of the most important Sikh festivals. Other important festivals celebrate the birthdays of the Gurus and Sikh martyrs.
- Vaisakhi happens around April 13th or 14th. Sikhs celebrate it because on this day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa. This is the group of initiated Sikhs who are guided by the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Nagar Kirtan is a procession where holy hymns are sung through a community. It is often done during Vaisakhi. The procession is led by the Panj Piare (the five beloved ones of the Guru), followed by the Guru Granth Sahib on a float.
- Bandi Chhor Divas is another important Sikh festival. It is celebrated on the same day as the Hindu festival of Diwali, with lights and fireworks. Sikhs celebrate Guru Hargobind's release from prison in 1619, along with several innocent kings who were also held by the Mughal Emperor.
- Hola Mohalla was started by Guru Gobind Singh. It begins the day after Sikhs celebrate Holi. It is a three-day festival of martial arts. Sikh soldiers would practice mock battles, horsemanship, and archery.
- Gurpurbs are celebrations or remembrances based on the lives of the Sikh Gurus. They are usually birthdays or celebrations of Sikh martyrdom. Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh's Gurpurbs are widely celebrated. Martyrdom anniversaries, called Shaheedi Gurpurbs, mark the deaths of Guru Arjan and Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Sikh Ceremonies and Customs
Khalsa Sikhs also visit sacred places like Harmandir Sahib and Anandpur Sahib. These places are considered holy. Many major Sikh temples have a sarovar (sacred pool) where some Sikhs take a dip. Some take the sacred water home for sick friends, believing it has healing powers.
When a child is born, the Guru Granth Sahib is opened randomly. The child is named using the first letter on the top left page. All boys are given the last name Singh (meaning "lion"), and all girls are given the last name Kaur (meaning "princess"). These names are given to baptized Sikhs.
The Sikh marriage ceremony is called anand kāraj. It is performed in front of the Guru Granth Sahib by a baptized Sikh. This tradition of circling the Guru Granth Sahib during marriage has been practiced since the fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das.
When a Sikh dies, the body is usually cremated. If not possible, any respectful way of disposing of the body is fine. The kīrtan sōhilā and ardās prayers are said during the funeral ceremony.
Becoming a Khalsa Sikh
Khalsa means "pure and sovereign." It is the name given by Guru Gobind Singh to Sikhs who have been fully initiated. This happens in a ceremony called ammrit sañcār (nectar ceremony). During this ceremony, sweetened water is stirred with a double-edged sword while prayers are sung. The Sikh drinks this water. Many Sikhs are not formally initiated but still follow some parts of Sikhism and identify as Sikhs. Initiated Sikhs are called Amritdhari or Khalsa Sikhs. Those not initiated are called Kesdhari or Sahajdhari Sikhs.
The first ammrit sañcār ceremony happened on Vaisakhi, March 30, 1699, in Anandpur Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh baptized the Pañj Piārē (the five beloved ones), and they, in turn, baptized him.
Baptized Sikhs always wear five items, called the Five Ks (pañj kakkē):
- kēs: Uncut hair.
- kaṅghā: A small wooden comb.
- kaṛā: A circular steel or iron bracelet.
- kirpān: A sword or dagger.
- kacchera: Special undergarment.
The Five Ks have both practical uses and symbolic meanings.
History of Sikhism
Sikhism began around the 15th century. Guru Nanak (1469–1539), the founder, was born in a village now called Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. As a boy, Nanak was very interested in religion. He spent time with holy men. His friend was Mardana, a Muslim. They would sing devotional songs and bathe in the river. One day, Nanak disappeared for three days. When he returned, he said: "There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim." After this, Nanak began teaching his ideas, which became the basis of Sikhism. In 1526, Guru Nanak started a small community in Kartarpur, and his followers became known as Sikhs.
Some believe Nanak's teachings were a direct message from God. Others see Nanak as a great teacher, an "illumined soul." The idea of "revelation" in Sikhism is not just for Nanak's teachings. It includes all Sikh Gurus and the words of other holy people who gained divine knowledge through meditation. The Sikh holy books include words from non-Sikh saints.
Historical Influences
Sikhism was influenced by the Bhakti movement, a religious movement in India. However, Sikhism also disagreed with some Bhakti saints. Sikhism grew when the Mughal Empire ruled the region. Two Sikh Gurus, Guru Arjan and Guru Tegh Bahadur, were tortured and killed by Mughal rulers for refusing to convert to Islam. This persecution led to the creation of the Khalsa. The Khalsa was formed to protect freedom of belief and religion. Sikhs are expected to be "Sant-Sipāhī" – saint-soldiers.
Growth of Sikhism
Sikhism grew by gaining followers from both Hindus and Muslims in Punjab. In 1539, Guru Nanak chose his disciple Lahiṇā to be the next Guru, instead of his own sons. Lahiṇā became Guru Angad, the second Guru. Guru Angad continued Nanak's work and made the Gurmukhi script standard for Sikh holy books.
Guru Amar Das became the third Guru in 1552. He was a reformer. He discouraged women from covering their faces (a Muslim custom) and the Hindu custom of sati (a widow burning herself on her husband's funeral pyre). He encouraged people to fight for justice. Guru Amar Das started the langar tradition, where anyone can get a free meal in a community setting.
Guru Amar Das named his son-in-law Jēṭhā as the next Guru, who became Guru Ram Das. He founded the city of Ramdaspur, which later became Amritsar, the holiest city of Sikhism.
In 1581, Guru Arjan, the youngest son of Guru Ram Das, became the fifth Guru. He built the first Harimandir Sahib (which later became the Golden Temple). He also created the first edition of the Sikh holy text, the Ādi Granth. In 1606, he was tortured and killed by the Mughal emperor Jahangir for refusing to convert to Islam. His death was a very important event in Sikh history.
Sikh Political Development
After Guru Arjan's death, his son Guru Hargobind became the sixth Guru. Sikhism then became a political movement as well as a religious one. Guru Hargobind carried two swords, one for spiritual purpose and one for worldly purpose. He started building an armed Sikh group to protect the Sikh people. He was arrested by the Mughals and jailed. He also built a fort and created the Akal Takht, which is now the highest Sikh religious authority.
Guru Har Rai became the Guru in 1644. He was followed by Guru Har Krishan in 1661, who died young. Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Har Krishan's uncle, became Guru in 1665. He stood against the forced conversion of non-Muslims to Islam. He was publicly killed in 1675 by order of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam. His death deeply affected Sikhs. His son, Guru Gobind Singh, then militarized his followers by creating the Khalsa in 1699. This redefined Sikh identity into a political force that resisted religious persecution.
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Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi. The window shows where Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed.
The Rise of the Khalsa
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A sculpture at Mehdiana Sahib showing the execution of Banda Singh Bahadur in 1716 by the Mughals.
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Some bodyguards of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Lahore, Punjab.
Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa in 1699. This group combined spiritual goals with political and military duties. Before he died, Guru Gobind Singh declared the Guru Granth Sahib to be the final spiritual authority for Sikhs.
The Sikh Khalsa grew in power in the 1600s as they fought against Mughal rule. The Sikh Empire began when Guru Gobind Singh sent a general, Banda Singh Bahadur, to fight the Mughal rulers. Banda Singh was later executed by the emperor for refusing to convert to Islam.
Later, groups of Sikh warriors called misls emerged. Ranjit Singh united these groups and created a Sikh Empire in 1799. His empire covered a large area in what is now India and Pakistan. Ranjit Singh's most lasting achievement was restoring and expanding the Golden Temple with marble and gold. After Ranjit Singh died in 1839, the Sikh Empire fell apart. The British defeated the Sikh forces in wars, and the last Sikh Maharaja, Maharaja Duleep Singh, was exiled.
The Singh Sabha Movement
The Singh Sabha movement started in the 1870s to bring Sikhism back to its strong roots. After the Sikhs lost wars to the British, Sikh institutions faced decline. Other religions also tried to convert Sikhs. These events led to the Singh Sabha Movement.
The movement aimed to make Sikh practices and institutions stronger. It worked to standardize how Sikh Gurdwaras looked and operated, based on Sikh scriptures. This movement led to the creation of modern Sikh organizations like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which manages Gurdwaras.
Partition of India
Sikhs played a part in India's independence movement. When British India was divided into India and Pakistan in 1947, the land was split. Sikhs had historically lived on both sides of this new border. They strongly opposed the idea of Pakistan, fearing persecution.
When the partition was announced, there was terrible violence. Sikhs, along with Hindus and Muslims, suffered greatly. Many Sikhs moved from what became Pakistan to India, leaving their homes and holy sites behind. This event caused huge numbers of refugees and immense suffering.
The Khalistan Movement
In the early 1980s, some Sikh groups sought an independent nation called Khalistan from India and Pakistan. The Golden Temple was occupied by militant groups in 1982. In June 1984, the Indian Army carried out Operation Blue Star against these militants. This fierce battle caused many deaths and damage to the Golden Temple. Later that year, in October 1984, India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. This led to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which caused much damage and deaths. However, many Sikhs and their neighbors mostly avoided attempts to cause more violence.
Sikh People Around the World
Sikhism is the fifth-largest religion in the world. There are about 30 million Sikhs globally. About 75% of Sikhs live in Punjab, India, where they make up 58% of the population. There are also large Sikh communities in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Canada has the largest percentage of Sikhs outside India, with 2.1% of its total population being Sikh. In British Columbia, Sikhs make up 5.9% of the population.
Before the 1947 division of India, millions of Sikhs lived in what is now Pakistan. Many Sikh Gurus were born there. During the partition, most Sikhs moved to India. Today, only about 20,000 Sikhs remain in Pakistan.
Sikhs also moved to East Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Smaller groups of Sikhs live in many countries in Western Europe, as well as Malaysia, Singapore, and other nations.
Sikh Groups and Traditions
Sikh sects are groups within Sikhism that might have different ideas about Gurus or holy books. Some major historical groups include Udasi, Nirmala, and Namdhari.
Sikhs originally had five main orders:
- Nihangs: These are Sikh warriors or armed troops. They have two main groups: Buddha Dal (veterans) and Tarna Dal (youth).
- Nirmalas: These are Sikh scholars. They study a wide range of Indian and other literature.
- Udasis: This is an ascetic group that historically took care of Gurdwaras and did missionary work.
- Sevapanthis: These are philanthropists who do charitable work without expecting payment. They also work on academic projects.
- Gyaaniyan Samparda: This group is like a university for Sikhi. It includes people from all the other groups.
Early Sikh groups like the Udasis and Minas formed alongside the main line of Sikh Gurus. Some of these groups were supported by Mughal rulers. After the Mughal Empire fell, Udasi Sikhs protected Sikh shrines and rebuilt those that were damaged. However, they kept idols in these temples. In the 1800s, new groups like the Namdharis and Nirankaris formed, aiming to bring Sikhism back to what they saw as its pure form.
Sikh Castes
Even though Sikhism teaches against the caste system, Sikhs have practiced it, especially in rural Punjab. Landowning Sikh castes have sometimes shown prejudice against lower castes. Sikh Dalits (lower castes) have tried to build their own Gurdwaras and improve their lives.
Over 60% of Sikhs belong to the Jat caste, which is an farming caste. Other common Sikh castes include Ramgarhias (artisans) and two Dalit castes, Mazhabis and Ravidasias.
Rules and Prohibitions in Sikhism
These rules are mainly followed by initiated Khalsa Sikhs who have been baptized. While Sikh Gurus did not force anyone to follow a religion, the Sikh community encourages everyone to live by the Guru's Way.
Major rules to follow:
- Hair care: Cutting, trimming, removing, or changing hair on any body part is strictly forbidden.
- Eating meat: Eating Kutha meat (meat slaughtered in a specific way) is forbidden. Many Sikhs choose to be vegetarian. There are different views on eating non-vegetarian food among Sikhs. However, all Sikhs agree that meat slaughtered using Muslim (Halal) or Jewish (Shechita) methods is against Sikh principles. The Akal Takht has stated that eating Jhatka meat (meat from an animal killed quickly with one blow) is allowed for Amritdhari Sikhs.
Other practices to avoid:
- Piercings: Piercing the nose or ears for ornaments is forbidden for Sikh men and women.
- Bad actions: Sikhs should not steal, join bad groups, or gamble.
- Veiling: It is not proper for a Sikh woman to wear a veil or hide her face.
- Other faiths: Sikhs cannot wear symbols of other faiths or worship idols.
- Head covering: Sikhs must not have their head bare or wear caps.
- Hereditary priests: Sikhism does not have priests who inherit their position. Any Sikh can become a Granthi (one who reads from the Guru Granth Sahib).
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