Sikh Art and culture

Sikh art and culture is synonymous with that of the Punjab region. The Punjab itself has been called "India's melting pot", due to the confluence of invading cultures, such as Greek, Mughal and Persian, that mirrors the confluence of rivers from which the region gets its name. Thus Sikh culture is to a large extent informed by this synthesis of cultures.

Sikhism has forged a unique form of architecture which Bhatti describes as being "inspired by Guru Nanak's creative mysticism" such that Sikh architecture "is a mute harbinger of holistic humanism based on pragmatic spirituality". The 'key-note' of Sikh architecture is the Gurdwara which is the personification of the "melting pot" of Punjabi cultures, showing both Islamic, Sufi and Hindu influences. The reign of the Sikh Empire was the single biggest catalyst in creating a uniquely Sikh form of expression, with Maharajah Ranjit Singh patronising the building of forts, palaces, bungas (residential places), colleges, etc that can be said to be of the Sikh Style. Characteristics of Sikh architecture are gilded fluted domes, cupolas, kiosks and stone lanterns with an ornate balustrade on square roofs. The "jewel in the crown" of the Sikh Style is the Harmindar Sahib.

Sikh culture is heavily influenced by militaristic motifs, with Khanda being the most obvious; thus it is no surprise that the majority of Sikh artifacts, independent of the relics of the Gurus, have a military theme. This motif is again evident in the Sikh festivals of Hola Mohalla (Hola Mahalla) and Vaisakhi (Visakhi or Baisakhi) which feature marching and practicing displays of valor respectively.

Bhangra and the Gidha are two forms of indigenous Punjabi folk dancing that have been appropriated, adapted and pioneered by Punjabi Sikhs. The Punjabi Sikhs have championed these forms of expression all over the world, such that Sikh Culture has become inextricably linked to Bhangra, even though "Bhangra is not a Sikh institution but a Punjabi one."

The art and culture of the Sikh diaspora has been merged with that of other Indo-immigrant groups into categories such as 'British Asian', 'Indo-Canadanian' and 'Desi-Culture'; however there has emerged a niche cultural phenomenon that can be described as 'Political Sikh'. The art of prominent diaspora Sikhs such as Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra and Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh, is informed by their Sikhism and the current affairs of the Punjab.

Decorated Sikhs in the military

 

The prestigious Victoria Cross, awarded for exceptional valour "in the face of the enemy".

• Bana Singh - awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
• Captain Ishar Singh - The first Sikh to receive the Victoria Cross.
• Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria - awarded Param Vir Chakra.
• Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon - awarded Param Vir Chakra (the only officer of the Indian Air Force to be awarded Param Vir Chakra).
• Gian Singh - awarded the Victoria Cross.
• Lt. General Jagjit Singh Aurora - supervised the surrender of more than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
• Joginder Singh (Subedar) - awarded Param Vir Chakra.
• Lieutenant Karamjit Singh Judge - awarded the Victoria Cross.
• Lance Karam Singh - awarded the Military Medal in World War II and awarded Param Vir Chakra (the second person to receive Param Vir Chakra).
• Major Havildar Parkash Singh - awarded the Victoria Cross.
• Nand Singh - awarded the Victoria Cross.

Baba Harbhajan Singh

Baba Harbhajan Singh - is a spiritually revered Sikh soldier by the Indian Army, like a saint, Indian army officers and soldiers believe he gives them protection in war.

The Battle of Saragarhi

The Battle of Saragarhi, and the Sikh officers and soldiers (British Empire Army) who fought in it, is considered one of the greatest stories of collective bravery in human history. UNESCO has described the Battle of Saragarhi, September 12 1897, as one of eight stories of collective bravery. The contingent of the twenty-one Sikhs from the 36th Sikhs was led by Havildar Ishar Singh, and held off an Afghan attack of 10,000 men. All 21 Sikh soldiers chose to fight to the death instead of surrendering.

In recognition of their supreme sacrifice, the British Parliament rose to pay them respect, and each one of them was awarded the Indian Order of Merit (equal to Victoria Cross). The battle has been ranked, in the West, as one of very few events in history of such bravery that it has been compared to the Battle of Thermopylae, where a small Greek force faced a large Persian army of Xerxes (480 BC). School children in France are taught about The Battle of Saragarhi, as part of the official education syllabus for heroic valour.

Saragarhi Day

Saragarhi Day, is a Sikh military commemoration day celebrated on the 12th of September every year annually to commemorate The Battle of Saragarhi. Sikh military personnel and Sikh non-military people commemorate the battle around the World every year on September 12th.

During the First World War, Sikh battalions fought in Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli and France. Six battalions of the Sikh Regiment were raised in the World War II, and served at El Alamein and in Burma, Italy and Iraq, winning 27 battle honours.

Sikhs in World War I & II and other wars

French postcard depicting the arrival of 15th Sikh Regiment in France during World War I. The post card reads, "Gentlemen of India marching to chasten the German bandits"

By the advent of World War I, Sikhs in the British Indian Army totaled over 100,000; i.e. 20% of the British Indian Army. In the 100 years to 1945, 14 Victoria Crosses were awarded to the Sikhs, a per capita record given the size of the Sikh Regiments.

"In the last two world wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded. They all died or were wounded for the freedom of Britain and the world, and during shell fire, with no other protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith."

The Sikh Regiment in the Second World War

Across the world Sikhs are commemorated in Commonwealth cemeteries.

In 2002, the names of all Sikh VC and George Cross winners were commemorated by being inscribed on the pavilion monument of the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill next to Buckingham palace, London. Lieutenant Colonel Chanan Singh Dhillon (retd), Punjabi Indian World War II hero & Veteran, and president of the ex-services league (Punjab & Chandigarh) was instrumental in campaigning for the memorials building.

Distinguished Sikhs in the modern era

• Arjan Singh- Marshal of the Indian Air Force, former Chief of the Air Force Staff
• Baldev Singh - Indian independence movement leader
• Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sandhu-Indian independence movement leader and martyr
• Fauja Singh - 90 year old Sikh marathon runner
• Kartar Singh Sarabha Grewal - Indian independence movement leader and martyr
• General Joginder Jaswant Singh - Indian army Chief of Army Staff
• Hardeep Singh Kohli - Sikh writer, broadcaster and presenter from Scotland
• Master Tara Singh - Sikh and Indian independence movement leader
• Dr. Manmohan Singh- Prime Minister of India and economist
• Milkha Singh (the flying Sikh) - winner of Padma Shri, former 400 m track record holder, Gold medal (440 yards) at '58 Commonwealth Games, Gold medal (200 & 400 m) at '58 Asian Games and Gold medal (200 m) in '62 Asian Games
• Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany - optics scientist and philanthropist
• Professor Piara Singh Gill - nuclear scientist
• Pratap Singh Kairon - Sikh and Indian independence movement leader
• Sardul Singh Caveeshar - Indian independence movement leader
• Shaheed General Shabeg Singh - Sikh martyr
• Shaheed Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale - Sikh martyr and leader
• Shaheed Udham Singh - Indian revolutionary and martyr

Source wiki pedia

Sikhism in the Western world

Due to the turbans Sikhs wear and the relative scarcity of Sikhs, there have been incidents of mistaking Sikhs in Western countries for Middle Eastern men and/or Muslims. This has negatively affected Sikhs living in the west especially with respect to the 9/11 terrorist attack and recent Iraq War conflict.

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, some people associated Sikhs with terrorists or members of the Taliban. A few days after the attack Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh man, was gunned down by a person who thought that the victim had ties to Al-Qaeda. CNN suggests that there has been an increase in hate-crimes against Sikh men in the United States and the UK.

Sikhism as a faith has never actively sought converts, thus the Sikhs have remained a relatively homogeneous racial group. However, mainly due to the activities of Harbhajan Singh Yogi via his Kundalini Yoga focused 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy) Organization, Sikhism has witnessed a moderate growth in non-Indian adherents. In 1998 it was estimated that these 3HO Sikhs, known colloquially as 'gora' or 'white' Sikhs, totaled 7,800 and were mainly centered around Española, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California.

History of Sikhs (Contd.)

The months leading up to the partition India in 1947, saw heavy conflict in the Punjab between Sikh and Muslim, which saw the effective ethnic cleansing of Sikhs from West Punjab which mirrored a similar ethnic cleansing of Muslims in East Punjab.

The 1960s saw growing animosity and rioting, as the Sikhs agitated for the creation of a Sikh majority state, a undertaking which was promised to the Sikh leader Master Tara Singh by Nehru in return for Sikh political support during the negotiations for Indian Independence. Sikhs obtained the Sikh majority state of Punjab on November 1, 1966.

Communal tensions arose again in the late 1970s, fueled by Sikh claims of discrimination and marginalization by the Hindu dominated Indian National Congress ruling party and the "dictatorial" tactics adopted the then Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Frank argues that Gandhi's assumption of emergency powers in 1975 resulted in the weakening of the "legitimate and impartial machinery of government" and her increasing "paranoia" of opposing political groups led her to instigate a "despotic policy of playing castes, religions and political groups against each other for political advantage". As a reaction against these actions came the emergence of the Sikh leader Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale who vocalized Sikh sentiment for justice and advocated the creation of a Sikh homeland, Khalistan. This accelerated Punjab into a state of communal violence. Gandhi's 1984 action to defeat Sant Bhindranwale and desecration of the Golden Temple via Operation Bluestar enraged the Sikhs and ultimately led to Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh bodyguards.

This resulted in an explosion of state sponsored violence against the Sikh community in the anti Sikh Riots which resulted in the massacre of thousands of Sikhs throughout India; Khushwant Singh described the actions as being a Sikh pogrom in which he "felt like a refugee in my country. In fact, I felt like a Jew in Nazi Germany". Since 1984, relations between Sikhs and Hindus have reached a rapprochement helped by growing economic prosperity; however in 2002 the claims of the popular right-wing Hindu organization the RSS, that "Sikhs are Hindus" angered Sikh sensibilities. Many Sikhs still are campaigning for justice for victims of the violence and the political and economic needs of the Punjab espoused in the Khalistan movement.

In 1996 the Special Rapporteur for the Commission on Human Rights on freedom of religion or belief, Abdelfattah Amor (Tunisia, 1993–2004), visited India in order to compose a report on religious discrimination. In 1997, Amor concluded, "it appears that the situation of the Sikhs in the religious field is satisfactory, but that difficulties are arising in the political (foreign interference, terrorism, etc.), economic (in particular with regard to sharing of water supplies) and even occupational fields. Information received from nongovernment (sic) sources indicates that discrimination does exist in certain sectors of the public administration; examples include the decline in the number of Sikhs in the police force and the absence of Sikhs in personal bodyguard units since the murder of Indira Gandhi."

A Sikh Empire war medal

A Sikh Empire war medal

History of Sikhism

Essentially Sikh history, with respect to Sikhs as a distinct political body, can be said to have began with the martyrdom of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1606, Sikh distinction was further enhanced by the establishment of the Sikh 'Pure' brotherhood or Khalsa, by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. This gave the Sikhs, an organized political grouping, a history of around 400 years.

Generally Sikhs have had amicable relations with other religious communities. However during the Islamic conquest of India (1556–1707), 2 Sikh Gurus were martyred by the ruling Mughals for opposing the Mughul's persecution of non-Islamic religious communities. Subsequently, the Sikhs militarized to oppose Islamic hegemony. Nevertheless the emergence of the Sikh Empire under reign of the Sikh Maharajah Ranjit Singh was characterized by religious tolerance and pluralism with Christians, Muslims and Hindus in positions of power. The establishment of the Sikh Empire is commonly considered the zenith of Sikh political sovereignty, during this time the Sikh Empire came to include Kashmir, Ladakh, and Peshawar. The Empire's secular administration integrated innovative military, economic and governmental reforms heavily influenced by the Napoleonic model. Culturally amongst the achievements of the Empire was the establishment of the Imam Bakhsh Lahori school of painting, the discovery of Gandhara art, and the exploration of the Himalayas.

Representation of Sikhs

Sikhs are represented in Indian politics, with the current Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, and the Deputy Chairman of the Indian Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia belong to Sikh community. The current Chief-minister of Punjab is a Sikh Parkash Singh Badal.

Gen Joginder Jaswant Singh, a Sikh, has just retired from the post of Chief of Indian Army. Deputy Speaker of Indian Lok Sabha is a Sikh name S. Charanjeet Singh Atwal.

Past Indian Sikh politicians have included Dr. Gurdial Singh Dhillon, Speaker of the Parliament of India. Pratap Singh Kairon, Union minister, famous Sikh Indian independence movement leader and former Chief-minister of Punjab (India).

Prominent politicians of the Sikh Diaspora include the first Asian American to be elected as a full voting Member of United States Congress Dalip Singh Saund, the former mayoress of Dunedin Sukhi Turner, the current UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Parmjit Dhanda MP and the Canadian Shadow Social Development Minister Ruby Dhalla MP. Vic Dhillon, is a famous Sikh Canadian politician and current member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Sikhs make up 10–15% of all ranks in the Indian Army and 20% of its officers, whilst Sikhs only forming 1.87% of the Indian population, which makes them over 10 times more likely to be a solider and officer in the Indian Army than the average Indian. Indeed, most Sikh men in India are commonly referred to with the title of Sardar, which means commander in Persian and is a sign of military authority.

The Sikh Regiment is the most highest decorated regiment of the Indian Army, with 73 Battle Honours, 14 Victoria Crosses, 21 first class Indian Order of Merit (equivalent to the Victoria Cross), 15 Theatre Honours and 5 COAS Unit Citations besides 2 Param Vir Chakras, 14 Maha Vir Chakras, 5 Kirti Chakras, 67 Vir Chakras and 1596 other gallantry awards.

The Sikh Regiment Battle Insignia

The highest-ranking General in the history of the Indian Air force is a Sikh Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh. (Note: this rank is a Five Star General's rank; equal to a Field Marshal; only given once in the history of the IAF). Advanced plans by the MOD to raise an Infantry UK Sikh Regiment were scrapped in June 2007 to the disappointment of the UK Sikh community and Prince Charles of Britain.

Historically, most Indians have been farmers and even today (two-thirds) 66% of Indians are farmers. Indian Sikhs are no different and have been predominately employed in the agro-business, India's 2001 census found that 39% of the working population of Punjab were employed in this sector (less than the Indian average). The success, in the 1960s, of the Green Revolution, in which India went from "famine to plenty, from humiliation to dignity", was based in the Sikh majority state of Punjab which became known as "the breadbasket of India". The Sikh majority state of Punjab is also statistically the wealthiest (per capita) with the average Punjabi through, his hard work, enjoying the highest income in India, 3 times the national Indian average. The Green Revolution centered upon Indian Punjabi Sikh farmers adapting their farming methods to more intensive and mechanized techniques; note this was aided by the electrification of Punjab, cooperative credit, consolidation of small holdings and the existing British Raj developed canal system. Swedish political scientist, Ishtiaq Ahmad, states that a factor in the success of the Indian green revolution transformation was the "Sikh peasant cultivator, often the Jat, whose courage, perseverance, spirit of enterprise and muscle prowess proved crucial". However not all aspects of the green revolution were beneficial, Shiva argues that the green revolution essentially rendered the "negative and destructive impacts of science [i.e. the green revolution] on nature and society" invisible; thus having being separated from their material and political roots in the science system, when new forms of scarcity and social conflict arose they were linked not to traditional causes but to other social systems e.g. religion. Hence Vandana Shiva argues that the green revolution was a catalyst for communal Sikh and Hindu tensions; despite the growth in material affluence.

A file photo of Marshal of the Air Force of India Arjan Singh

Sikhs feature in varied professions such as scientists, engineers and doctors; notable Sikhs include nuclear scientist Professor Piara Singh Gill who worked on the Manhattan project; optics scientist ("the father of fibre optics") Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany; physicist and science writer/broadcaster Simon Singh and agricultural scientist Professor Baldev Singh Dhillon.

In the sphere of business, the clothing retailers/brands of UK based New Look and Thai based JASPAL were started by Sikhs. India's largest pharmaceutical company Ranbaxy Laboratories is headed by Sikhs. UK Sikhs have the highest percentage of home ownership, at 82%, out of all UK religious/ethnic communities. In Singapore, Kartar Singh Thakral has built up his family's trading business, Thakral Holdings/Corp, into a commercial concern with total assets of close to $1.4 billion. Thakral is Singapore's 25th richest person. Bob Singh Dhillon is the first Indo-Canadian Billionaire and a Sikh. Perhaps no Sikh diaspora group has had as much success as that of those who migrated to North America. In particular the Sikhs who migrated to California's fertile Central Valley. Armed with only "their farming skills, their willingness to work, and their drive to get ahead" these Sikhs "ensured their rise in status from humble migrant laborers who picked fruit in the hot sun to significant landowners who today control much of the agriculture in California". Today American Sikh agriculturists such as Harbhajan Singh Samra and Didar Singh Bains dominate Californian agriculture and are known colloquially as the "Okra" and "Peach" kings respectively.

Prominent Sikh intellectuals, sportsmen and artists include the veteran writer Khushwant Singh, England cricketer Monty Panesar, former 400 m world record holder Milkha Singh, actress Parminder Nagra and Harbhajan Singh India's most successful off spin Cricket bowler.

The Sikhs have migrated to most parts of the world and their vocations are as varied as their appearances. The Sikh community of the Sub-Continent comprises many diverse sets of peoples as the Sikh Gurus preached for ethnic and social harmony. These include different ethnic people, tribal and socio-economic groups. Main groupings (i.e. over 1,000 members) include: Arain, Arora, Bairagi, Bania, Basith, Bawaria, Bazigar, Bhabra, Brahman, Chamar, Chhimba, Darzi, Dhobi, Gujar, Jatt, Jhinwar, Kahar, Kamboj, Khatri, Kumhar, Labana (Lubhana), Lohar, Mahtam, Mazhabi, Megh, Mirasi, Mochi, Nai, Rajput, Ramgharia, Saini, Sarera, Sikligar, Sonar, Sudh, Tarkhan and Zargar. In India, the Jatt ethnic grouping is by far the largest at a population of 11,855,000 followed by the Mazhabi at 2,701,000 with the Tarkhans totaling 1,091,000.

There has also emerged a specialized group of Sikhs calling themselves Akalis, which have existed since Maharaja Ranjit Singh's time. Under their leader General Akali Phula Singh, in the early 1800s, they won many battles for the Sikh Empire.

Geographical Distribution of Sikhs

Numbering approximately 23 million worldwide, Sikhs make up 0.39% of the world population of which approximately 83% live in India. Of the Indian Sikh community 14.6 million, i.e. 76% of all Indian Sikhs, live in the northern Indian State of Punjab (India), where they form a majority 59.9% of the population. Substantial communities of Sikhs, i.e. greater than 200,000, live in the Indian States of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttaranchal and Jammu and Kashmir.

Sikh migration from the then British India began in earnest from the 2nd half of the 19th century when the British had completed their annexation of the Punjab. The British Raj preferentially recruited Sikhs in the Indian Civil Service and, in particular, the British Indian Army, which led to migration of Sikhs to different parts of British India and the British Empire. During the era of the British Raj, semiskilled Sikh artisans were also transported from the Punjab to British East Africa to help in the building of railways. After World War II, Sikhs emigrated from both India and Pakistan, most going to the United Kingdom but many also headed for North America. Some of the Sikhs who had settled in eastern Africa were expelled by Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 1972. Subsequently the main 'push' factor for Sikh migration has been economic with significant Sikh communities now being found in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Malaysia, East Africa, Australia and Thailand.

Whilst the rate of Sikh migration from the Punjab has remained high, traditional patterns of Sikh migration, that favored English speaking countries, particularly the United Kingdom has changed in the past decade due to factors such as stricter immigration procedures. Moliner(2006) states that as a consequence of the 'fact' that Sikh migration to the UK had "become virtually impossible since the late 1970s", Sikh migration patterns altered to continental Europe. Italy has now emerged as a fast growing area for Sikh migration, with Reggio Emilia and the Vicenza province being areas of significant Sikh population clusters. The Italian Sikhs are generally involved in areas of agriculture, agro-processing, machine tools and horticulture.

Due primarily to socio-economic reasons, Indian Sikhs have the lowest adjusted decadal growth rate of any major religious group in India, at 16.9% per decade (est. 1991–2001). Johnson and Barrett(2004) estimate that the global Sikh population increases annually by 392,633 Sikhs, i.e. by 1.7% p.a. on 2004 figures, this growth rate takes into account factors such as births, deaths and conversions

Five Ks (Panj Kakke)

The Five Ks, or panj kakaar/kakke, are five items of faith that all baptized Sikhs (Khalsa) are required to wear at all times, at the command of the tenth Sikh Guru, who ordered this at Anandpur Sahib on Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699. They are:-

• Kes (uncut hair)
• Kanga (wooden comb)
• Kacchehra (specially-designed underwear)
• Kara (Iron bracelet)
• Kirpan (strapped sword).

They are for identification and representation of the ideals of Sikhism, such as honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on God, and never bowing to tyranny.

 

Besides, Sikh males are also required to wear turban (head gear) to cover their head.

Sikh Scholars

Bhai Vir Singh

Bhai Kaan Singh Nabha

Prof Darshan Singh

Bhai Santokh Singh Ji ( Writer of Gur Partap Suraj Parkash Granth)

Saints and other people revered by Sikhs:

 

• Bhai Mardana : (One of the first followers and lifelong companion of Guru Nanak)
• Bhai Bala :(One of the first followers and lifelong companion of Guru Nanak)
• Bhagat Kabir: (Sikh saint & his masterwork in Guru Granth Sahib)
• Bhagat Farid: (Sikh saint & his masterwork in Guru Granth Sahib)
• Bhagat Namdev: (Sikh saint & his masterwork in Guru Granth Sahib)
• Baba Buddha: (Sikh saint, held the position of high Granthi in the Sikh religion)
• Baba Banda Singh Bahadur: (Fought and Defeated Mughal Governor of Punjab Wazir Khan and established Sikh force in Punjab)
• Baba Deep Singh: (Sikh saint, defended Golden Temple with his head in his hand)
• Bhagat Ravidas (Sikh saint & his masterwork in Guru Granth Sahib)
• Bhagat Tirlochan (Sikh saint & his masterwork in Guru Granth Sahib)
• Bhai Mani Singh (Sikh Scholar, compiled the Dasam Granth)
• Bhai Taru (Was a great patron of the poor)
• Bhai Gurdas (Known for his interpretation of bani)

Chaar Sahibzade

4 Sons of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji are known as Chaar Sahibzadas (Also known as 5 Princes of Sikhism)

 

1) Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji
2) Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji

3) Sahibzada Zoravar Singh Ji

4) Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji

 

Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji martyred their lives fighting the mughals at the place of Chamkaur Sahib in Punjab.

 

Sahibzada Zoravar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji were brickes alive at Sirhind (Fathegarh Sahib) by mughal governor Vajir Khan. Both of them were of age 7 and 9 years. They were asked to quit Sikhism and embrace Islam. But they denied to do so and martyred their lives for religious freedom.

Panj Pyare (Five beloved ones)

Panj Pyaras were the 5 beloved Sikhs of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who offered their heads to Guru Sahib, when He demanded it on 13th April 1699. Guru Sahib prepared Amrit for them and attached the word "Singh" with their names.

 

5 Pyaras:

 

1) Bhai Daya Singh Ji
2) Bhai Dharam Singh Ji

3) Bhai Himmat Singh Ji

4) Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji

5) Bhai Sahib Singh Ji

Sikh Gurus

1. Guru Nanak Dev Ji
2. Guru Angad Dev Ji
3. Guru Amar Das Ji
4. Guru Ram Das Ji
5. Guru Arjan Dev Ji 
6. Guru Har Gobind Ji 
7. Guru Har Rai Ji
8. Guru Har Krishan Ji
9. Guru Teg Bahadur Ji
10. Guru Gobind Singh Ji
11. Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Dasvandh (Donation)

Every Sikh is required to spend 10 percent of his/her earnings for the welfare of mankind, poor and religion. This money is called dasvandh. Sikhs are required to think for the best place to spend this money.

Sikh philosophy

The core philosophy and message of the Sikh religion can be understood in the beginning hymn of the holy Guru Granth Sahib.

There is one supreme eternal reality; the truth; immanent in all things; creator of all things; immanent in creation. Without fear and without hatred; not subject to time; beyond birth and death; self-revealing. Known by the Guru's grace.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the faith, summed up the basis of Sikh lifestyle in three requirements: Naam Japo, Kirat Karno and Wand kay chhako, which means meditate on the holy name, Waheguru, work diligently and honestly and share one's fruits with others.

The Guru Granth Sahib is revered as a teacher in its own right, because it is a literal transcript of the teachings of the nine gurus who preceded it. The Sikh follows the Guru Granth Sahib strictly as his prime guide. It was compiled by the Sikh Gurus, and is maintained in its original form. In addition to their own works the gurus also included the revelations of many saints of that period, regardless of their caste, race or origin. Their followers, with their turban and uncut hair, are proud and definitely distinct; yet show respect to the followers of other religions. Non-Sikhs can partake fully in Sikh prayer meetings and social functions. Their daily prayers include the well being of whole mankind.

The concept of saint-soldier is another unique feature which sometimes confuses observers. Every Sikh is required to aspire to sainthood by his devotion to God and service to mankind, but also, according to the situation, to adopt the role of the soldier. A Sikh is also commanded, if necessary and circumstances allow, to lay his or her life down to protect the poor and weak, regardless of race, religion, sex or creed. A prime example of this was the martyrdom of the 9th Guru of Sikhism- Guru Teg Bahadur Ji in the protection of the Hindus against religious genocide by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, in Delhi, on the 11th of November 1675 AD.

Sikhs are not required to renounce the world, and aspire to be the best but not be obsessed by the act, wanting the best but not craving to accumulate. Seva (service) is an integral part of Sikh worship. This is very easily observed in the Gurdwara (temple). Visitors of any religious or socio-economic background are welcomed. Langar (free food for all) is always served to everyone.

Sikh Languages

Spoken & written script of holy Guru Granth Sahib:
Written language of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is: Gurmukhi, Sahiskriti and Sant Bhasha
Spoken words: Punjabi, Bengali, Brij Bhasha and Persian

Predominant spoken languages:
 

The vernacular language of the home nation in the Sikh diaspora, significantly including Punjabi, English, Hindi, Urdu, Swahili, Malaysian, and Thai

World Sikh Polulation

Total population
Estimated 20.6 million
Regions with significant populations
India      19,215,730 Other significant population centers:
United Kingdom 336,179  Canada 278,415  United States 100,000 East African Community 100,000  Malaysia 100,000 Middle East 85,000  Italy 70,000  Thailand 70,000  Australia 50,000  Hong Kong 7,500  Bangladesh 23,300  Pakistan 20,000  Kuwait 20,000  Indonesia 10,000  France 10,000  Singapore 9,733  New Zealand 9,507  Belgium 5,000–6,000  Nepal 5,890  Germany 5,000  Greece 5,000  Fiji 4,674  Austria 2,794  Afghanistan 2,000  Japan 2,000  Ireland 1,200

Source: Wiki pedia

Nishan Sahib

Nishan Sahib is the orange color flag of Sikhs placed inside Gurdwaras. Nishan Sahib is visible from long diastance from Gurdwaras.

Sikh (meaning: disciple or learner)

SIKH is the name given to an adherent of Sikhism. The term has its origin in the Sanskrit "shishya", which means disciple or learner. Many male Sikhs can easily be recognized by their turbans, beards, or steel bracelets on their right wrists.

The greater Punjab region is the historic homeland of Sikhism. Most Sikhs are from the Punjabi people and come from the Punjab region of India, although significant communities exist around the world.

VI Sikhs in India and Abroad

In India Sikhs constitute less than 2 per cent of the total population. In Punjab there are 12 million Sikhs with a further 3 million in the adjoining states and territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Small settlements are also to be found in West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Most Sikhs are traditionally associated with farming, though urban Sikhs are also renowned for their sharp business acumen. The Sikh community is generally seen by outsiders as industrious, entrepreneurial, and adventurous. The success of the Green Revolution in turning Punjab into the granary of India and the richest state in the Union is mostly associated with the ethic of hard work rooted in the religious and cultural tradition of the Sikh peasantry. These qualities have historically led to heavy Sikh recruitment into the armed forces. Today, Sikhs still constitute a disproportionate share of India's soldiers and officer corps.

There is a sizeable Sikh diaspora (over 1 million) settled in the United Kingdom (400,000), Canada (300,000), and the United States (100,000). Whereas most of the migrants to the United States (apart from the early settlers at the beginning of this century) were of professional background, settlers in the United Kingdom (with the exception of East Africans) and Canada are mainly of rural background from the central districts of Punjab. In the United Kingdom since the 1970s the Sikh community has provided the mainstay to "Asian success". There are also small settlements in most European countries, the Middle East, East Asia, Africa, and Australasia, some of which date from the late 19th century. Overall the Sikh diaspora has been very active in promoting the interests of the community to a global audience. Within the Sikh diaspora there is strong reproduction of Sikh institutions, creative adaptation to local conditions and influences, and a growing self-confidence and awareness as a world-historic community.

V History

The development of the Sikh community has been strongly influenced by the course of historical events. Guru Nanak, who was a Hindu by birth, was born at the time of religious reform movements in northern India. While his thought shared many of the features of his contemporaries, his religious doctrine nonetheless marked a radical departure and soon attracted many followers. Guru Nanak was succeeded by nine other gurus. Guru Angad (Guru between 1539 and 1552) established the Gurmukhi ("from the mouth of the guru") script in which Punjabi is written. Guru Amar Das (Guru between 1552 and 1574) founded Goindwal where Sikhs were encouraged to gather twice a year. Guru Ram Das (Guru between 1574 and 1581) is remembered for founding the current site in Amritsar of the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) on land granted by the emperor Akbar. When Guru Arjan Dev assumed the leadership of the community (1581-1606), Sikhism had developed a considerable following in Punjab's central districts. During his Guruship the Darbar Sahib (1604) was completed and the Guru Granth Sahib (also known as the Adi Granth) was compiled. Sikhism's increasing influence, however, led the Mughal emperor Jahangir to check the growth of the new faith. This move resulted in the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev in 1606.

Guru Hargobind (Guru between 1606 and 1644) reacted to these developments by establishing a fortress at Amritsar and the Akal Takhat (seat of temporal authority) opposite the Harimandar Sahib (temple of God) within the Darbar Sahib complex. The linking of these two forms of authority was further symbolized in his decision to wear two swords that signified the temporal and the spiritual. The leadership of the seventh and eighth Gurus (Guru Har Rai, Guru between 1644 and 1661; Guru Har Krishan, Guru between 1661 and 1664) was largely uneventful as they sought to avoid a direct confrontation with the Mughal rulers, but their successor, Guru Tegh Bahadur (Guru between 1664 and 1675), was martyred after making representations to the emperor Aurangzeb against the religious persecution of Kashmiri "pundits" (from Sanskrit pandit, "teachers"). Guru Gobind Singh's guruship (1675 to 1708) was marked by a growing conflict between the Sikh community and the Mughal and Hindu princely rulers in Punjab. In 1699, at Baisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh decided to further consolidate the development of the community by baptizing the Khalsa. Upon his death Guru Gobind Singh vested the guruship in the Guru Granth Sahib. Thereafter the spiritual and the temporal were embodied in the Guru Panth (the temporal Sikh community) and the Guru Granth Sahib (which would spiritually guide it).

With the collapse of the Mughal Empire and the decline of Afghan influence in Punjab, the 18th century saw the rise of Sikhs to political power in the province. During the "heroic century", against considerable odds, the Sikhs, who were the minority religious community in the province, achieved political dominance in Punjab. This rise culminated in 1801 with the establishment by Ranjit Singh of the Kingdom of Lahore, which included Afghan territories to the west, and Kashmir to the east, and extended to the borders of Tibet. Although Ranjit Singh's state was the embodiment of Punjabi identity, its fortunes were largely guided by a powerful military meritocracy that was dominated by the Khalsa.

Ranjit Singh's kingdom lasted until 1849 when it was annexed by the British. During the next century Sikh fortunes waxed and waned as they were first treated with suspicion by the ruling colonial rulers and then recruited in large numbers into the Indian Army. In response to the competitive religious revivalism that took place in Punjab in the late 19th century among the three main traditions (Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh) following the proselytizing activities of Christian missionaries, the Singh Sabhas attempted to reassert Sikh identity by seeking the removal of Hindu influence and ritual that had accreted into the Sikh tradition during the dislocation of the Panth in the 17th and 18th centuries. The work of the Singh Sabhas was completed by the Akali Movement (1920-1925), which successfully removed Hindu mehants (hereditary custodians) of leading gurdwaras , including the Darbar Sahib. This movement established the two premier institutions that have controlled Sikh affairs ever since: the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandak Committee, which manages the affairs of the leading gurdwaras ; and the Akai Dal (its political wing).

The Akali Dal opposed the partition of Punjab, but when it became a reality in 1947 Sikh political leadership opted for the Indian Union. Partition divided the Sikh community into two and precipitated the mass transfer of Sikhs (and Hindus) from West Punjab and Muslims from East Punjab. Almost 250,000 people were killed in the riots that followed.

After 1947 the Akali Dal leadership attempted to preserve the distinctive identity of the community by campaigning for a Punjabi Suba (Punjabi-speaking state). This demand was opposed by the central leadership as communal but was eventually conceded after the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965. Although the linguistic reorganization of Punjab in 1966 created a majority Sikh state (60 per cent) it left many Punjabi-speaking territories outside the new state. Centre-inspired dismissal of the Akali Dal governments (1967-1971) and lingering resentment about linguistic reorganization led the Akali Dal to adopt the Anandpur Sahib Resolution (ASR) in 1973 that called for greater autonomy for Punjab.

Following the dismissal of the Akali Dal government in 1980 the ASR became the focus of an autonomy movement led by moderate Akalis. However, as this campaign failed to achieve a political settlement with the centre, the militant faction led by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale called for direct action that resulted in the gradual breakdown of law and order in Punjab. On June 5, 1984, the Indian Army, in an operation code-named Blue Star, entered the Darbar Sahib complex in order to evict Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers who had taken refuge in the precinct. The clash resulted in deaths of 1,000 security personnel and Sikh militants.

In the aftermath of Operation Blue Star, the prime minister Indira Gandhi was killed by her Sikh bodyguards. Her death was followed immediately by pogroms against Sikhs in Delhi in which approximately 3,000 people were killed. In 1985 Rajiv Gandhi attempted to restore the political process through the Rajiv-Longowal Accord but his reluctance to make concessions on the main Sikh demands undermined the moderate Akalis and led to the rise of militant groups campaigning for a separate Sikh state of Khalistan. Between 1984 and 1993, almost 25,000 people were killed in Punjab as a result of militant violence and counter-insurgency operations conducted by the security forces. By the end of 1993 the use of overwhelming force by the police, the paramilitaries, and the army succeeded in eliminating most militant groups.

In February 1997, in the first free and fair elections held in the province since 1985, the Akali Dal won a landslide victory in the Punjab Legislative Assembly elections. Although the party is still officially committed to ASR, the campaign for more autonomy has been superseded by efforts to establish a regional power base.

IV Sacred Text

The Guru Granth Sahib is the sacred text of the Sikhs. It was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev in 1604 and is 1,430 pages long. The text includes the hymns and poems of Guru Nanak, his successors, and Muslim and Hindu poets. Upon his death in 1708 Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, ordained that personal guruship was at an end; thereafter it was to be vested in the Guru Granth Sahib.

Source Encyclopedia: uk.encarta. msn.com

III Worship, Practice, and Festivals

The Sikh code of discipline (Rehat Maryada) prescribes the daily routine for adherents. They should rise early (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.) and, having bathed, observe nam japana by meditating on the divine name and read or recite the order known as nit nem (the daily rule). This is followed by the reciting of the following scriptures: early morning (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.), Japji Sahib, Jap Sahib, and the ten Swayyas; in the evening and sunset, Sodar Rahiras; and at night before retiring, Kirtan Sohila. At the conclusion of each selection the Ardas (prayer) must be recited.

As the influence of the Guru's word is best experienced in the gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship, Sikhs are required to join a daily sangat (congregation) where, as well as listening to scriptures, they must undertake and perform seva. A gurdwara is entered by removing one's shoes and covering one's hair. Sikhs and non-Sikhs bow before the Guru Granth Sahib by touching their foreheads to the ground. The sangat are served with Karah Prashad (sacramental food) at the close of the session. Each gurdwara has a langar (common kitchen) where the sangat are enjoined to share a meal.

The Rehat Maryada also imposes further injunctions: Sikhs are not allowed to eat meat killed in accordance with Muslim custom; the use of all intoxicants is forbidden; they must not cut their hair; and they must be loyal to their marriage partners. For most Sikhs and their families, Sikhism plays a central role in their life cycle. There is a distinctive ceremony for naming the newborn and for baptism into the Khalsa (see below); the learning of Punjabi is seen as essential to understanding the scriptures; the marriage ceremony is specifically defined; and, at death, there are prescribed scriptures to be read and procedures to be followed.

Most Sikh children are considered to be born Sikhs. All Sikhs who follow elements of the code of discipline and are mature enough to appreciate the commitment can undergo baptism into the sacred order of the Khalsa ("the pure") established by Guru Gobind Singh at Baisakhi in 1699. Initiation into the Khalsa follows the ceremony known as khande di pahul ("tempered with steel") performed by the Panj Piare (the symbolic representation of the five beloved ones who were first baptized, and who subsequently, in turn, baptized Guru Gobind Singh). The Khalsa are required to keep the five ks: kesh (unshorn hair), kacha (short drawers), kirpan (steel dagger), kara (iron bangle), and kanga (comb). In addition they must strictly adhere to all aspects of the Rehat Maryada. Baptized Khalsa males are renamed as Singh and females as Kaur. While the majority of Sikhs follow aspects of the Rehat Maryada and keep the five ks, those who follow the strict discipline of the Khalsa are in a minority.

Sikhs celebrate many festivals which mark the life and times of the gurus, particular events in Sikh history, and reflect the popular traditions of Punjab. The birth and death of a guru is referred to as a gurpurb. The martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur are generally observed while the births of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh are universally celebrated. Baisakhi is the first month of the Sikh new year and also coincides with the harvest season in Punjab. Baisakhi is also important for Sikhs because it marks the time of the year when they normally assembled in the presence of the Guru, and as the historic occasion in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa. Sikhs also celebrate Diwali (which marks the release many kings of India with grace of Guru Hargobind and Himself from confinement in Gwalior Fort) and Holla Mohalla, a festival started by Guru Gobind Singh for his followers in opposition to Holi.

II Theology

The essence of Sikh theology is to be found in the opening hymn of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikhs' sacred text:

"There is one supreme eternal reality; the truth; immanent in all things; creator of all things; immanent in creation. Without fear and without hatred; not subject to time; beyond birth and death; self-revealing. Known by the Guru's grace."

Sikhs believe that God (Waheguru), who created the universe and everything in it, is omnipresent, immanent as well as transcendent, and omnipotent. Because God is formless, inscrutable, and beyond the reach of human intellect, a relationship with the Creator can be established only by recognizing divine self-expression and truth. This relationship is possible through meditation on God's Name ( nam) and Word (shabad) which are the revelation of the divine instructor (the Guru). Without the Guru's grace an individual is doomed to the perpetual cycle of death and rebirth.

Guru Nanak's message went beyond personal reflection and mediation to incorporate a new social vision. This was evident in his strong emphasis on social equality, the rejection of all forms of caste distinctions, the collective welfare of all, and the centrality of the concept of seva (service) to the community. The present and the divine in Nanak's social vision are linked together in three simple injunctions to his followers: to adore the divine name; to work hard; and to share the rewards of one's labour with others.

1 Introduction

Sikhism, major religion of India founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century. Sikhism has almost 16 million followers, most of whom live in the Indian province of Punjab. Punjab is the historic homeland of Sikhism but it has also spread to other parts of northern India, and a significant diaspora exists in Europe and North America. Sikhism is not an ethnic religion and welcomes converts.