Context:
8 injured in a clash between two Namdhari factions over a land dispute in Sirsa’s Jiwan Nagar, Haryana.
Namdhari Sect:
- A Sikh sect differing from mainstream Sikhs; believes the lineage of Sikh Gurus did not end with Guru Gobind Singh.
- Also known as “Kukas” due to their high-pitched recitation of “Gurbani” called “Kook” in Punjabi.
- Kuka Movement: 1st major reaction in Punjab to British rule post-1849; aimed at overthrowing British rule.
- Namdhari Movement: Most important phase of the Kuka Movement; founded by Satguru Ram Singh on Baisakhi in 1857.
Satguru Ram Singh:
- Challenged the status quo, advocated social reform, resisted British rule.
- Encouraged followers to boycott British goods.
- Appointed Governors and Deputy Governors to organize Kukas in Punjab.
- Inspired young men with military training.
- Deported to Rangoon by the British; believed by followers to be still alive.
Related facts:
- Civil Disobedience: Kukas supported civil disobedience and the Non-Cooperation movement for Indian independence.
- Supreme Gurbani: Namdhari Sikhs consider Guru Granth Sahib as Supreme Gurbani but also believe in a living human Guru.
- Beliefs: Consider the cow sacred, are teetotallers, avoid tea and coffee.
- Headquarters: Located in Ludhiana’s Bhaini Sahib near village Raiyaan, birthplace of Ram Singh.
- Spread: Deras across Punjab and Haryana; presence in a few other countries.
Source: IE
Previous Year Question
“Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.”
The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?
[UPSC CSE – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Shaivism
(d) Vaishnavism
Answer: (c)
