Context:
Punjab Chief Minister paid tribute to mark the Kuka martyrs’ day.
Kuka Rebellion:
- An anti-British uprising led by the Namdhari sect (Kukas) in Punjab
- Combined religious reform and resistance to colonial rule.
- Reached its height in January 1872, with major clashes in Malerkotla and Malaudh Fort.
- Key Leaders –
- Satguru Ram Singh – Founder of the Namdhari sect and main leader.
- Other Leaders – Kuka Hira Singh and Lehna Singh.
- Reason for the Movement – Discontent with British rule and native collaborators and restore Sikh rule over Punjab.
- Basic Tenets –
- Abolition of caste and similar discrimination among Sikhs
- Discouraging the consumption of meat and alcohol and drugs
- Permission for intermarriages, widow marriage
- Boycotting English laws and their education and products
- Ending – British, led by John Lambert Cowan, brutally suppressed the movement
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 Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Shaivism
(d) Vaishnavism
Answer: (b)