Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925

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The Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 was a piece of legislation in British India which legally defined Sikh identity and brought Sikh gurdwaras (houses of worship) under the control of an elected body of orthodox Sikhs. [1]

Contents

Gurdwara reform movement

Prior to 1925, a large proportion of the gurdwaras in India were under the control of clergy of the Udasi denomination of Sikhism. The Udasi differed from their mainline Sikh congregants, and due to differences in theology (such as syncretic Hindu practices) as well as some instances of malfeasance were seen as allowing or committing behaviours unsuitable for a gurdwara. By the 1920s, resentment of this perceived corruption led to the foundation of the Akali Movement which negotiated or forced Udasi mahants (religious heads) out of control of key gurdwaras. [2]

Legislation

Among the issues addressed by the legislation:

See also

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References

  1. Varinder Walia (19 September 2001). "Chohan barred from SGPC office". The Tribune. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
  2. 1 2 Nesbitt, Eleanor (2005-09-22). Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction - Eleanor Nesbitt - Google Books. ISBN   9780191578069 . Retrieved 2013-05-13.
  3. Takhar, Opinderjit Kaur (2005). Sikh Identity: An Exploration Of Groups Among Sikhs - Opinderjit Kaur Takhar - Google Books. ISBN   9780754652021 . Retrieved 2013-05-13.
  4. Singh, Pritam (8 February 2008). Federalism, Nationalism and Development: India and the Punjab Economy - Pritam Singh - Google Books. ISBN   9780203930205 . Retrieved 2013-05-13.