DOCSLIB.ORG

Glimpses of Sikhism ªª1>;Fsr[O Gq;Kfd– D/R S/Ra Csfj D/R S/Ra Csfj Glimpses of Sikhism

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Glimpses of Sikhism ªª1>;Fsr[O Gq;Kfd– D/R S/Ra Csfj D/R S/Ra Csfj Glimpses of Sikhism Glimpses of Sikhism ªª1>;fsr[o gq;kfd– d/r s/ra csfj d/r s/ra csfj Glimpses of Sikhism Dr. Jagraj Singh Publisher : B.Chattar Singh Jiwan Singh Amritsar © Author ISBN : 978-93-86161-97-0 First Edition : June 2018 Price : 395-00 Publisher : B.Chattar Singh Jiwan Singh Bazar Mai Sewan, Amritsar Ph. 91-183-5011003, 2542346, 2547974 Fax : 91-183-5017488 E-Mail : [email protected] [email protected] Web site : www.csjs.com The Author is solely responsible for all ideology, Hinduism, Sikhism, Gurbani, History and facts given in this book. Publisher is not responsible for any kind of discrepancies arising out of these. Publisher (Printed in India) Printer : C.J.Printer, Amritsar Contents Page Preface Chapter 1 What is Sikhism? Chapter 2 God in Sikhism Chapter3 Theory of creation / Cosmology / Genesis according to Sikhism Nature and Divine discipline according to Sikhism Process of human development according to Gurbani / Sikhism Various stages of human life according to Gurbani / Sikhism Behaviour of man during various stages of life Goal of human life according to Gurmat / Sikhism How long could be our life span? What is death?-Death of life as per Gurbani? Death of universe World and worldly life Chapter 4 Basic postulate of Sikhism Invocation of Sikhism Glimpses of Sikhism (6) Chapter 5 Scriptures of Sikhism Gurdwara—Sikh place of worship Punjabi language and Gurmukhi script of the Sikhs and Sikhism Chapter 6 Sikhs are not Hindus Sikh identity and Hindu Muslim hostility towards the Sikhs and Sikhism The exodus Infiltration of Brahmanism into Sikhism Birth of Singh Sabha and social separation of the Sikhs and Hindus Legal separation of the Sikhs and Hindus Chapter 7 Ethics of Sikhism Sexual morality in Sikhism Chapter 8 Rejection of Caste system of Hinduism by Sikhism Chapter 9 Rejection of various concepts of Hinduism by Sikhism Chapter 10 Rejection of authority of scriptures of Hinduism by Sikhism Chapter 11 Rejection of Sacraments of Hinduism by Sikhism Chapter 12 Glimpses of Sikhism (7) Rejection of Yoga (Yogic philosophy of Hinduism by Sikhism Chapter 13 Rejection of mythology of Hinduism by Sikhism Chapter 14 Un-Sikh and anti-Sikh practices of Hinduism and their rejection in Sikhism Chapter 16 Sikhism versus Hinduism Chapter 17 Sikhism versus other religious systems Glossary of commonly used terms in Sikhism Bibliography ❍ Glimpses of Sikhism (8) Preface It is universally agreed upon now that man evolved in Africa and gradually spread over the entire globe. According to Dr. H.D Sankalia, the renowned anthropologist, “It is more or less established that at the end of First Glacial Period and into the beginning of the second Ice Age, Early Man entered the foothills of the Northwest Punjab, in the area traversed by Soan, Haro and other rivers within the Indus-Jhelum Doab. Early man spread into the area comprised by Rawalpindi and Attock districts of the Punjab, and the Jammu and Kashmir States”. Recent Genomic studies reveal that these people arrived in India from Central Asia (Kazakstan area) by travelling south of the rugged and mountainous Pamir Knot, some 30,000 years ago. Early humans lived here as gatherers and hunters, who gradually developed into a great civilization—The Harappan civilization, now known as “The Indus Valley Civilization”, which is one of the oldest civilizations of the world. The natives here farmed the lands and were called “Jatts—j~t”, which is the oldest named tribe in India whose name is found even in Mahabharta. About four thousand years ago the people of Indus valley in the Indian subcontinent had reached a very high level of civilization and spirituality when people of an Aryan tribe who rode horses, worshiped fire, reared cattle, ate beef and spoke an Indo-European language which originated on the steppes of Eurasia entered into the Indus valley from Asia Minor (Seistan-Persia-modern Iran) region, through the passes in the Koh Hindu Kush mountains as graziers of cattle and settled in the northern Punjab in the Kashmir region around Taxila, which is now Pakistan. In the Rig Veda we see the Aryans settling down in the Indus valley and worshipping all the powers of nature such as air (Vayu), water (Varuna), sun (Surya), Glimpses of Sikhism (9) moon (Soma) and fire (Agni). The native practitioners of spirituality in the Indus valley called themselves Jogis or Siddhas, who believed in One Supreme Eternal Reality, whom they called Brahma and they had a script called Brahmi / Siddhmatrica. Some of Aryans learnt spirituality from the Punjabi Jogis / Siddhas. The Aryans, having knowledge of Brahma (God), designated themselves as Brahmans and became priests, the custodians of the religion and spirituality. They called their religion Sanatan mat / Sanatan dharma, which literally meant ancient religion, which is now popularly called Hinduism. It is here that they developed a slang of local Punjabi dialect, ‘Sehaskriti’ and called it ‘Brahm Bhasha’, literally meaning language of God for their worship purposes, but subsequently it was named Sanskrit. Brahmans made it their religious language, which was neither spoken nor understood by common mass of people. Around 1000 BC, the Aryans produced scriptures in Brahm Bhasha and named them Vedas, literally meaning books of knowledge, which were memorized verbally and passed on from generation to generation orally. Around 500 BC Rishi Panini wrote Sanskrit grammar, Ashtadhiay in Taxilla in the hills of the Punjab (The Penguin history of Early India from orgins to AD 1300, Romila Thapar, p, 163). The script used was Siddhmatrica, renamed by the Aryans as Sharda. The Vedas gave birth to Vedic culture, which gave birth to caste system in India. Manu the Hindu law giver wrote Manu Simriti around 600 BC. Subsequently they created more religious scriptures--Shastras, Simrities, Purans and so on and reinterpreted the message of religious texts to their advantage. The words Bip and Bipar mean Brahman, whereas Bipran means Brahmans and Bipran kee reet means Brahmanical culture / ways / ideology. Since those times, the Aryan Brahmans, as custodians of spirituality and religion in the Indian subcontinent have been holding central control of religious practices in Hinduism. Hindu scriptures created by Brahmans themselves, gave them high headedness of Glimpses of Sikhism (10) highest order and they reinterpreted the message of religious texts to their own advantage. They reserved the right to education for only themselves. Only they were entitled to access to knowledge written in Vedas, Shastras, Simrities, Purans and so on. The Brahmans only could perform prayers (Poojas) and could worship gods and goddesses for the benefit of all people. Their authority was unquestionable. Even the kings could not rule out their verdicts. Once a person was born as Brahman, this was enough for him to enjoy the status of Brahman. Whatever he learnt from his father was adequate to make him qualified for all his duties his ancestors were performing. The Brahmans reserved the right to learn Sanskrit, the language of Vedas and other scriptures, and learning the special Mantras for various occasions in a Hindu household. They designed occasions for birth, naming ceremonies, initiation ceremony (Janeu Sanskar), Mundan ceremonies, Shub mahoorats for opening new business set up, Lagan ceremonies, special ceremonies for pregnant women (Goad bharai), Mirtak Sanskar (Funeral ceremony) for example. With the passage of time this unquestionable lot was stupefied with greed and power. They divided the society into four Varnas (Jatis i.e., castes) and life into four Ashrams (stages). They were protectorates of religious institutions. They made rules for entry to the places of worship. They denied this fundamental right to worship to a very significant majority of so called Ashoots (untouchables). They spread the virus of hatred in the minds of other upper castes in the society. These deprived people were forced to do all menial jobs for the benefit of upper classes in the society. In return they were neither paid for any work they did for them nor were they rewarded in any way. Hatred and abuse were the only rewards given to several generations throughout India. Brahmins on the contrary were treated like gods. Their visits to residences were considered as divine blessing on the family. The Hindu routine of life was guided and controlled by this highly placed class of Brahmans. Some of the injunctions of Manu the Glimpses of Sikhism (11) Hindu law giver as laid down in his Manu Simriti are given here: * During the days of distress and destitution, the members of a caste can engage in the work of lower caste, but under no circumstances is he to undertake the work of the higher caste. (Chapter X/99-100) * The Shudra is forbidden to study, the Vedas, the Shastras and the scriptures (Chapter x/127-128) * It is reprehensible for a Brahman to study the Vedas before a Shudra (Chapter IV/99) * The Shudra should be fed the left overs of his master’s food and clothed with his tattered and discarded dress (Chapter X/25). * The Shudra is not allowed to amass wealth (Chapter x/129). * If a Shudra abuses a man of higher caste, his tongue should be cut off (Chapter viii). * If a Shudra sits near a Brahmin on the same floor, the flesh of his bottoms should be sheared off (Chapter viii/281). * If a Shudra talks of religious matters to a Brahman, molten lead or boiling oil be poured in his mouth and ears (Chapter viii/272) * The atonement for the killing of a Shudra is the same as that for killing of a cat or a dog or a frog or a lizard or any other animal. The Shudras were treated like dogs and cattle.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • DFW Media Guide Table of Contents
    DFW Media Guide Table of Contents Introduction..................2 KHKS ........................ 14 KRVA ........................ 21 PR Tips and Tricks......... 2 KHYI ......................... 14 KSKY ........................ 22 Resources .....................3 KICI.......................... 14 KSTV......................... 22 Templates ................... 3 KJCR......................... 14 KTBK ........................ 22 Public Service KKDA ........................ 15 KTCK ........................ 22 Announcements............ 3 KKMR........................ 15 KTNO ........................ 22 PSA Format .............. 3 KLNO ........................ 15 KXEB ........................ 22 Tips for KLTY ......................... 15 KZEE......................... 22 Submitting PSAs....... 5 KLUV ........................ 15 KZMP ........................ 22 Press Releases ............. 6 KMEO........................ 15 WBAP........................ 22 Considerations KMQX........................ 15 Newspapers ............... 23 to Keep in Mind ......... 6 KNON........................ 15 Allen American ........... 23 Background Work ...... 6 KNTU ........................ 16 Alvarado Post ............. 23 Tips for Writing KOAI......................... 16 Alvarado Star ............. 23 a Press Release ......... 8 KPLX......................... 16 Azle News.................. 23 Tips for Sending KRBV ........................ 16 Benbrook Star ............ 23 a Press Release ......... 8 KRNB ........................ 16 Burleson Star ............. 23 Helpful
    [Show full text]
  • Download/Pdf/144517771.Pdf 14
    i CONTENTS l.fjswg Who Killed Guru Tegh Bahadur? 1 Sirdar Kapur Singh, ICS Understanding The Sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji 14 Dr. Kehar Singh sRI gurU qyg bhwdr bwxI dw dwrSnk p`K 19 fw. jgbIr isµG Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Bani- Conceptual Analysis 26 Dr. Gurnam Kaur Relevance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji For Today’s Indian Plural Society 39 Dr. Mohd. Habib Teachings of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: A Perspective 48 Dr. D. P. Singh Travels of Guru Tegh Bahadur 70 Dr. Harpreet Kaur The Making of A Martyr: Guru Tegh Bahadur And His Times 84 Sr. Rupinder Singh Brar gurU qyg bhwdr jI dI bwxI iv`c mn dI pySkwrI 102 fw. AmrdIp kOr, SrndIp kOr ii Guru Tegh Bahadur Dev Ji: An Apostle Of Human Rights And Supreme Sacrifice 111 Dr. Sughandh Kohli Kaang Book Review By Dr. Bhai Harbans Lal 117 By Dr. Hardev Singh Virk 125 Contributors 130 Our Publications 131 ac iii sMpwdkI sw DrqI BeI hirAwvlI ijQY myrw siqguru bYTw Awie ] sw jMq Bey hirAwvly ijnI myrw siqguru dyiKAw jwie ] sMn 2020 SqwbdIAW dw vrHw irhw [ BwvyN smu`cw ivSv ies smyN kronw vrgI mhWmwrI dw swhmxw kr irhw hY pr gurU bKiSS sdkw ies kwl dOrwn vI gurU swihb duAwrw vrosweIAW pMQk sMsQwvW mnu`Kqw dI syvw iv`c hwjr hoeIAW hn Aqy dySW-ivdySW iv`c is`K pMQ dI Swn au~cI hoeI hY [ gurU swihb dy kysrI inSwn swihb ƒ ivdySW dI DrqI 'qy JulwieAw igAw hY [ ies smyN sRI gurU nwnk dyv jI, sRI gurU qyg bhwdr swihb jI, Bgq nwmdyv jI, bwbw bMdw isMG bhwdr jI Aqy is`K pMQ dI isrmor sMsQw SRomxI gurduAwrw pRbMDk kmytI, sRI AMimRqsr nwl sMbMiDq SqwbdIAW pUry ivSv dI sMgqW duAwrw ijQy prMprwgq rUp iv`c mnweIAW geIAW
    [Show full text]
  • Alameda County Board of Education
    ALAMEDA COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING, VOL. XXVII, NO. 02 Regular Board Meeting, August 14, 2012 – 3:00 p.m. MEETING LOCATION: Alameda County Office of Education 313 W Winton Avenue Hayward, CA 94544 510-887-0152 www.acoe.org CALL TO ORDER: Time: P.M. SALUTE TO THE FLAG ROLL CALL: President Cerrato _____ Vice-President Rivera _____ Trustee Berrick _____ Trustee Knowles _____ Trustee McDonald _____ Trustee McWilson _____ Trustee Sims _____ Any member of the public may comment on agenda items, as each item is presented. Individuals wishing to address the Board need to complete a Speaker Card located at the entrance to the meeting room and provide it to the recording secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Speakers are asked to limit their comments to two minutes each, and the Board president may limit the amount of discussion time for any one agenda item. For non-agenda items, there is a separate opportunity for comments during the Items from the Floor portion of the agenda. By law, board members may not enter into discussion nor take action on any item not previously published on the agenda. Mission Statement: Provide, promote and support leadership and service to ensure the success of Every Child…in Every School…Every Day! 1. Interdistrict Transfer The Board will hear and take action on the INFORMATION/ Appeal interdistrict transfer appeal IDT # 06-DR- ACTION IDT # 06-DR-12/13 12/13 from San Leandro Unified School District (USD) to Berkeley USD. This matter will be heard in closed session.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2016
    ANNUAL REPORT 2016 PUNJABI UNIVERSITY, PATIALA © Punjabi University, Patiala (Established under Punjab Act No. 35 of 1961) Editor Dr. Shivani Thakar Asst. Professor (English) Department of Distance Education, Punjabi University, Patiala Laser Type Setting : Kakkar Computer, N.K. Road, Patiala Published by Dr. Manjit Singh Nijjar, Registrar, Punjabi University, Patiala and Printed at Kakkar Computer, Patiala :{Bhtof;Nh X[Bh nk;k wjbk ñ Ò uT[gd/ Ò ftfdnk thukoh sK goT[gekoh Ò iK gzu ok;h sK shoE tk;h Ò ñ Ò x[zxo{ tki? i/ wB[ bkr? Ò sT[ iw[ ejk eo/ w' f;T[ nkr? Ò ñ Ò ojkT[.. nk; fBok;h sT[ ;zfBnk;h Ò iK is[ i'rh sK ekfJnk G'rh Ò ò Ò dfJnk fdrzpo[ d/j phukoh Ò nkfg wo? ntok Bj wkoh Ò ó Ò J/e[ s{ j'fo t/; pj[s/o/.. BkBe[ ikD? u'i B s/o/ Ò ô Ò òõ Ò (;qh r[o{ rqzE ;kfjp, gzBk óôù) English Translation of University Dhuni True learning induces in the mind service of mankind. One subduing the five passions has truly taken abode at holy bathing-spots (1) The mind attuned to the infinite is the true singing of ankle-bells in ritual dances. With this how dare Yama intimidate me in the hereafter ? (Pause 1) One renouncing desire is the true Sanayasi. From continence comes true joy of living in the body (2) One contemplating to subdue the flesh is the truly Compassionate Jain ascetic. Such a one subduing the self, forbears harming others. (3) Thou Lord, art one and Sole.
    [Show full text]
  • Sikhism Originated with Guru Nanak Five Centuries Ago. from an Early Age He Showed a Deeply Spiritual Character
    Sikhism originated with Guru Nanak five centuries ago. From an early age he showed a deeply spiritual character. He broke away from his family’s traditions and belief systems, refusing to participate in empty rituals. Nanak married and entered business, but remained focused on God and meditation. Eventually Nanak became a wandering minstrel. Guru Nanak travelled far and wide teaching people the message of one God who dwells in every one of His creations and constitutes the eternal Truth. He composed poetry in praise of one God, and set it to music. He rejected idolatry, and the worship of demigods. He spoke out against the caste system and he set up a unique spiritual, social, and political platform based on equality, fraternal love, goodness, and virtue. Gurunanak When & Where Born Nanak was born to Kalyan Chand Das Bedi, popularly shortened to Mehta Kalu, and Mata Tripta on 15 April 1469 at Rāi Bhoi Kī Talvaṇḍī (present day Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan) near Lahore. Brief Life History of Guru Nanak His father was the local patwari (accountant) for crop revenue in the village of Talwandi. His parents were both Hindus and belonged to the merchant caste. At the age of around 16 years, Nanak started working under Daulat Khan Lodi, employer of Nanaki's husband. This was a formative time for Nanak, as the Puratan (traditional) Janam Sakhi suggests, and in his numerous allusions to governmental structure in his hymns, most likely gained at this time. Commentaries on his life give details of his blossoming awareness from a young age. At the age of five, Nanak is said to have voiced interest in divine subjects.
    [Show full text]
  • Dr Jaswant Singh Neki
    The Stalwarts http://doi.org/10.18231/j.tjp.2019.034 Dr Jaswant Singh Neki Madhur Rathi Postgraduate, Dept. of Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India *Corresponding Author: Madhur Rathi Email: [email protected] Abstract Dr. Jaswant Singh Neki (1925–2015) is amongst the foremost psychiatrists of India. He has been variously described as a world-renowned mental health expert, a noted metaphysical poet, a teacher par excellence, and an excellent humane person of international repute. He joined his graduate course in medicine and surgery from King Edward Medical College, Lahore and completed graduation from Medical College, Amritsar.1 He passed his MA (Psychology) from Aligarh Muslim University. Later he passed DPM exam from All India Institute of Mental Health, Bangalore. He held high academic and administrative positions including Consultant - WHO, Geneva and UNDP S-E Asia. Keywords: J S Neki, Guru-Chela relationship, Kairos, Poet, Cross cultural psychotherapy. Introduction worked there for about a decade. Then he was appointed Dr Neki was born in village Murid, Distt. Jhelum (Pakistan), Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education on 27th August, 1925. His father, S. Hari Gulab Singh and and Research, Chandigarh. He spent next three years there. his mother, Smt. Sita Wanti were both God-fearing From there, he was picked up by the World Health individuals.1 When he was an infant, his parents shifted to Organization, Geneva, as a consultant for a project in Quetta (Baluchistan). He joined Khalsa High School in Africa. He served in Africa for over four years (1981- Quetta, from where he matriculated in 1941 securing the 1985)1.
    [Show full text]
  • A Man Called Banda © 2019 Rupinder Singh Brar, Yuba City, CA
    A Man Called Banda © 2019 Rupinder Singh Brar, Yuba City, CA. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval process, without permission in writing from the publisher. -- Cataloging-in-Publication Data Brar, Rupinder S. 1961-, author A Man Called Banda / by Rupinder S. Brar ; 2019. | Includes bibliographical references. pages ; cm Front cover: A silhouette of a statue of Banda Bahadur from a monument to him at Chappar Chiri, Punjab, India 8 A MAN CALLED BANDA Rupinder Singh Brar 10 Table of Contents The Prophet and the Ascetic 6 The Road to Chappar Chiri 15 Provisions Arms and Victory 20 The Guru Will Protect You 28 Two and a Half Strikes 34 Defeat Defiance and Redemption 40 Life and Death in the Garden of Good and Evil 47 The Age of the Mughals 50 The House of Nanak and the House of Babur 58 The Empire in Crisis 65 The Khalsa Revolution 72 Just War: 77 A Moral Case for Rebellion 77 Assessing a Legend: 85 The Ethics of Banda’s War 85 Bandhi Bir 94 12 PART I COMES A WARRIOR BRAVE Chapter 1 The Prophet and the Ascetic Meticulously maintained weather charts at NASA confirm that on September 14th, 1708, a solar eclipse was witnessed in the northern hemisphere that included almost all parts of India. On that day, many historians believe, an unknown ascetic named Madho Das became a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh and came to be known as Banda.
    [Show full text]
  • Page2.Qxd (Page 2)
    SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2017 (PAGE 2) DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU CONDOLENCE CREMATION In loving memory of Sardar Joginder Singh Bali, a With profound grief and sorrow we inform the sad demise of our REMEMBRANCE As we thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new, loving father, husband, brother and son. beloved SMT. VIDHYA DEVI w/o Late Sh. BALAK RAM GUPTA Aarambh Shri Akhand Path Sahib on 19-05-2017, (Gharota Wale), R/o F-25, Mohalla Baba Jeevan Shah, Shahidi We thought of you yesterday and days before that too, 9 am (Friday) at their residence 51 Gobind Lane Chowk, Jammu, now at present 57-58, Sector 3, Channi Himmat, We think of you in silence as we often speak of your name, Preet Nagar Digiana. Bhog Shri Akhand Path Jammu. All we have are memories and your pictures in frame, The Cremation shall take place at 4:00 PM on 20-05-2017 Sahib on Sunday 9 am at their residence. Antim Your memories in our keepsafe, where we will never part, Ardas at Gurudwara Shri Guru Angad Dev Ji Preet (Saturday) at Channi Himmat Cremation Ground. God has you in his keeping, Grief Stricken Nagar on 21-05-2017, 12 pm We have you in our HEARTS. GRIEF STRICKEN Arun and Renu Gupta - Son and Daughter in law REMEMBERED BY: Sardar Joginder Aman Deep Singh Bali Singh Bali Chanchala Gupta - Daughter Smt. Surinder Soni-Mother Contact : +919086140411 Sudesh and Ravi Gupta - Daughter and Son in law Anu & Suresh Soni-Sister-in-law & Brother Veena and JC Gupta - Daughter and Son in law Renu and Chander Choudhary-Sister & Brother-in-law Meenakshi and Jugal Gupta - Daughter and Son in law Neera and Deepak Gandhi-Sister & Brother-in-law REMEMBRANCE Grand Chidren Karuna and Anil Sharma-Sister & Brother-in-law ON 23RD BIRTH ANNIVERSARY Rahul Mahajan, KAS (Accounts Officer, Audit and Inspections), Premier Baked Food Industry, 32 Digiana Industrial Estate, Jammu SANJAY SONI (SUNNY) No one knows how much we miss you.
    [Show full text]
  • SELF IDENTITY and BRITISH PERCEPTION of SIKH SOLDIERS Ravneet Kaur Assistant Professor University School of Legal Studies (UILS) Panjab University, Chandigarh
    © 2021 JETIR May 2021, Volume 8, Issue 5 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162) SELF IDENTITY AND BRITISH PERCEPTION OF SIKH SOLDIERS Ravneet Kaur Assistant Professor University School of Legal Studies (UILS) Panjab University, Chandigarh. Abstract This paper is oriented towards identifying the various elements that went into the formation of the self perception of the Sikh soldiers. The origins of the Martial Race theory, that was used very effectively and innovatively by the British to mobilise the Sikhs and induct them into the most vital and visible echelons of the British Indian army, will be traced. The socio-religious and economic implications that made the Sikhs readily accept and perpetuate the martial race considerations will be explored. The hard pragmatism, realistic evaluation and real-political considerations that intertwined to lend credence and support to the perception of the Sikhs as the premier martial community of India in not only the Army top brass and officers, but also British decision making and opinion forming class and institutions in Britain will be dwelled upon. The chapter will look into the self perception of Sikhs and the various ways in which they were viewed by the British, both as a community and as soldiers. Keywords- Sikh, British, Soldiers, Perception, Martial Race Theory Ashis Nandy in his book ‘The Intimate enemy’1 puts forward the contention that colonial cultures bind the ruler and the ruled into an ‘unbreakable dyadic relationship’. Many Indians unconsciously identified their salvation in emulating the British – in friendship and in enmity. They may have not shared the British idea of Martial races- the hyper masculine, manifestly courageous, superbly loyal Indians castes and subcultures mirroring the British middle class sexual stereotypes- but they did resurrect the ideology of the martial races latent in the traditional Indian concept of statecraft and gave the idea a new centrality.
    [Show full text]
  • The Calendars of India
    The Calendars of India By Vinod K. Mishra, Ph.D. 1 Preface. 4 1. Introduction 5 2. Basic Astronomy behind the Calendars 8 2.1 Different Kinds of Days 8 2.2 Different Kinds of Months 9 2.2.1 Synodic Month 9 2.2.2 Sidereal Month 11 2.2.3 Anomalistic Month 12 2.2.4 Draconic Month 13 2.2.5 Tropical Month 15 2.2.6 Other Lunar Periodicities 15 2.3 Different Kinds of Years 16 2.3.1 Lunar Year 17 2.3.2 Tropical Year 18 2.3.3 Siderial Year 19 2.3.4 Anomalistic Year 19 2.4 Precession of Equinoxes 19 2.5 Nutation 21 2.6 Planetary Motions 22 3. Types of Calendars 22 3.1 Lunar Calendar: Structure 23 3.2 Lunar Calendar: Example 24 3.3 Solar Calendar: Structure 26 3.4 Solar Calendar: Examples 27 3.4.1 Julian Calendar 27 3.4.2 Gregorian Calendar 28 3.4.3 Pre-Islamic Egyptian Calendar 30 3.4.4 Iranian Calendar 31 3.5 Lunisolar calendars: Structure 32 3.5.1 Method of Cycles 32 3.5.2 Improvements over Metonic Cycle 34 3.5.3 A Mathematical Model for Intercalation 34 3.5.3 Intercalation in India 35 3.6 Lunisolar Calendars: Examples 36 3.6.1 Chinese Lunisolar Year 36 3.6.2 Pre-Christian Greek Lunisolar Year 37 3.6.3 Jewish Lunisolar Year 38 3.7 Non-Astronomical Calendars 38 4. Indian Calendars 42 4.1 Traditional (Siderial Solar) 42 4.2 National Reformed (Tropical Solar) 49 4.3 The Nānakshāhī Calendar (Tropical Solar) 51 4.5 Traditional Lunisolar Year 52 4.5 Traditional Lunisolar Year (vaisnava) 58 5.
    [Show full text]
  • The Sikh Prayer)
    Acknowledgements My sincere thanks to: Professor Emeritus Dr. Darshan Singh and Prof Parkash Kaur (Chandigarh), S. Gurvinder Singh Shampura (member S.G.P.C.), Mrs Panninder Kaur Sandhu (nee Pammy Sidhu), Dr Gurnam Singh (p.U. Patiala), S. Bhag Singh Ankhi (Chief Khalsa Diwan, Amritsar), Dr. Gurbachan Singh Bachan, Jathedar Principal Dalbir Singh Sattowal (Ghuman), S. Dilbir Singh and S. Awtar Singh (Sikh Forum, Kolkata), S. Ravinder Singh Khalsa Mohali, Jathedar Jasbinder Singh Dubai (Bhai Lalo Foundation), S. Hardarshan Singh Mejie (H.S.Mejie), S. Jaswant Singh Mann (Former President AISSF), S. Gurinderpal Singh Dhanaula (Miri-Piri Da! & Amritsar Akali Dal), S. Satnam Singh Paonta Sahib and Sarbjit Singh Ghuman (Dal Khalsa), S. Amllljit Singh Dhawan, Dr Kulwinder Singh Bajwa (p.U. Patiala), Khoji Kafir (Canada), Jathedar Amllljit Singh Chandi (Uttrancbal), Jathedar Kamaljit Singh Kundal (Sikh missionary), Jathedar Pritam Singh Matwani (Sikh missionary), Dr Amllljit Kaur Ibben Kalan, Ms Jagmohan Kaur Bassi Pathanan, Ms Gurdeep Kaur Deepi, Ms. Sarbjit Kaur. S. Surjeet Singh Chhadauri (Belgium), S Kulwinder Singh (Spain), S, Nachhatar Singh Bains (Norway), S Bhupinder Singh (Holland), S. Jageer Singh Hamdard (Birmingham), Mrs Balwinder Kaur Chahal (Sourball), S. Gurinder Singh Sacha, S.Arvinder Singh Khalsa and S. Inder Singh Jammu Mayor (ali from south-east London), S.Tejinder Singh Hounslow, S Ravinder Singh Kundra (BBC), S Jameet Singh, S Jawinder Singh, Satchit Singh, Jasbir Singh Ikkolaha and Mohinder Singh (all from Bristol), Pritam Singh 'Lala' Hounslow (all from England). Dr Awatar Singh Sekhon, S. Joginder Singh (Winnipeg, Canada), S. Balkaran Singh, S. Raghbir Singh Samagh, S. Manjit Singh Mangat, S.
    [Show full text]
  • Origins of Sikhism
    Origins of Sikhism The religion of a warlike sect of India, had its origin in the Punjab. Its centre is in the holy City of Aristae, where their sacred books are preserved and worshipped. The name Sikh signifies "disciple", and in later times the strict observants or elect were called the Khalsa. The founder of the sect, Nanak (now called Sri Guru Nanak Deva), a Hindu belonging to the Kshastrya caste, was born near Lahore in 1469 and died in 1539. Being from childhood of a religious turn of mind, he began to wander through various parts of India, and perhaps beyond it, and gradually matured a religious system which, revolting from the prevailing polytheism, ceremonialism, and caste-exclusiveness, took for its chief doctrines the oneness of God, salvation by faith and good works, and the equality and brotherhood of man. The new religion spread rapidly and, under the leadership of nine successive gurus or teachers soon became an active rival not only to the older Hinduism, but also the newer Mohammedanism of the reigning dynasties. The "disciples" were therefore somewhat ill-treated by the governing powers. This persecution only gave fresh determination to the sect, which gradually assumed a military character and took the name of Singhs or "champion warriors"; under Govind Sing, their tenth and last guru (b. 1660; d. 1708), who had been provoked by some severe ill-treatment of his family by the Moslem rulers, they began to wage active war on the Emperor of Delhi. But the struggle was unequal. The Sikhs were defeated and gradually driven back into the hills.
    [Show full text]