Radicalisation of public sentiment in Sikh society after 1947

Magdalena Cyran

doi:10.17951/k.2018.25.2.53-65

Abstract

In founding a new religious denomination – Sikhism – Guru Nanak in a way combine two rival religions – Hinduism and Islam. The tolerant nature of Sikhism garnered him many proponents, which contributed to the establishment of the Sikh Empire in the 19 th century. The empire flourished until it was overthrown by armed forces of the British Crown. After the departure of the British colonisers in 1947, the idea of creating a sovereign Sikh state called Khalistan arose in Punjab – the cradle of Sikhism in India. Gradually, the sentiments of large portion of the Sikh population became radicalised. A terrorist organisation, formed by Sikh fundamentalist Jarnail Bhindranwale and supported by many Sikhs, began persecuting the followers of other religions and fighting for the creation of a Sikh state in Punjab. The radicalisation of public sentiments among the Sikh population led to mass pogroms, a military operation in the Sikhs’ holy place and the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the prime minister of India.

Highlights

The division of British India in 1947 had a very strong impact on the area of the Punjab, which was located in the north-east of the colony
Particular attention will be paid to the activities of the central government of India in cooperating with the Sikh community and finding compromise solutions, as well as to actions by decision-makers to calm down the mood in the Punjab and to combat terrorist groups
The desire to have one’s own place in a newly established country is important. Another issue is the assistance given to the radicals by external actors, including Pakistan, which was in competition with India, and the wealthy Sikh diaspora

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The division of British India in 1947 had a very strong impact on the area of the Punjab, which was located in the north-east of the colony. It is mostly inhabited by Muslims and Hindus, the Sikhs are one of the most important religious groups in the area. MAGDALENA CYRAN had the greatest influence on the changes in attitudes among the members of this religious group. Particular attention will be paid to the activities of the central government of India in cooperating with the Sikh community and finding compromise solutions, as well as to actions by decision-makers to calm down the mood in the Punjab and to combat terrorist groups

DEVELOPMENT OF SIKHISM IN INDIA

DEVELOPMENT OF SIKH FUNDAMENTALISM

Findings

CONCLUSIONS