Re-imagining Sikhi (‘Sikhness’ ) in the Twenty-First Century: Toward a Paradigm Shift in Sikh Studies

Abstract

The early twenty first century continues to be a very exciting time for Sikh studies. This chapter examines the all-important question of whether there is any ‘uniformity’ in the actual observance of the Khalsa rahit throughout the panth . Or in other words, are we justified in applying such terms as ‘codified’, ‘monolithic’, ‘reified religion’ to understand the present day Sikh situation in the twenty-first century, particularly the Khalsa discipline? It describes the major challenges to the Singh Sabha’s abiding influence. There is a need to make a paradigm shift from the dominant Tat Khalsa interpretation of the Sikh tradition to a more inclusive approach, from a positivist and objectivist historical perspective to a more reflexive and interactive scholarship based upon multidisciplinary approach. Through this shift we can able to avoid the trap of ‘essentialism’ and re-imagine the colorful diversity of Sikh tradition in the twenty-first century at the global level. Keywords:paradigm shift; Sikh studies; Sikhism; Singh sabha; Tat khalsa