Hindu-Sikh Relations
India’s independence brought about a radical change in the landscape of Hindu-Sikh relations. Sikhs had their origins in a shared history and cultural heritage, which made them an integral part of the Hindu social fabric. However, the seeds of separatism were planted during British rule, which resulted in separate paths and identities.
Though Guru Nanak preached the unity of God and a caste-free society, Sikhism was still tied to Hindu practices. Guru Arjan Dev created Adi Granth with Hindu names of God predominantly, thus making the lines between the two religions even more blurred. This synthesis was reflected in the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who showed reverence for both Sikh and Hindu practices.
The policies of the British, such as reservations for Khalsa Sikhs and divisive rhetoric from leaders like Swami Dayananda Saraswati fed into this nascent separatist sentiment. The Singh Sabha movement and the assertion of Sikh identity were a break from Hindu affiliations. The partition further aggravated the tension, and Sikhs suffered the most from displacement and loss.
Independence opened a new page in the history of Hindu-Sikh relations, which was characterized by changes in power and identity conflicts. The demand for a Sikh state gathered pace with the economic inequalities and desire for autonomy. The Punjabi Suba movement leading to the creation of a separate state represented the fulfillment of these desires.
However, the search for identity in Sikh society was not without its difficulties. The emergence of clean-shaven “mona” Sikhs made the distinction between Hindu and Sikh identity ambiguous, leading to self-reflection in the community. Sikh leaders highlighted the Khalsa tradition as a unique characteristic of being a Sikh, reclaiming cultural heritage in response to assimilation.
In this intricate terrain, people such as Kapur Singh and Pritam Singh Gill played significant roles in influencing perceptions and stories. Their rhetoric of victimhood and conspiracy helped the emergence of radical voices which finally resulted in an insurgency led by figures such as Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
The turbulent period of the rise of Bhindranwale further deepened the divide between Hindus and Sikhs, developing hatred and violence. The inflammatory rhetoric and actions of Bhindranwale that sought to create a divide between the two communities resulted in retaliatory attacks, which only further exacerbated tensions.
The final chapter of Bhindranwale’s reign of terror was the tragic Operation Blue Star, a disastrous military operation that resulted in countless deaths and desecrated holy sites. Even though Bhindranwale was killed, his martyrdom in the eyes of the Sikh masses continued to foster resentment against the government and Hindus which further widened communal cleavages.
The period after the assassination of Indira Gandhi was marked by the indiscriminate massacre of innocent Sikhs, which further widened the gap. Demand for an independent Sikh state, Khalistan received momentum due to resentment and disillusion with the existing order.
On the other hand, the Khalistan solution was not viable because of its lack of clear boundaries and communal ratios. The economic sustainability of a landlocked state that was dependent on agriculture remained questionable, and this posed serious challenges to its survival. In addition, the migration of Sikhs from Punjab to different parts of India created questions about what would happen with the diaspora in a divided country.
The next bloody and lawless decade saw the rise of terrorist groups, which were financed by external actors such as Pakistan’s ISI. The reign of terror caused immense suffering to the people of Punjab and resulted in mass migration and breakdowns of law and order.
Although Khalistan is no more, separatist feelings continue to persist among some Sikh groups. The recent controversies, like the adoption of the Nanak Shahi Calendar by SGPC, show that there are still divisions and grievances.
However, despite the difficulties, there is space for reconciliation and unity. The return of Punjab as an economic powerhouse and the restoration of law and order offers a ray of hope for better days ahead. To truly heal the wounds of the past, leaders from both communities should rise above divisive rhetoric and work towards creating an atmosphere where there is mutual respect.
The revival of the old relationship ‘naunh tay maas da rishta’ can help Hindus and Sikhs move towards an integrated brotherhood based on shared heritage as well as common aspirations. It is only through dialogue, understanding, and commitment to inclusivity that the wounds of history can be healed for a more peaceful coexistence.
- This article is based on the writing and opinions of renowned Sikh scholar and author Khushwant Singh. You can download the original article, its Punjabi and English translations from the link given below: