The Modern History of Sikhs [1947 - present]

Discover how the 1956 Regional Formula aimed to solve Punjab's language dilemma, leading to the state's division into Haryana and Punjab by 1966.

TARA SINGHNEHRU PACT refers to an understanding arrived at in 1959 between Master Tara Singh, the Akali leader, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister of India, in order to remove certain misgivings of the Sikhs with regard to government interference in their religious affairs. Looming in the background was the political demand of the Sikhs for the formation of Punjabi Suba or a Punjabi speaking state. After the failure of the Sachchar Formula and the halfhearted implementation of the Regional Scheme, the Shiromani Akali Dal under the leadership of Master Tara Singh had revived the Punjabi Suba agitation in 1958.

ANANDPUR SAHIB RESOLUTION, a frequently invoked document of modern Sikhism pronouncing its religious rule as well as its political goal. After having enjoyed power under chief ministers, Gurnam Singh and Parkash Singh Badal in the Punjab, newly demarcated in 1966, Sikhs as represented by their premier political party, the Shiromani Akali Dal, were able to capture only one seat at the elections to Indian Parliament (1971) from among the 13 which were Punjab`s portion. In the Punjab Assembly elections which took place in March 1972 their tally was a mere 24 seats out of a total of 117, and the Punjab Government passed into the hands of the Congress Party, with Giani Zail Singh (later, President of India) as chief minister.

NEHRU COMMITTEE REPORT AND THE SIKHS. Constitutional reforms introduced under the Government of India Act, 1919, did not satisfy the Indian public opinion which continued to press for a fully responsible government in India. The Act itself contained a provision that after ten years a statutory commission would be appointed to review its working. A commission consisting of seven members of British Parliament, with SirJohn Simon as chairman, was constituted in November 1927 to survey the political situation in India.

Discover how the demand for Pakistan's creation led to the historic Partition of Punjab in 1947, reshaping the future of India and its Muslim population.

Discover the global spread and historical journey of the Sikh population, primarily centered in Punjab, India, with a rich 500-year-old legacy.

Discover the pivotal role of the Punjab Boundary Commission in 1947's partition, shaping modern India and Pakistan under the guidance of Lord Mountbatten.

Explore the Punjabi Suba Movement, a Sikh-led agitation for a Punjabi-speaking state, highlighting its origins, challenges, and political negotiations.

Discover how the Radcliffe Award defined the boundary between Indian & Pakistani Punjab amidst the historic 1947 Partition, orchestrated by Sir Cyril Radcliffe.