council

KHALSA CENTRAL COUNCIL, a society formed in Lahore in 1933 to safeguard the interests of the Sikhs, had a very short career. The occasion for the formation of the Council arose when Giani Sher Singh and Master Tara Singh, two prominent Sikh leaders of pre-partition Punjab, openly confronted each other soon after the announcement by the British government of the Communal Award (1932). The Sikhs deplored the Award as it did not meet their political aspirations.

Discover the historical impact of Khalsa Darbar, formed to challenge the 1932 Communal Award and safeguard Sikh interests in India.

Discover the pivotal role of Meva Singh Majithia in the Sikh army and his diplomatic efforts in Punjab during the 1840s.

Explore the impact of Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms on Sikh representation in India's legislative bodies. Discover key historical insights and developments.

Discover the legacy of Raghbir Singh Dugal, a remarkable Sikh leader and medical pioneer in Burma, known for his social work & community leadership.

Explore the legacy of Sardar Bahadur Sir Sundar Singh Majithia, a visionary statesman and reformer who championed Sikh rights and education.

Explore the impactful life of Tara Singh, a key figure in Sikh reforms and legislation, renowned for his efforts in the Sikh Gurdwaras Act 1925.

ANAND MARRIAGE ACT was passed in 1909 by the Imperial (i.e. GovernorGeneral`s) Legislative Council to establish legal "validity of the marriage ceremony common among the Sikhs called Anand." The origins of marriage by Anand ceremony go back to early Sikhism. The practice which somewhat lapsed during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was sought to be revived as part of the religious reform initiated by the Nirankari movement and followed up especially by the Singh Sabha.

BHARPUR SINGH, RAJA (1840-1863), born on 4 October 1840, replaced his father, Raja Devinder Singh, on the throne of Nabha state in January 1847 after he was removed by the British. During his minority, the state affairs were managed by his grandmother. Rani Chand Kaur. An enlightened ruler. Raja Bharpur Singh was a devout Sikh. He had a good knowledge of Persian, English, Punjabi and Hindi and wrote his orders with his own hand.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS OF 1919: SIKH DEPUTATION TO ENGLAND. In August 1917, the Secretary of State for India, Edwin Samuel Montagu, made the declaration that the aim of British policy was the introduction of responsible government in India. When Montagu visited India that autumn, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, ruler of Patiala, met him on behalf of the Sikhs. A deputation of the Sikh leaders also waited upon the Viceroy, Lord Chelmsford, on 22 November 1917 and pressed their claim to one-third representation in the Punjab, especially in view of their services in World War I. The Montagu Chelmsford report published in July 1918 proposed to extend to the Sikhs the system adopted in the case of Muslims in provinces where they were in a minority.

COUNCIL OF REGENCY. To govern the State of the Punjab during the minority of Maharaja Duleep Singh, two successive councils of regency were set up at Lahore the first functioning from 1844-46 and the second from 1846-49. After the assassination of Maharaja Sher Singh on 15 September 1843, Raja Hira Singh had won over the Khalsa army and established himself in the office of prime minister with the minor Duleep Singh as the new sovereign. But his rule was short lived, and he, along with his favourite and deputy, Pandit Jalla, was killed by the Army on 21 December 1844. MaharaniJind Kaur, who had an active hand in overthrowing Hira Singh, now cast off her veil and assumed full powers as regent in the name of her minor son, Duleep Singh.

Discover the remarkable life of Jodh Singh, a commandant and British ally who played a vital role in Sikhi's heritage management at the Golden Temple.