RELIGION, IDENTITY AND NATIONHOOD: The Sikh Militant Movement

Book Details

• Author: Paramjit S. Judge

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: Hindi

• Edition: 2005

• ISBN: 8170339499

• Pages: 286

• Cover: Hardcover

• Sale Territory: India

About the Book

The Sikh militant movement, which spanned over one and a half decades, led to significant loss of life both within and beyond the borders of Punjab. What began as a regional issue soon took on an international character, primarily due to the large presence of diaspora Sikhs in various parts of the Western world. In this profound analysis, the book delves into the speeches and messages of the movement's leaders, offering critical insights into its ideological roots.

The book argues that the discourse of the militant movement can be traced back to the construction of Sikhism in the latter half of the nineteenth century. The Singh Sabha movement, which sought to establish a singular religious identity, played a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of the Sikh community. By focusing on the creation of a distinct Sikh identity, the movement paved the way for fundamentalist ideologies and separatist discourse.

One of the central themes of the book is the marginalization of the composite religious tradition within Sikhism, which opened the door for the construction of Sikh nationhood. This process led to an effort to purge the community of syncretism, yet despite these attempts, the Sikh community continued to observe a composite religious tradition. However, the book notes that the presence of militant violence significantly diminished the space for inter-subjective, communitarian understanding and interaction.

An essential read for those interested in the history of Sikhism, social movements, and the intricate interplay between religion and politics, this book offers a critical examination of how the militant movement emerged and evolved, leaving a lasting impact on the Sikh community.