History

Singh Sabha Lehar

The Singh Sabha Lehar, also known as the Singh Sabha Movement, was a significant religious and social reform movement among the Sikh community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement aimed to rejuvenate and reform Sikhism, which had been facing a period of decline and external influences during the colonial rule of India. The term "Singh Sabha" translates to "Lion's Court" or "Assembly of the Lion," symbolizing courage and strength.

First Singh Sabha Movement (1873-1902):

1. Origins: The Singh Sabha movement was initiated in 1873 with the formation of the Amritsar Singh Sabha by leaders like Bhai Gurmukh Singh and Bhai Jawahar Singh. The primary goal was to counter the influence of colonialism and the proselytizing efforts of Christian missionaries among Sikhs.

2. Reform Efforts: The leaders of the first Singh Sabha worked to restore the Sikh faith to its pristine form. They emphasized the study of Sikh scripture, particularly the Guru Granth Sahib, and promoted Sikh values and ethics. They sought to eliminate unorthodox practices and rituals that had crept into Sikhism over the years.

3. Educational Initiatives: One of the major achievements of the first Singh Sabha was the establishment of Sikh educational institutions like Khalsa College in Amritsar (1892) and the Singh Sabha Movement was crucial in reviving Sikh education and culture.

Second Singh Sabha Movement (1902 onwards):

1. Expansion: The second Singh Sabha movement expanded upon the work of its predecessor and reached a wider audience. It spread to different parts of Punjab and beyond.

2. Publication and Media: This phase saw the publication of numerous religious and historical texts, including translations of the Guru Granth Sahib into various languages. Newspapers and journals were used to disseminate Sikh teachings and promote awareness among the Sikh community.

3. Social Reforms: The second Singh Sabha movement also addressed social issues within the Sikh community. It sought to eliminate caste-based discrimination, promote gender equality, and encourage Sikhs to lead a life in accordance with Sikh principles.

4. Political Involvement: Many leaders of the Singh Sabha movement played significant roles in the political sphere. They were involved in the Gurdwara Reform Movement, which aimed to free Sikh shrines from the control of hereditary custodians (mahants) and return them to the Sikh community.