Sikhs ਸਿੱਖ
The Nishan Sahib, flag of the Sikhs
Total population
25,000,000 (25 million)[1]
Regions with significant populations
India      19,215,730[2]Other significant population centers:
United Kingdom 336,179 [3]  Canada 278,400 [4]  United States 100,000 [5] East African Community 100,000  Malaysia 100,000 [6] Middle East 85,000  Italy 70,000 [7]  Thailand 70,000 [8]  Australia 50,000  Hong Kong 7,500  Bangladesh 23,300  Pakistan 20,000 [9]  Kuwait 20,000 [10]  France 10,000 [11]  Singapore 9,733 [12]  New Zealand 9,507 [13]  Belgium 5,000–6,000  Nepal 5,890 [14]  Germany 5,000 [15]  Greece 5,000  Fiji 4,674 [16]  Austria 2,794 [17]  Afghanistan 2,000 [18]  Japan 2,000  Ireland 1,200 [19]
Languages
Spoken & written script of holy Guru Granth Sahib: Written language of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is: Gurmukhi, Sahiskriti and Sant Bhasha[20] Spoken words: Punjabi, Bengali, Brij Bhasha and Persian[21] Predominant spoken languages: The vernacular language of the home nation in the Sikh diaspora, significantly including Punjabi, English, Hindi, Urdu, Swahili, Malaysian, and Thai
Religions
Sikhism
Footnotes
† Estimated figure as of 2004. The Nishan Sahib is a Sikh holy flag made of cotton or silk cloth and is generally triangular in shape Sikh (English or; ਸਿੱਖ sikkh, IPA) is the title and name given to an adherent of Sikhism. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The East African Community ( EAC) is an intergovernmental organisation comprising five east African countries For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and The Middle East is a Subcontinent with no clear boundaries often used as a synonym to Near East, in opposition to Far East. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest The Kingdom of Thailand (ˈtaɪlænd ราชอาณาจักรไทย, râːtɕʰa-ʔaːnaːtɕɑ̀k-tʰɑj For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Hong Kong ( officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China 's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders ( Bengali: বাংলাদেশ inc-Latn Bangladesh) officially Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and The State of Kuwait ( دولة الكويت IPA [dawlatt̪ alkuwajt̪]) is a sovereign Arab Emirate on the coast of the Persian Gulf, enclosed This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Singapore New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The Kingdom of Belgium is a Country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters as well as those Nepal (नेपाल) is a Landlocked country in South Asia. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Greece (Ελλάδα transliterated: Elláda, historically, Ellás,) officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία Fiji (Matanitu ko Viti फ़िजी officially the Republic of the Fiji Islands (Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti फ़िजी द्वीप समूह गणराज्य Austria (Österreich ( officially the Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich Afghanistan /æfˈgænɪstæn/ officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan ( Pashto: د افغانستان اسلامي جمهوریت, For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Ireland ( Irish: Éire, ˈeːrʲə is a country in north-western Europe. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji (ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ gurū granth sāhib) or Guru Granth Sahib, is the eleventh and eternal Guru of the Gurmukhī (ਗੁਰਮੁਖੀ Shahmukhi:) is the most common script used for writing the Punjabi language. Sant Bhasha (Sant Bhāṣā is a scriptural language related to both Punjabi and Hindi and used extensively across medieval northern India by proponents of popular Punjabi may refer to The Punjabi language of Pakistan and India Punjabi grammar List of Punjabi Brij Bhasha (ब्रज भाषा also called Braj Bhasha, Braj Bhakha, or Daihaati Zabaan (country tongue is a Central Indian language A spoken language is a human Natural language in which the Words are uttered through the Mouth. Vernacular refers to the Native language of a country or a locality Punjabi (pa ਪੰਜਾਬੀ in Gurmukhi script pa-PK {{Nastaliq پنجابی}} in Shahmukhi script Pañjābī in Transliteration) is an English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States Hindi ( Devanāgarī: hi [[wiktहिन्दी हिन्दी]] or hi [[wiktहिंदी हिंदी]] IAST:, IPA:) is Urdu ( ur '''{{Nastaliq اردو}}''' trans Urdū, historically spelled Ordu) is a Central Indo-Aryan language Urdu is a standardised Swahili (called Kiswahili in the language itself is the First language of the Swahili people (Waswahili who inhabit several large stretches The Malay language ( ISO 639-1 code MS is an Austronesian language spoken by the Malay people and people of other ethnic groups who reside in the Thai (th ภาษาไทย, transcription: phasa thai, transliteration:; pʰāːsǎːtʰāj is the national and Sikhism ( IPA: or; ਸਿੱਖੀ sikkhī, IPA:) founded on the teachings of Nanak and nine successive gurus in fifteenth century ‡ Indonesian law does not recognize Sikhism, thus Sikhs are not allowed to identify themselves as such on their identity cards or birth or marriage certificates, Sikhs are therefore registered as Hindu. A Hindu ( Devanagari: हिन्दू is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of Hinduism, a set of religious, Philosophical

Sikh (English: [siːk] or [sɪk]; Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖ, sikkh, IPA: ['sɪk. Sikhism ( IPA: or; ਸਿੱਖੀ sikkhī, IPA:) founded on the teachings of Nanak and nine successive gurus in fifteenth century The history of Sikhism is closely associated with the History of Punjab, the socio-political situation in medieval India, and the social structures and Simran and Seva: These are the Foundation of Sikhism. It is the duty of every Sikh to practise Naam Sikhism was established by Guru Nanak over the period of 1469 to 1708. Sikh Bhagats (ਭਗਤ from Sanskrit भक्त) refers to the saints and holy men of various faiths whose teachings are included in the Sikh holy book This article lists historical personalities who are important to the Sikh religion Mai Bhago (http//www The Sikh religious philosophy is covered in great detail in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy text Ek On Kar Sikhs believe there is only one God who has infinite qualities and names The Sikhs must believe in the following values Equality All humans are equal before God – No discrimination is allowed on the basis of caste race sex creed There are a number of religious prohibitions in Sikhism Cutting Hair Cutting hair is strictly forbidden in Sikhism Naam: Or Naam Japo. Free service ( Seva) meditation and prayer ( Simran) sacred music ( Kirtan) prod concern = This is not an encyclopedic topic This is a list of random unrelated facts about Sikhism Gurbani is the term used by Sikhs to refer to any compositions of the Gurus Sikh practices are simple precise and practical guidelines laid out by the Gurus for the practice of the "Sikh way of life" The principal Sikh scripture is the Adi Granth (First Scripture) more commonly called the Guru Granth Sahib. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji (ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ gurū granth sāhib) or Guru Granth Sahib, is the eleventh and eternal Guru of the Adi Granth (or Aad Granth, literally "the first book" is the early compilation of the Sikh Scriptures by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji the fifth The Dasven Patshah Da Granth (ਦਸਵੇ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਦਾ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ (book of the Tenth Emperor popularly known as Dasam Granth(ਦਸਮ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ This list is of topics related to Sikhs and Sikhism. Sikhism:CategorySikhism Sikhism Sikh Amritsar Punjabi (pa ਪੰਜਾਬੀ in Gurmukhi script pa-PK {{Nastaliq پنجابی}} in Shahmukhi script Pañjābī in Transliteration) is an kʰ]) is the title and name given to an adherent of Sikhism. Sikhism ( IPA: or; ਸਿੱਖੀ sikkhī, IPA:) founded on the teachings of Nanak and nine successive gurus in fifteenth century The term has its origin in the Sanskrit "shishya", which means disciple or learner. Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Many male Sikhs can easily be recognized by their turbans, beards, or steel bracelets on their right wrists. For the village in Azerbaijan see Dəstər; for the United States Supreme Court case see Dastar Corp Kara (or Kada or Karra) is an iron Bangle, worn by both male and female baptized Sikhs It is one of the five Kakars &ndash Steel bracelets are also worn by Sikh women. ^[22]

The evolution of Sikhs began with the emergence of Guru Nanak as a religious leader and a social reformer during the fifteenth century in Punjab. Guru Nanak Dev (ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ (गुरु नानक گرونانک Gurū Nānak ( 15 april 1469, Nankana Sahib Punjab ( ਪੰਜਾਬ پنجاب, पंजाब پنجاب also Panjab (پنجاب meaning "Land of the Five Rivers") (c Their identity was formalised and weilded into uniform practise by Guru Gobind Singh on March 30, 1699. Guru Gobind Singh (ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ gʊɾu gobɪn̪d̪ sɪ́ŋg ( December 22, 1666 &ndash 7 October, 1708) was Events 240 BC - 1st recorded Perihelion passage of Halley's Comet. The Latter baptised five persons from different social backgrounds to form the social brotherhood of the Khalsa. For the village in Azerbaijan see Xəlsə. Khalsa ( Punjabi: pa ਖਾਲਸਾ literally "Pure" refers to the collective The first five, Pure Ones, then baptised Gobind Singh into the Khalsa fold. The Panj Piare (ਪੰਜ ਪਿਆਰੇ Pañj Pi'ārē, literally the five beloved ones) name given to the five Sikhs Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam ^[23]

The Sikhs established a nation, under Ranjit Singh, in the nineteenth century in which they were preeminent. A nation is a Human Cultural and Social Community. In as much as most members never meet each other yet feel a common bond it may be considered Maharaja Ranjit Singh (ਮਹਾਰਾਜਾ ਰਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ also called "Sher-e-Punjab" ("The Lion of the Punjab" (1780-1839 was a The 19th century of the Common Era began on January 1, 1801 and ended on December 31, 1900, according to the Gregorian calendar They were known for their military prowess, administrative capabilties, economic productivity and their adaptability to modern western technology and administration. A military is an Organization authorized by its Nation to use force usually including use of Weapons in defending its Country (or by attacking ^[24]

The Sikhs comprise about two percent of India's billion population. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country In Biology a population is the collection of inter-breeding organisms of a particular Species; in Sociology The greater Punjab region is the historic homeland of Sikhism. Punjab ( ਪੰਜਾਬ پنجاب, पंजाब پنجاب also Panjab (پنجاب meaning "Land of the Five Rivers") (c Most Sikhs are from the Punjabi people and now come from the Punjab region of India, although significant communities exist around the world. The Punjabi people ( Punjabi: ਪੰਜਾਬੀ پنجابی also Panjabi people) are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group from South Asia. Punjab (ਪੰਜਾਬ पंजाब pəɲdʒaːb is a state in northwest India.

Philosophy

Main articles: Sikhism and Sikh Gurus

The core philosophy of the Sikh religion can be understood in the beginning hymn of the holy Guru Granth Sahib,

Guru Nanak, the founder of the faith, summed up the basis of Sikh lifestyle in three requirements: Naam Japo, Kirat Karni and Wand kay Shako, which means meditate on the holy name (Waheguru), work diligently and honestly and share one's fruits. Guru Nanak Dev (ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ (गुरु नानक گرونانک Gurū Nānak ( 15 april 1469, Nankana Sahib Nām Japō ( Gurmukhi ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ refers to the Meditation, vocal singing of Hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib or of the various Kirat Karō is one of three primary pillars of Sikhism the others being Naam Japo and Wand kay Shako. In Sikhism, Vaṇḍ Chakkō (ਵੰਡ ਛੱਕੋ is one of the three main pillars of the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Waheguru (ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ vāhigurū or pa ਵਾਹਗੁਰੂ vāhgurū; also transliterated Vahiguru)It is the term used in Sikhism ^[26]

The Sikhs revere Guru Granth Sahib as their supreme teacher, as it is a literal transcript of the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji (ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ gurū granth sāhib) or Guru Granth Sahib, is the eleventh and eternal Guru of the The tenth Guru appointed Guru Granth Sahib as his successor. Guru Gobind Singh (ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ gʊɾu gobɪn̪d̪ sɪ́ŋg ( December 22, 1666 &ndash 7 October, 1708) was Compiled by the Sikh Gurus, and maintained in its original form, Sikhs revere Guru Granth Sahib as their supreme guide. Non-Sikhs can partake fully in Sikh prayer meetings and social functions. Their daily prayers include the well being of whole mankind. ^[27]

The concept of saint-soldier is a unique feature of Sikhism. Every Sikh is required to aspire to sainthood by his devotion to God and service to mankind, but also, according to the situation, to adopt the role of the soldier. A Sikh is also commanded, if necessary and circumstances allow, to lay his or her life down to protect the poor and weak, regardless of race, religion, sex or creed. Poor is an Adjective related to a state of Poverty, low Quality or Pity. The Sikhs look at the martyrdom of the 9th Guru for trying to protect Hindus from religious persecution, in Delhi, on 11 November 1675 AD, as an example to be followed. The term martyr ( Greek μάρτυς martys "witness" is most commonly used today to describe an individual who sacrifices their life (or personal freedom Guru Tegh Bahadur ( 1 April 1621 – 11 November 1675) became the 9th Guru of Sikhism on A Hindu ( Devanagari: हिन्दू is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of Hinduism, a set of religious, Philosophical Delhi (दिल्ली ਦਿੱਲੀ دلی d̪ɪlːiː sometimes referred to as Dilli) is the second largest metropolis of India, with a population ^[28]

Sikhs are required not to renounce the world,^[29] and aspire to live a modest life. Seva (service) is an integral part of Sikh worship, very easily observed in the Gurdwara. Visitors of any religious or socio-economic background are welcomed, where Langar (food for all) is always served. Langar may refer to Langar (Sikhism British Parachute Schools - Langar - parachuting drop zone Langar Nottinghamshire

The Sikhs also revere Bhaktas or Saints belonging to different social backgrounds. The work of these Bhagats is collected in Guru Granth Sahib, and is known as Bhagat-Bani (sacred word of bhagat) as against work of Sikh Gurus being known as Gur-Bani (sacred word of guru). Sikh Bhagats (ਭਗਤ from Sanskrit भक्त) refers to the saints and holy men of various faiths whose teachings are included in the Sikh holy book

People revered by Sikhs also include:^[30]

• Bhai Mardana: (One of the first followers and lifelong companion of Guru Nanak)
• Bhai Bala:(One of the first followers and lifelong companion of Guru Nanak)
• Baba Buddha: (Sikh saint, held the position of high Granthi in the Sikh religion)
• Baba Banda Singh Bahadur: (Fought and Defeated Mughal Governor of Punjab Wazir Khan and established Sikh force in Punjab)
• Baba Deep Singh: (Sikh saint, defended Golden Temple with his head in his hand)
• Bhai Mani Singh(Sikh Scholar, compiled the Dasam Granth)
• Bhai Taru Singh (Was a great patron of the poor)
• Bhai Gurdas (Known for his interpretation of bani)

Early Sikh Scholars included Bhai Vir Singh and Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha

Five Ks

Main articles: Khalsa and Sahajdhari

Kanga, Kara and Kirpan - three of the five articles of faith endowed to the Sikhs. Bhai Mardana (1459-1534 was the first follower and companion of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev (ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ (गुरु नानक گرونانک Gurū Nānak ( 15 april 1469, Nankana Sahib Bhai Bala, (1466 - 1544 AD Born in Talvandi Rai Bhoi now called Nankana Sahib in Pakistan. Guru Nanak Dev (ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ (गुरु नानक گرونانک Gurū Nānak ( 15 april 1469, Nankana Sahib Baba Buddha, was one of closest companions of the guru Nanak (the first Guru of Sikhism and is one of the most revered and sacred saints in Sikhism. Granthi (literal meaning "the keeper and the reader of the Sikh scripture") is a person of either gender who performs the reading of the Guru Granth Sahib Baba Banda Singh Bahadur (1670-1716 (Lachhman Dev was a Sikh warrior known for his struggle against the Mughal Empire in the Baba Deep Singh (1682-1757 is revered as one of the most hallowed martyrs in Sikh history Bhai Mani Singh, a great Sikh personality of eighteenth century occupies a very esteemed position in Sikh history The Dasven Patshah Da Granth (ਦਸਵੇ ਪਾਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਦਾ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ (book of the Tenth Emperor popularly known as Dasam Granth(ਦਸਮ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ Bhai Taru Singh (born c 1720 died 1745 was a Sikh Martyr. Biography Born in Punjab during the Bhai Gurdas ( 1551 - 25 August 1636) was a Punjabi Sikh writer historian missionary and religious figure Bhai Vir Singh ( December 5, 1872, Amritsar, - June 10, 1957, Amritsar was a poet scholar and theologian and a major figure in the Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha (ਭਾਈ ਕਾਨ੍ਹ ਸਿਂਘ ਨਾਭਾ)( August 30, 1861 - November 24, 1938) was a Sikh scholar For the village in Azerbaijan see Xəlsə. Khalsa ( Punjabi: pa ਖਾਲਸਾ literally "Pure" refers to the collective Sahajdhari is a slow-adopter non-baptized Sikh who believes in all the tenets of Sikhism and the teaching of the Sikh Gurus. The Sikhs were commanded by Guru Gobind Singh at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699 to wear a small comb called a Kanga at all times Kara (or Kada or Karra) is an iron Bangle, worn by both male and female baptized Sikhs It is one of the five Kakars &ndash The Kirpan (kɪrˈpɑn (ਕਿਰਪਾਨ kirpān) is a ceremonial sword or dagger that must be worn by all baptised Sikhs ( Khalsa) after

The Five Ks, or panj kakaar/kakke, are five articles of faith that all baptized Sikhs (Khalsa) are required to wear at all times, as commanded by the tenth Sikh Guru, who so ordered on the day of Baisakhi Amrit Sanskar in 1699. For the village in Azerbaijan see Xəlsə. Khalsa ( Punjabi: pa ਖਾਲਸਾ literally "Pure" refers to the collective Guru Gobind Singh (ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ gʊɾu gobɪn̪d̪ sɪ́ŋg ( December 22, 1666 &ndash 7 October, 1708) was Vaisakhi (ਵਸਾਖੀ vaisākhī, also known as Baisakhi) is an ancient Harvest festival in Punjab, which also marks beginning of Amrit Sanskar or Amrit Sanchar or the Amrit ceremony is the Sikh ceremony of initiation or baptism The symbols are worn for identification and representation of the ideals of Sikhism, such as honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on God, and never bowing to tyranny. ^[31]

The five symbols are:-

• Kesh (uncut hair)
• Kanga (wooden comb)
• Kaccha (specially-designed underwear)
• Kara (Iron bracelet)
• Kirpan (strapped sword). "Five K" can also refer to a five-kilometer distance in long-distance running or other sports In Sikhism, Kesh (sometimes Kes) is the practice of allowing one's hair to grow naturally as a symbol of respect for the perfection of God's creation The Sikhs were commanded by Guru Gobind Singh at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699 to wear a small comb called a Kanga at all times Kachera/Kaccha ( Punjabi: ਕਛ are an undergarment which looks similar to boxer shorts Kara (or Kada or Karra) is an iron Bangle, worn by both male and female baptized Sikhs It is one of the five Kakars &ndash The Kirpan (kɪrˈpɑn (ਕਿਰਪਾਨ kirpān) is a ceremonial sword or dagger that must be worn by all baptised Sikhs ( Khalsa) after

History

Main article: History of Sikhism

A Sikh Empire warrior's battle helmet

Essentially Sikh history, with respect to Sikhs as a distinct political body, can be said to have began with the martyrdom of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev in 1606. The history of Sikhism is closely associated with the History of Punjab, the socio-political situation in medieval India, and the social structures and Guru Arjan Dev Ji or Guru Arjun Dev Ji (ਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜੁਨ ਦੇਵ (born in Amritsar, Punjab, India on 15 April, Sikh distinction was further enhanced by the establishment of the Sikh 'Pure' brotherhood or Khalsa (ਖਾਲਸਾ), by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. For the village in Azerbaijan see Xəlsə. Khalsa ( Punjabi: pa ਖਾਲਸਾ literally "Pure" refers to the collective Gobind Singh VC ( 7 December 1887 - 9 December 1942) was an Indian recipient of the Victoria Cross, ^[32] This gives the Sikhs, as an organized political grouping, a history of around 400 years.

Generally Sikhs have had amicable relations with other religious communities. However, during the Islamic conquest of India (1556–1707), prominent Sikh Gurus were martyred by the ruling Mughals for opposing the Mughul's persecution of non-Islamic religious communities. For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation. Sikhism was established by Guru Nanak over the period of 1469 to 1708. The Mughal Empire ( Persian and self-designation گورکانی; مغلیہ سلطنت) was an Islamic imperial power which ruled most ^[33] Subsequently, the Sikhs militarized to oppose Islamic hegemony. Militarism is the belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or The emergence of the Sikh Empire under reign of the Sikh Maharajah Ranjit Singh was characterized by religious tolerance and pluralism with Christians, Muslims and Hindus in positions of power. The Sikh Confederacy was a nation that existed from 1716 to 1799 Maharaja Ranjit Singh (ਮਹਾਰਾਜਾ ਰਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ also called "Sher-e-Punjab" ("The Lion of the Punjab" (1780-1839 was a Religious pluralism (rel Comparative religion) is a loosely defined expression concerning acceptance of different Religions and is used in a number of related The establishment of the Sikh Empire is commonly considered the zenith of Sikh political sovereignty,^[34] during this time the Sikh Empire came to include Kashmir, Ladakh, and Peshawar. The Sikh Confederacy was a nation that existed from 1716 to 1799 The Sikh Confederacy was a nation that existed from 1716 to 1799 This article is about the geographical region of greater Kashmir Ladakh ( Ladakhi lad̪ɑks लदाख لدّاخ "land of high passes" is a region in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir between ( پښور; Urdu: پشاور) is the capital of the North-West Frontier Province and the administrative centre for the Federally Administered The Empire's secular administration integrated innovative military, economic and governmental reforms also influenced by the Nepoleonic model. The Sikh Confederacy was a nation that existed from 1716 to 1799 The Napoleonic Code, or Code Napoléon (originally called the Code civil des Français) is the French Civil code, established under Culturally amongst the achievements of the Empire was the establishment of the Imam Bakhsh Lahori school of painting, the discovery of Gandhara art, and the exploration of the Himalayas. Greco-Buddhist art is the artistic manifestation of Greco-Buddhism, a cultural Syncretism between the Classical Greek culture and Buddhism ^[34]

A Sikh Empire war medal

The months leading up to the partition India in 1947, saw heavy conflict in the Punjab between Sikh and Muslim, which saw the effective ethnic cleansing of Sikhs from West Punjab which mirrored a similar ethnic cleansing of Muslims in East Punjab. Punjab ( ਪੰਜਾਬ پنجاب, पंजाब پنجاب also Panjab (پنجاب meaning "Land of the Five Rivers") (c The Punjab ( Urdu:) province of Punjab (ਪੰਜਾਬ पंजाब pəɲdʒaːb is a state in northwest India. ^[35]

The 1960s saw growing animosity and rioting between Sikhs and Hindus in India,^[36] as the Sikhs agitated for the creation of a Sikh majority state, an undertaking which was promised to the Sikh leader Master Tara Singh by Nehru in return for Sikh political support during the negotiations for Indian Independence. Master Tara Singh Malhotra ( 24 June, 1885, Rawalpindi, Punjab - 22 November, Jawaharlal Nehru (जवाहरलाल नेहरू ʤəʋäɦəɾläl nɛɦɾu (14 November 1889 27 May 1964 was a major political leader of the Congress Party India 's Independence Day is celebrated on August 15 to commemorate its independence from the British rule and its birth as a Sovereign nation ^[37] Sikhs obtained the Sikh majority state of Punjab on November 1, 1966. Punjab (ਪੰਜਾਬ पंजाब pəɲdʒaːb is a state in northwest India. Events 996 - Emperor Otto III issues a deed to Gottschalk Bishop of Freising which is the oldest known document using the name Ostarrîchi Year 1966 ( MCMLXVI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the 1966 Gregorian calendar.

Communal tensions between Sikhs and Hindus arose again in the late 1970s, fueled by Sikh claims of discrimination and marginalization by the Hindu dominated Indian National Congress ruling party and the "dictatorial" tactics adopted the then Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Indian National Congress-I (also known as the Congress Party and abbreviated INC) is a major Political party in India. Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi ( Indirā Priyadarśinī Gāndhī) ( Née: Nehru (19 November 1917 - 31 October 1984 was the Prime Minister of the ^[38] Frank^[38] argues that Gandhi's assumption of emergency powers in 1975 resulted in the weakening of the "legitimate and impartial machinery of government" and her increasing "paranoia" of opposing political groups led her to instigate a "despotic policy of playing castes, religions and political groups against each other for political advantage". Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi ( Indirā Priyadarśinī Gāndhī) ( Née: Nehru (19 November 1917 - 31 October 1984 was the Prime Minister of the As a reaction against these actions came the emergence of the Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale who vocalized Sikh sentiment for justice and advocated the creation of a Sikh homeland, Khalistan. Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale (ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵਾਲੇ ʤəɾnɛl sɪ́ŋg pɪ̀ɳɖɾɑnʋɑɺ̡e (February 12 1947 &ndash June 6 1984 was Khālistān (ਖਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ official title Sikh Republic of Khalistan or the Holy Sikh Kingdom of Khalistan, was the name given by Jagjit Singh This accelerated Punjab into a state of communal violence. ^[39] Gandhi's 1984 action to defeat Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale led to desecration of the Golden Temple in Operation Bluestar and ultimately led to Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi ( Indirā Priyadarśinī Gāndhī) ( Née: Nehru (19 November 1917 - 31 October 1984 was the Prime Minister of the Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale (ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵਾਲੇ ʤəɾnɛl sɪ́ŋg pɪ̀ɳɖɾɑnʋɑɺ̡e (February 12 1947 &ndash June 6 1984 was Operation Blue Star ( ਬਿਲਯੂ ਸਟਾਰ, बिल्यू स्टार) ( June 3 to June 6, 1984) was an Indian military operation ^[39]

The Golden Temple is one of the oldest Sikh Gurudwara and houses Akal Takht

This resulted in an explosion of violence against the Sikh community in the Anti Sikh Riots which resulted in the massacre of thousands of Sikhs throughout India; Khushwant Singh described the actions as being a Sikh pogrom in which he "felt like a refugee in my country. The Takht Sri Darbar Sahib Akal Takht (ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖ਼ਤ əkɑl t̪əxt̪ literally means The Seat (Throne of the Timeless One or Seat (Throne of God The 1984 Anti-Sikh massacre took place in India after the assassination of Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984. Khushwant Singh (ਖ਼ੁਸ਼ਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ xʊʃʋən̪t̪ sɪ́ŋg born 2 February, 1915 in Hadali, Punjab, which now lies in A pogrom is a form of Riot directed against a particular group whether ethnic religious or other and characterized by destruction of their Homes Businesses In fact, I felt like a Jew in Nazi Germany". ^[40] Since 1984, relations between Sikhs and Hindus have reached a rapprochement helped by growing economic prosperity; however in 2002 the claims of the popular right-wing Hindu organization the RSS, that "Sikhs are Hindus" angered Sikh sensibilities. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ National Volunteers' Organisation) also known as the Sangh or ^[41] Many Sikhs still are campaigning for justice for victims of the violence and the political and economic needs of the Punjab espoused in the Khalistan movement. The Khalistan movement is a movement in Indian Punjab to create "The Land of the Pure" as an independent Sikh state in all Punjabi -speaking

In 1996 the Special Rapporteur for the Commission on Human Rights on freedom of religion or belief, Abdelfattah Amor (Tunisia, 1993–2004), visited India in order to compose a report on religious discrimination. Special Rapporteur is a title given to individuals working on behalf of various regional and International organizations who bear specific mandates to investigate monitor and A Human Rights Commission is a body set up to investigate and protect Human rights. In 1997,^[42] Amor concluded, "it appears that the situation of the Sikhs in the religious field is satisfactory, but that difficulties are arising in the political (foreign interference, terrorism, etc. ), economic (in particular with regard to sharing of water supplies) and even occupational fields. Information received from nongovernment (sic)sources indicates that discrimination does exist in certain sectors of the public administration; examples include the decline in the number of Sikhs in the police force and the absence of Sikhs in personal bodyguard units since the murder of Indira Gandhi". ^[43]

Distribution

Main article: Sikh diaspora

Chart showing India's total Sikh population and their percentage of the total Indian population. The Sikh diaspora is a relatively recent term used to describe the phenomenon of Sikh migration from the traditional The Demographics of India are overall remarkably diverse India's population of approximately 1

Numbering approximately 23 million worldwide, Sikhs make up 0. 39%^[44] of the world population of which approximately 83% live in India. Of the Indian Sikh community 14. 6 million, i. e. 76% of all Indian Sikhs, live in the northern Indian State of Punjab (India), where they form a majority 59. Punjab (ਪੰਜਾਬ पंजाब pəɲdʒaːb is a state in northwest India. 9% of the population. Substantial communities of Sikhs, i. e. greater than 200,000, live in the Indian States/Union territories of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttaranchal and Jammu and Kashmir. Haryana (हरियाणा Punjabi: ਹਰਿਆਣਾ hərɪjaːɳaː is a state in northern India. Rājasthān ( Devanāgarī: राजस्थान raːdʒəst̪ʰaːn is the largest state of the Republic of India in terms of area Uttar Pradesh (उत्तर प्रदेश اتر پردیش pronounced, Translation: Northern Province) referred to as '''U Delhi (दिल्ली ਦਿੱਲੀ دلی d̪ɪlːiː sometimes referred to as Dilli) is the second largest metropolis of India, with a population Maharashtra ( Marathi: mahārāṣṭra, IPA) is a state located on the western coast of India. Uttarakhand ( Hindi: उत्तराखण्ड or उत्तराखंड Uttar + Akhand i ( Dogri: जम्मू और कश्मीर Urdu: جموں و کشمیر is the northernmost state of India. ^[45]

Sikh migration from the then British India began in earnest from the 2nd half of the 19th century when the British had completed their annexation of the Punjab. For usage see British rule in India British Raj ( rāj, lit "reign" in Hindustani) primarily refers to the British Punjab ( ਪੰਜਾਬ پنجاب, पंजाब پنجاب also Panjab (پنجاب meaning "Land of the Five Rivers") (c ^[35] The British Raj preferentially recruited Sikhs in the Indian Civil Service and, in particular, the British Indian Army, which led to migration of Sikhs to different parts of British India and the British Empire. For usage see British rule in India British Raj ( rāj, lit "reign" in Hindustani) primarily refers to the British The Indian Civil Service, popularly known by its acronym ICS, originated as the elite Civil service of the Indian Government under British colonial See Indian Army for the post-independence (and post- partition) army of the Republic of India. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country The British Empire was the largest empire in history and for over a century was the foremost global power. ^[35] During the era of the British Raj, semiskilled Sikh artisans were also transported from the Punjab to British East Africa to help in the building of railways. For usage see British rule in India British Raj ( rāj, lit "reign" in Hindustani) primarily refers to the British East Africa is the Easternmost Region of the African Continent. After World War II, Sikhs emigrated from both India and Pakistan, most going to the United Kingdom but many also headed for North America. According to the 2001 census there are 336000 Sikhs in the United Kingdom Some of the Sikhs who had settled in eastern Africa were expelled by Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 1972. Idi Amin Dada (mid 1920s &ndash 16 August 2003 commonly known as Idi Amin, was a Ugandan military dictator and the President of Uganda ^[46] Subsequently the main 'push' factor for Sikh migration has been economic with significant Sikh communities now being found in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Malaysia, East Africa, Australasia and Thailand. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The United States of America —commonly referred to as the For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and East Africa is the Easternmost Region of the African Continent. Australasia is a Region of Oceania: New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and neighbouring Islands in the Pacific The Kingdom of Thailand (ˈtaɪlænd ราชอาณาจักรไทย, râːtɕʰa-ʔaːnaːtɕɑ̀k-tʰɑj

Map showing world Sikh population areas and historical migration patterns (Est. 2004). ^[47]

Whilst the rate of Sikh migration from the Punjab has remained high, traditional patterns of Sikh migration, that favored English speaking countries, particularly the United Kingdom has changed in the past decade due to factors such as stricter immigration procedures. Punjab (ਪੰਜਾਬ पंजाब pəɲdʒaːb is a state in northwest India. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Moliner(2006)^[48] states that as a consequence of the 'fact' that Sikh migration to the UK had "become virtually impossible since the late 1970s", Sikh migration patterns altered to continental Europe. Italy has now emerged as a fast growing area for Sikh migration,^[49] with Reggio Emilia and the Vicenza province being areas of significant Sikh population clusters. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest For the city in the southern Italy See Reggio Calabria. For the basketball club "Bipop Carire Reggio Emilia" see Pallacanestro Reggiana. Vicenza, a city in northern Italy, is the capital of the eponymous province in the Veneto region at the northern base of the Monte Berico ^[50] The Italian Sikhs are generally involved in areas of agriculture, agro-processing, machine tools and horticulture. Agriculture refers to the production of goods through the growing of plants and fungi and the raising of domesticated Animals The study of agriculture Horticulture is the art and science of plant cultivation Horticulturists (or horticuluralists) work and conduct research in the fields of Plant propagation ^[51]

Due primarily to socio-economic reasons, Indian Sikhs have the lowest adjusted decadal growth rate of any major religious group in India, at 16. Socioeconomics or socio-economics is the study of the relationship between economic activity and Social life. 9% per decade (est. 1991–2001). ^[52] Johnson and Barrett(2004) estimate that the global Sikh population increases annually by 392,633 Sikhs, i. e. by 1. 7% p. a. on 2004 figures,^[47] this growth rate takes into account factors such as births, deaths and conversions.

Representation

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh shakes hands with U. Manmohan Singh (ਮਨਮੋਹਨ ਸਿੰਘ (born 26 September 1932 is the 17th S. Vice President Dick Cheney after delivering a speech to the Joint session of the United States Congress as Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert looks on. Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney (born January 30 1941 is the forty-sixth and current Vice President of the United States. Joint sessions of the United States Congress are the gatherings together of both houses of the United States Congress (the House of Representatives See also Illinois's 14th congressional district special election 2008 John Dennis "Denny" Hastert (born January 2, 1942) is an

Sikhs are represented in Indian politics, with the current Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and the Deputy Chairman of the Indian Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, all hailing from the community. Manmohan Singh (ਮਨਮੋਹਨ ਸਿੰਘ (born 26 September 1932 is the 17th The Planning Commission is an institution in the Government of India, which formulates India's Five-Year Plans, among other functions Montek Singh Ahluwalia (born November 24, 1943) has been a key figure in India 's economic reforms from the early 1980s onwards The current Chief-minister of Punjab, Parkash Singh Badal, is a Sikh. Parkash Singh Badal MLA (born August 12, 1927, in Abul Khurana Punjab Past Sikh politicians in India have included Dr. Gurdial Singh Dhillon, Speaker of the Parliament of India. Dr Gurdial Singh Dhillon ( August 6, 1915 - March 23, 1992) was a Punjabi politician belonging to Indian National Congress The Parliament of India (or Sansad) is the federal and supreme Legislative body of India. Pratap Singh Kairon, Union minister, famous Sikh Indian independence movement leader and former Chief-minister of Punjab (India). Pratap Singh Kairon (1901–1965 was the Chief Minister of the Punjab province (then comprising Punjab Haryana and Himachal Pradesh) and is widely acknowledged The term " Indian independence movement " is diffuse incorporating various national and regional campaigns agitations and efforts of both Nonviolent and Militant Chief Minister in India is the elected Head of government at the level of States, and is vested with most of the executive powers

Prominent politicians of the Sikh Diaspora include the first Asian American to be elected as a full voting Member of United States Congress Dalip Singh Saund,^[53] the former mayoress of Dunedin Sukhi Turner, the current UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Parmjit Dhanda MP^[54] and the Canadian Shadow Social Development Minister Ruby Dhalla MP. Asian Americans are Americans of Asian ancestry. They include sub-ethnic groups such as Chinese Americans Filipino Americans Indian The United States Congress is the bicameral Legislature of the federal government of the United States of America, consisting of two houses Dalip Singh Saund ( September 20, 1899 – April 22, 1973) was a member of the United States House of Representatives. Dunedin (dəˈneɪdɪn) Ōtepoti in Maori is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the region of Sukhinder (Sukhi Gill Turner, DCNZM (born 1952) was the Mayor of Dunedin, New Zealand, from 1995 until her retirement Parmjit Singh Dhanda (born September 17, 1971) is a British Labour Party Politician. Ruby Dhalla (born February 18, 1974) is a Canadian politician Vic Dhillon, is a famous Sikh Canadian politician and current member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Vic Dhillon (born 1969 is a Politician in Ontario, Canada. He is a current member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page A politician (from Greek " Polis " is an individual who is involved in influencing public decision making through the influence of Politics or a person See also Politics of Ontario The Legislative Assembly of Ontario (also known as Ontario Legislative Assembly or OntLA) is the Legislature

The Sikh Regiment Battle Insignia

Sikhs make up 10–15% of all ranks in the Indian Army and 20% of its officers,^[55] whilst Sikhs only forming 1. The Sikh Regiment is Regiment of the Indian Army. The Sikh Regimental Centre is presently located in Ramgarh Cantonment, 30 km from the Ranchi Insignia (the plural of Latin insigne: emblem symbol is a Symbol or Token of personal power, Status or Office The Indian Army (Bharatiya Thalsena भारतीय थाल्सेना is one of the armed forces of India and has the responsibility for land-based 87% of the Indian population, which makes them over 10 times more likely to be a soldier and officer in the Indian Army than the average Indian. ^[56] Sikh men in India are commonly referred to with the title of Sardar, which means commander in Persian and is a sign of military authority. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Sardar ( Persian: سردار) (Sɐrdar is a title of Persian origin used for military or political leaders In Politics, authority ( Latin Auctoritas, used in Roman law as opposed to Potestas and Imperium The Sikh Regiment is the highest decorated regiment of the Indian Army,^[57] with 73 Battle Honours, 14 Victoria Crosses,^[58] 21 first class Indian Order of Merit (equivalent to the Victoria Cross),^[59] 15 Theatre Honours and 5 COAS Unit Citations besides 2 Param Vir Chakras, 14 Maha Vir Chakras, 5 Kirti Chakras, 67 Vir Chakras and 1596 other gallantry awards. The Sikh Regiment is Regiment of the Indian Army. The Sikh Regimental Centre is presently located in Ramgarh Cantonment, 30 km from the Ranchi A regiment is a Military unit, composed of a variable number of Battalions – commanded by a Colonel. The Indian Army (Bharatiya Thalsena भारतीय थाल्सेना is one of the armed forces of India and has the responsibility for land-based A battle honour is a military tradition practised in the Commonwealth countries of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand See below the section "Separate Commonwealth awards" Note that since History The medal was first introduced by the East India Company in 1837 The Param Vir Chakra (PVC is India 's highest Military decoration awarded for the highest degree of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy similar The Maha Vira Chakra (MVC is the second highest military decoration in India and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy whether Kirti Chakra is an Indian Military decoration awarded for valor courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the field of Vira Chakra is an Indian gallantry award presented for acts of bravery in the Battlefield.

Photo of Marshal of the Air Force of India Arjan Singh

The highest-ranking General in the history of the Indian Air Force is a Sikh Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh. Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC (15 April 1919- is the only officer of the Indian Air Force to be promoted to Five star rank Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC (15 April 1919- is the only officer of the Indian Air Force to be promoted to Five star rank ^[60] Advanced plans by the MOD to raise an Infantry UK Sikh Regiment were scrapped in June 2007 to the disappointment of the UK Sikh community and Prince Charles of Britain. The Ministry of Defence ( MoD) is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and is the headquarters The Infantry is the oldest and most numerous of the Combat Arms in the Armed forces, and consists The Sikh Regiment is Regiment of the Indian Army. The Sikh Regimental Centre is presently located in Ramgarh Cantonment, 30 km from the Ranchi ^[61]

Historically, most Indians have been farmers and even today (two-thirds) 66% of Indians are farmers. ^[62] Indian Sikhs are no different and have been predominately employed in the agro-business, India's 2001 census found that 39% of the working population of Punjab were employed in this sector (less than the Indian average). Agriculture refers to the production of goods through the growing of plants and fungi and the raising of domesticated Animals The study of agriculture ^[63] The success, in the 1960s, of the Green Revolution, in which India went from "famine to plenty, from humiliation to dignity",^[64] was based in the Sikh majority state of Punjab which became known as "the breadbasket of India". The Green Revolution refers to the transformation of Agriculture that began in 1945 at the request of the Mexican government to establish an agricultural research station to ^[65][66] The Sikh majority state of Punjab is also statistically the wealthiest (per capita) with the average Punjabi through, his hard work, enjoying the highest income in India, 3 times the national Indian average. For the film entitled Net Worth see Net Worth (film. In business net worth (sometimes called net assets) is the total Assets Per capita is a Latin phrase meaning for each head with Per meaning 'through' or 'by' ^[67] The Green Revolution centered upon Indian Punjabi Sikh farmers adapting their farming methods to more intensive and mechanized techniques; note this was aided by the electrification of Punjab, cooperative credit, consolidation of small holdings and the existing British Raj developed canal system. Intensive farming or intensive agriculture is an Agricultural production system characterized by the high Inputs of Capital, Fertilizers Mechanization or mechanisation ( BE) is providing human operators with machinery to assist them with the physical requirements of work For usage see British rule in India British Raj ( rāj, lit "reign" in Hindustani) primarily refers to the British ^[68] Swedish political scientist, Ishtiaq Ahmad, states that a factor in the success of the Indian green revolution transformation was the "Sikh peasant cultivator, often the Jat, whose courage, perseverance, spirit of enterprise and muscle prowess proved crucial". Ishtiaq Ahmed (* Lahore, Pakistan, on 24 February 1947) is a Swedish political scientist and author of Pakistani descent The introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds after 1965 and the increased use of Fertilizers and Irrigation are known collectively as the Green Revolution ^[69] However not all aspects of the green revolution were beneficial, Shiva^[70] argues that the green revolution essentially rendered the "negative and destructive impacts of science [i. The introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds after 1965 and the increased use of Fertilizers and Irrigation are known collectively as the Green Revolution e. the green revolution] on nature and society" invisible; thus having being separated from their material and political roots in the science system, when new forms of scarcity and social conflict arose they were linked not to traditional causes but to other social systems e. g. religion. Hence Vandana Shiva argues that the green revolution was a catalyst for communal Sikh and Hindu tensions; despite the growth in material affluence. Vandana Shiva ( Hindi: वन्दना शिवा b November 5, 1952, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand, India) is a Physicist

Photo of Professor Piara Singh Gill one of the chief nuclear scientists that worked on the Manhattan project. Piara Singh Gill, (28 October 1911 - 23 March 2002 was a Scientist ( Physicist) who was a pioneer in Cosmic ray Nuclear physics and worked Nuclear physics is the field of Physics that studies the building blocks and interactions of Atomic nuclei. The World War II Manhattan Project developed the first Nuclear weapon (atomic bomb

Photo of Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany the father of fibre optics

Sikhs feature in varied professions such as scientists, engineers and doctors; notable Sikhs include nuclear scientist Professor Piara Singh Gill who worked on the Manhattan project; optics scientist ("the father of fibre optics") Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany; physicist and science writer/broadcaster Simon Singh and agricultural scientist Professor Baldev Singh Dhillon. Narinder Singh Kapany is widely acknowledged as the father of Optical fiber. An optical fiber (or fibre) is a Glass or Plastic fiber that carries Light along its length Nuclear physics is the field of Physics that studies the building blocks and interactions of Atomic nuclei. A scientist, in the broadest sense refers to any person that engages in a systematic activity to acquire Knowledge or an individual that engages in such practices Piara Singh Gill, (28 October 1911 - 23 March 2002 was a Scientist ( Physicist) who was a pioneer in Cosmic ray Nuclear physics and worked The World War II Manhattan Project developed the first Nuclear weapon (atomic bomb A scientist, in the broadest sense refers to any person that engages in a systematic activity to acquire Knowledge or an individual that engages in such practices An optical fiber (or fibre) is a Glass or Plastic fiber that carries Light along its length Narinder Singh Kapany is widely acknowledged as the father of Optical fiber. Simon Lehna Singh, MBE (born 1964) is an Indian-British Author of Punjabi background who has specialised in writing about mathematical Agricultural science is a broad multidisciplinary field that encompasses the parts of exact natural economic and Social sciences that are used in the practice and understanding Professor Baldev Singh Dhillon. He is an internationally famous Agricultural scientist and former Assistant Director General at ICAR, Director of NBPGR (

In the sphere of business, the clothing retailers/brands of UK based New Look and Thai based JASPAL^[71] were started by Sikhs. New Look is a chain of high street shops in Britain, Belgium, France and the Republic of Ireland, popular at first with girls and women India's largest pharmaceutical company Ranbaxy Laboratories is headed by Sikhs. Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited is India's largest Pharmaceutical company ^[72] UK Sikhs have the highest percentage of home ownership, at 82%, out of all UK religious/ethnic communities. ^[73] In Singapore, Kartar Singh Thakral has built up his family's trading business, Thakral Holdings/Corp,^[74] into a commercial concern with total assets of close to $1. 4 billion. Thakral is Singapore's 25th richest person. Bob Singh Dhillon is the first Indo-Canadian billionaire and a Sikh. Bob Singh Dhillon (born 1965 is a Punjabi Indian-Canadian Sikh property Billionaire Businessman. Indo-Canadians are Canadians whose origins trace back to the Indian sub-continent, often referred to in this way because the term Indian has been used Perhaps no Sikh diaspora group has had as much success as those who have migrated to North America; especially the Sikhs who have migrated to California’s fertile Central Valley. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. The Central Valley is a large flat valley that dominates the central portion of the U The farming skills of the Sikhs and their willingness to work hard, ensured that they rose from humble migrant labourers to become landowners who control much of agriculture in California. Today American Sikh agriculturists such as Harbhajan Singh Samra and Didar Singh Bains dominate Californian agriculture and are known colloquially as the "Okra" and "Peach" kings respectively. Okra ( American English:, British English,) also known as lady's finger, bhindi ( Hindustani) and gumbo, is a The peach ( Prunus persica) is a species of Prunus native to China that bears an edible juicy fruit also called a peach

Prominent Sikh intellectuals, sportsmen and artists include the veteran writer Khushwant Singh, England cricketer Monty Panesar, former 400 m world record holder Milkha Singh, and Harbhajan Singh, India's most successful off spin Cricket bowler, actors Parminder Nagra, Namrata Singh Gujral, Archie Panjabi and director Gurinder Chadha. Khushwant Singh (ਖ਼ੁਸ਼ਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ xʊʃʋən̪t̪ sɪ́ŋg born 2 February, 1915 in Hadali, Punjab, which now lies in Monty Panesar (born Mudhsuden Singh Panesar, 25 April 1982 in Luton, Bedfordshire) is an English Cricketer A left-arm spinner, Panesar Harbhajan Singh (ਹਰਭਜਨ ਸਿੰਘ born 3 July 1980 in Jalandhar, Punjab, India) is an Indian Cricketer A specialist Off spin is a type of bowling in the Sport of Cricket which is bowled by an off spinner a right-handed spin bowler who Darren_Gough_bowlingjpg|thumb|250px|right| Darren Gough bowling]] In the Sport of Cricket, bowling is the action of propelling the ball toward Parminder Kaur Nagra DLitt (ਪਰਮਿੰਦਰ ਕੌਰ ਨਾਗਰਾ (born October 5, 1975 in Leicester, England) is an Namrata Singh Gujral (born 26 February 1976) is an American actress. Archie Panjabi (ਅਰਚਨਾ ਕੌਰ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ Arcanā Kaur Pañjābī, born 1973) is a British actress Gurinder Chadha, OBE, (born 10 January 1960 in Nairobi, Kenya) is a British Film director of Indian

The Sikhs have migrated to most parts of the world and their vocations are as varied as their appearances. The Sikh community of the Indian subcontinent comprises many diverse sets of peoples as the Sikh Gurus preached for ethnic and social harmony. In Western music, harmony is the use of different pitches simultaneously and chords actual or implied in Music. These include different ethnic peoples, tribal and socio-economic groups. Main groupings (i. e. over 1,000 members) include: Arain, Arora, Bairagi, Bania, Basith, Bawaria, Bazigar, Bhabra, Brahman, Chamar, Chhimba, Darzi, Dhobi, Gujar, Jatt, Jhinwar, Kahar, Kamboj, Khatri, Kumhar, Labana, Lohar, Mahtam, Mazhabi, Megh, Mirasi, Mochi, Nai, Rajput, Ramgharia, Saini, Sarera, Sikligar, Sonar, Sudh, Tarkhan and Zargar. The Arain (آرائین are an agricultural caste settled mainly in the Punjab ( Pakistan and India) with significant numbers also in the Aroras ( Hindi: अरोड़ा Punjabi: ਅਰੋੜਾ (or Aror-vanshis Aror Bans are an urban mercantile community of the Punjab and According to the Indian caste system, Vanika ( Sanskrit) or Bania ( Hindi, Punjabi and other Indian languages is a trader or merchant Bazigars, a Nomad gipsy -folk of India, found throughoutthe peninsula and variously known as Bazigars Panchpiri, Nats, Bediyas Bhabra (or Bhabhra is an ancient merchant community from Punjab whose population mainly follows Jainism,. Brahman ( bráhman-, Nominative bráhma sa ब्रह्म is a concept of Hinduism. Chamar (" tanner " from the Sanskrit Charmakara) is a prominent occupational Caste in India. While many people credit China with the first Movable type for printing this may possibly be an invention imported from India. A dhobi is a washerman in Pakistan and India. Scope and job Dhobis usually operate from door to door collecting dirty linen from households The Gujjar ( Hindi: गुज्जर Urdu: گجر or Gurjar (Hindi गुर्जर Urdu گُرجر are an ethnic group in India and The Kambojs (कम्बोज kamboj, کمبوہ kamboh, ਕਮ੍ਬੋਜ kamboj) are an Ethnic community of the Punjab region Khatri ( Punjabi: ਖੱਤਰੀ Hindi: खत्री is the Punjabi language adaptation or pronunciation of Sanskrit word Kshatriya Labana s are an Indian tribe The Labanas of Punjab and Haryana are mostly Sikhs. Lohar ( Urdu: لوہار) is a caste in Hindus in Northern India and tribe in Pakistan. A Mazhabi is a Sikh who converted from the Balmiki faith and also practices Valmikism Meghwar (Sindhi = ميگھواڙ is one of the major Social groups of South Asia. Rajput constitute one of the major Hindu Kshatriya groups from India The Ramgarhia community is a tribe/caste of the Punjab region in India which started from the Ramgarhia Misl (army Saini ( is a Caste of India. - this article strictly applies to Saini (Yaduvanshi community of Punjab and parts of Haryana Himachal Pradesh and Jammu This article is about Tarkhan a Northern Indian tribe For other uses see Tarkan (disambiguation The Tarkhan (pronounced Terr-khaan ethnic In India, the Jatt ethnic grouping is by far the largest at a population of 11,855,000 followed by the Mazhabi at 2,701,000 with the Tarkhans totaling 1,091,000. A Mazhabi is a Sikh who converted from the Balmiki faith and also practices Valmikism This article is about Tarkhan a Northern Indian tribe For other uses see Tarkan (disambiguation The Tarkhan (pronounced Terr-khaan ethnic

There has also emerged a specialized group of Sikhs calling themselves Akalis, which have existed since Maharaja Ranjit Singh's time. Nihang (pronounced Nee-hung) (also called Akalis) is an armed Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh (ਮਹਾਰਾਜਾ ਰਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ also called "Sher-e-Punjab" ("The Lion of the Punjab" (1780-1839 was a Under their leader General Akali Phula Singh, in the early 1800s, they won many battles for the Sikh Empire. The Sikh Confederacy was a nation that existed from 1716 to 1799

Sikhs in the Indian and British Armies

French postcard depicting the arrival of 15th Sikh Regiment in France during World War I. The Sikh Regiment is Regiment of the Indian Army. The Sikh Regimental Centre is presently located in Ramgarh Cantonment, 30 km from the Ranchi World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All The post card reads, "Gentlemen of India marching to chasten the German hooligans"

By the advent of World War I, Sikhs in the British Indian Army totaled over 100,000; i. World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All See Indian Army for the post-independence (and post- partition) army of the Republic of India. e. 20% of the British Indian Army. See Indian Army for the post-independence (and post- partition) army of the Republic of India. In the years to 1945, 14 Victoria Crosses were awarded to the Sikhs, a per capita record given the size of the Sikh Regiments. See below the section "Separate Commonwealth awards" Note that since The Sikh Regiment is Regiment of the Indian Army. The Sikh Regimental Centre is presently located in Ramgarh Cantonment, 30 km from the Ranchi ^[75] In 2002, the names of all Sikh VC and George Cross winners were commemorated by being inscribed on the pavilion monument of the Memorial Gates^[76] on Constitution Hill next to Buckingham palace, London. See below the section "Separate Commonwealth awards" Note that since The George Cross ( GC) is the highest Civil decoration of the Commonwealth of Nations. Constitution Hill is a road in the City of Westminster in London. Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch. London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. ^[77] Lieutenant Colonel Chanan Singh Dhillon (retd), Punjabi Indian World War II hero & Veteran, and president of the ex-services league (Punjab & Chandigarh) was instrumental in campaigning for the memorials building. Lieutenant-Colonel Chanan Singh Dhillon (retd (born 1920 is a famous Punjabi Indian Sikh World War II hero and veteran World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including

The First and Second World Wars

During the First World War, Sikh battalions fought in Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli and France. Gallipoli peninsula (Gelibolu Yarımadası is located in Turkish Thrace, the European part of Turkey, with the Aegean Sea to the west and the Dardanelles Six battalions of the Sikh Regiment were raised in the World War II, and served at El Alamein and in Burma, Italy and Iraq, winning 27 battle honours. The Sikh Regiment is Regiment of the Indian Army. The Sikh Regimental Centre is presently located in Ramgarh Cantonment, 30 km from the Ranchi World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including The Second Battle of El Alamein marked a major turning point in the Western Desert Campaign of World War II. The Burma Campaign in the South-East Asian Theatre of World War II was fought primarily between British Commonwealth, Chinese and United The Italian Campaign of World War II was the name of Allied operations in and around Italy, from 1943 to the end of the war. The Anglo-Iraqi War was a conflict between the United Kingdom and the Nationalist government of Iraq during World War II.

Across the world Sikhs are commemorated in Commonwealth cemeteries. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission ( CWGC) is a joint governmental organisation responsible for marking and maintaining the graves of members of the Commonwealth ^[79]

The Battle of Saragarhi

Main article: Battle of Saragarhi

Tablet commemorating the Battle of Saragarhi, raised by the British Empire. The Battle of Saragarhi was fought during the Tirah Campaign on 12 September 1897 between twenty one Sikhs of the 4th Battalion (then 36th The Battle of Saragarhi was fought during the Tirah Campaign on 12 September 1897 between twenty one Sikhs of the 4th Battalion (then 36th The British Empire was the largest empire in history and for over a century was the foremost global power.

The Battle of Saragarhi is considered one of the greatest stories of collective bravery in human history. The Battle of Saragarhi was fought during the Tirah Campaign on 12 September 1897 between twenty one Sikhs of the 4th Battalion (then 36th ^[80] The contingent of twenty-one soldiers from the 36th Sikhs was led by Havildar Ishar Singh, and held off an Afghan attack of 10,000 men for several hours. The Battle of Saragarhi was fought during the Tirah Campaign on 12 September 1897 between twenty one Sikhs of the 4th Battalion (then 36th All 21 Sikh soldiers chose to fight to the death instead of surrendering. In recognition of their supreme sacrifice, the British Parliament rose to pay them respect, and each one of them was awarded the Indian Order of Merit (equivalent to the Victoria Cross). The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom and British overseas territories History The medal was first introduced by the East India Company in 1837 See below the section "Separate Commonwealth awards" Note that since The battle has been compared to the Battle of Thermopylae,^[81] where a small Greek force faced a large Persian army of Xerxes (480 BC). In the Battle of Thermopylae, which occurred in August 480 BC (and was detailed almost entirely by Herodotus) an alliance of Greek City-states fought The term ancient Greece refers to the period of Greek history lasting from the Greek Dark Ages ca The Persian Empire was a series of Iranian empires that ruled over the Iranian plateau, the original Persian homeland and beyond in Western Asia Xerxes I of Persia was a King of Persia (reigned 485–465 BC of the Achaemenid dynasty.

Saragarhi Day, is a Sikh military commemoration day celebrated on 12 September every year annually to commemorate The Battle of Saragarhi. Events 1213 - Albigensian Crusade: Simon de Montfort 5th Earl of Leicester, defeats Peter II of Aragon at the Sikh military personnel and Sikh non-military people commemorate the battle around the World every year on September 12th. A military is an Organization authorized by its Nation to use force usually including use of Weapons in defending its Country (or by attacking "The world " is a proper noun for the planet Earth envisioned from an Anthropocentric or Human Worldview, as a place

Sikhs during the Indian Independence Movement

During the Indian Independence Struggle; Out of 2,175 Martyrs 1,557, (75 percent), were Sikhs,^[82] out of 2,646 Indians sent to Andamans for life imprisonment 2,147,(80 percent), were Sikhs,^[82] out of 127 Indians who were hanged 92, (80 percent), were Sikhs,^[82] out of 20,000 who joined the INA under Bose 12000, (60 percent), were Sikhs. The term " Indian independence movement " is diffuse incorporating various national and regional campaigns agitations and efforts of both Nonviolent and Militant The term martyr ( Greek μάρτυς martys "witness" is most commonly used today to describe an individual who sacrifices their life (or personal freedom India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country The Andaman Islands are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal, and are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India. Life imprisonment or life incarceration is a sentence of imprisonment for a serious crime often for most The Indian National Army ( INA) or Azad Hind Fauj ( Hindi: आज़ाद हिन्द फ़ौज was an armed force formed by Indian nationalists Subhas Chandra Bose (সুভাষ চন্দ্র বসু (born January 23, 1897; presumed to have died August 18, 1945 ^[82]

Sikhism in Western World

Due to the turbans Sikhs wear and the relative scarcity of Sikhs, there have been incidents of mistaking Sikhs in Western countries for Middle Eastern men and/or Muslims. The turban (from Persian fa دلبند or دولبند dulband via the Turkish tr tülbent) is a headdress consisting of a long The term Western world, the West or the Occident ( Latin: occidens -sunset -west as distinct from the Orient) can have multiple meanings The Middle East is a Subcontinent with no clear boundaries often used as a synonym to Near East, in opposition to Far East. A Muslim (مسلم pronounced Muslim, not Muzlim) is an adherent of the Religion This has negatively affected Sikhs living in the west especially with respect to the 9/11 terrorist attack and recent Iraq War conflict. The Iraq War, also known as the Second Gulf War, the Occupation of Iraq, or the War in Iraq, is an ongoing Military campaign

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, some people associated Sikhs with terrorists or members of the Taliban. The Taliban ( طالبان, also anglicised as Taleban; translation "students" is a Sunni Islamist, predominately A few days after the attack Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh man, was gunned down by a person who thought that the victim had ties to Al-Qaeda. Balbir Singh Sodhi ( 1949 - September 15, 2001) was a Mesa, Arizona, gas station owner who was murdered in the aftermath of the Al-Qaeda, alternatively spelled al-Qaida, al-Qa`ida or al-Qa`idah, ( Arabic:; ar-Latn ''al-qāʿidah'' Translation: The CNN suggests that there has been an increase in hate-crimes against Sikh men in the United States and the UK. ^[83][84]

Sikhism as a faith has never actively sought converts, thus the Sikhs have remained a relatively homogeneous racial group. However, mainly due to the activities of Harbhajan Singh Yogi via his Kundalini Yoga focused 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy) Organization, Sikhism has witnessed a moderate growth in non-Indian adherents. Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji (born as Harbhajan Singh Puri ( August 26, 1929 &ndash October 6, 2004) also known as Yogi Bhajan and Kundalini yoga is a physical and meditative discipline, comprising a set of techniques that use the mind senses and body to create a communication 3HO (Healthy Happy Holy Organization (est 1969) is a Non-profit organization and a United Nations affiliated Non-governmental organization Sikhism ( IPA: or; ਸਿੱਖੀ sikkhī, IPA:) founded on the teachings of Nanak and nine successive gurus in fifteenth century ^[85] In 1998 it was estimated that these 3HO Sikhs, known colloquially as ‘gora’ (ਗੋਰਾ) or ‘white’ Sikhs, totaled 7,800^[86] and were mainly centered around Española, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California. New Mexico ( is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States of America. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean.

Distinguished Sikhs in the Modern Era

Indian revolutionary Udham Singh aka Ram Mohammed Singh Azad. Udham Singh ( Gurmukhi:ਉਧਮ ਸਿੰਘ}} Devanagari:उधम सिंह् udham siṅgh; December 26, 1899 &ndash

• Arjan Singh- Marshal of the Indian Air Force, former Chief of the Air Force Staff
• Baldev Singh - Indian independence movement leader
• Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sandhu-Indian independence movement leader and martyr
• Fauja Singh - 90 year old Sikh marathon runner
• Kartar Singh Sarabha Grewal - Indian independence movement leader and martyr
• General Joginder Jaswant Singh - Indian army Chief of Army Staff
• Hardeep Singh Kohli - Sikh writer, broadcaster and presenter from Scotland
• Master Tara Singh - Sikh and Indian independence movement leader
• Dr. Manmohan Singh- Prime Minister of India and economist
• Milkha Singh (the flying Sikh) - winner of Padma Shri, former 400 m track record holder, Gold medal (440 yards) at '58 Commonwealth Games, Gold medal (200 & 400 m) at '58 Asian Games and Gold medal (200 m) in '62 Asian Games
• Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany - optics scientist and philanthropist
• Professor Piara Singh Gill - nuclear scientist
• Pratap Singh Kairon - Sikh and Indian independence movement leader
• Sardul Singh Caveeshar - Indian independence movement leader
• Shaheed Udham Singh - Indian revolutionary and martyr

Decorated Sikhs in the Military

The prestigious Victoria Cross, awarded for exceptional valour "in the face of the enemy". Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC (15 April 1919- is the only officer of the Indian Air Force to be promoted to Five star rank Marshal of the Air Force may be used as a generic term for a rank in some Air forces which use a similar title with their air force's name inserted as their most senior rank Baldev Singh was an Indian Sikh political leader he was an Indian independence movement leader and first Defence Minister of India Bhagat Singh ( Punjabi: ਭਗਤ ਸਿੰਘ بھگت سنگھ pə̀gət̪ sɪ́ŋg ( September 27, 1907 &ndash March 23, 1931 Fauja Singh (born April 1 1911) is a Sikh Marathon runner in his nineties from India who is a world-record holder in his Kartar Singh Sarabha Grewal (1896-1915 was an Indian revolutionary who was amongst the most famous accused in the Lahore conspiracy trial. General Joginder Jaswant Singh (born 17 September 1945) was the first Sikh chief of army staff of India. The Indian Army (Bharatiya Thalsena भारतीय थाल्सेना is one of the armed forces of India and has the responsibility for land-based Hardeep Singh Kohli (born 1969 is a Sikh writer presenter broadcaster and reporter of Indian descent from Scotland and working in the United Master Tara Singh Malhotra ( 24 June, 1885, Rawalpindi, Punjab - 22 November, The term " Indian independence movement " is diffuse incorporating various national and regional campaigns agitations and efforts of both Nonviolent and Militant Manmohan Singh (ਮਨਮੋਹਨ ਸਿੰਘ (born 26 September 1932 is the 17th The Prime Minister of India is head of the Council of Ministers, appointed by the President to assist the latter in the administration of the affairs of the executive Padma Shri (also spelt Padma Shree, Padmashree, Padma Sree and Padma Sri) is an award given by the Government of India generally Gold Medal is an Album by American band The Donnas, released in 2004 (see 2004 in music) The Commonwealth Games is a multinational Multi-sport event. Held every four years it involves the elite athletes of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Asian Games, also called the Asiad, is a Multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia. Narinder Singh Kapany is widely acknowledged as the father of Optical fiber. A scientist, in the broadest sense refers to any person that engages in a systematic activity to acquire Knowledge or an individual that engages in such practices Philanthropy is the act of donating money goods services time and/or effort to support a socially beneficial cause with a defined objective and with no financial or material Piara Singh Gill, (28 October 1911 - 23 March 2002 was a Scientist ( Physicist) who was a pioneer in Cosmic ray Nuclear physics and worked Pratap Singh Kairon (1901–1965 was the Chief Minister of the Punjab province (then comprising Punjab Haryana and Himachal Pradesh) and is widely acknowledged Sardul Singh Caveeshar (1886 in Amritsar - 1963 was an Indian newspaper editor and a major figure in the Indian independence movement. Udham Singh ( Gurmukhi:ਉਧਮ ਸਿੰਘ}} Devanagari:उधम सिंह् udham siṅgh; December 26, 1899 &ndash See below the section "Separate Commonwealth awards" Note that since

• Bana Singh - awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Naib Subedar Bana Singh, was born on 6th January 1949 at Kadyal in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Captain Ishar Singh - The first Sikh to receive the Victoria Cross. Captain Ishar Singh VC OBI ( 13 December 1895 - 2 December 1963) was an Indian recipient of the Victoria See below the section "Separate Commonwealth awards" Note that since
• Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria - awarded Param Vir Chakra. Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, was born on 29 November 1935 in Gurdaspur Punjab.
• Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon - awarded Param Vir Chakra (the only officer of the Indian Air Force to be awarded Param Vir Chakra). } Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon was an officer of the Indian Air Force and the posthumous recipient of the only Param Vir Chakra awarded The Indian Air Force (Devanāgarī भारतीय वायु सेना IAST Bhartiya Vāyu Senā is the air arm of the Armed Forces of India and has the
• Gian Singh - awarded the Victoria Cross. Gian Singh VC ( 5 October 1920 - 6 October 1996) was an Indian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest
• Lt. General Jagjit Singh Aurora - supervised the surrender of more than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora ( February 13, 1916 May 3, 2005) was the commander of the Indian army in the Eastern front in
• Joginder Singh (Subedar) - awarded Param Vir Chakra. Subedar Joginder Singh ( 26 September 1921 - 23 October 1962) a Sikh, was born in Faridkot, Punjab was a
• Lieutenant Karamjit Singh Judge - awarded the Victoria Cross. Lieutenant Karamjeet Singh Judge VC was an Indian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face
• Lance Karam Singh - awarded the Military Medal in World War II and awarded Param Vir Chakra (the second person to receive Param Vir Chakra). Lance Naik Karam Singh MM, a Sikh, was born on 15 September 1915 in Barnala, Punjab. The Military Medal was (until 1993 a Military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other services, and formerly also to personnel of The Param Vir Chakra (PVC is India 's highest Military decoration awarded for the highest degree of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy similar
• Major Havildar Parkash Singh - awarded the Victoria Cross. Major Parkash Singh VC ( 31 March 1913 - 23 March 1991) was an Indian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the
• Nand Singh - awarded the Victoria Cross

View inside the shrine of Baba Harbhajan Singh

Baba Harbhajan Singh

Main article: Baba Harbhajan Singh

Baba Harbhajan Singh - is a spiritually revered Sikh soldier by the Indian Army, like a saint, Indian army officers and soldiers believe he gives them protection in war. Nand Singh VC, MVC ( 24 September 1914 - 12 December 1947) was an Indian recipient of the Victoria Cross See below the section "Separate Commonwealth awards" Note that since Major "Baba" Harbhajan Singh ( August 3, 1941 – October 4, 1968) (ਹਰਭਜਨ ਸਿੰਘ was an Indian army officier Major "Baba" Harbhajan Singh ( August 3, 1941 – October 4, 1968) (ਹਰਭਜਨ ਸਿੰਘ was an Indian army officier The Indian Army (Bharatiya Thalsena भारतीय थाल्सेना is one of the armed forces of India and has the responsibility for land-based A saint (from the Latin sanctus) is a human being to whom has been attributed (and who has generally demonstrated a high level of Holiness and Sanctity War is an international relations Dispute, characterized by organized Violence between National Military units

Art and Culture

Main article: Sikh art and culture

Harmindar Sahib, circa 1870

Sikh art and culture is synonymous with that of the Punjab region. The Sikhs are adherents to Sikhism the fifth largest organized religion in the world with around 23 million adherents Punjab ( ਪੰਜਾਬ پنجاب, पंजाब پنجاب also Panjab (پنجاب meaning "Land of the Five Rivers") (c The Punjab itself has been called India’s melting pot, due to the confluence of invading cultures, such as Greek, Mughal and Persian, that mirrors the confluence of rivers from which the region gets its name. The Greeks ( Greek: Έλληνες) are a Nation and Ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighbouring regions The Persian Empire was a series of Iranian empires that ruled over the Iranian plateau, the original Persian homeland and beyond in Western Asia Thus Sikh culture is to a large extent informed by this synthesis of cultures.

Sikhism has forged a unique form of architecture which Bhatti describes as being "inspired by Guru Nanak’s creative mysticism" such that Sikh architecture "is a mute harbinger of holistic humanism based on pragmatic spirituality". Sikhism ( IPA: or; ਸਿੱਖੀ sikkhī, IPA:) founded on the teachings of Nanak and nine successive gurus in fifteenth century Sikh architecture, is a Style of Architecture that is characterized with values of progressiveness exquisite intricacy austere beauty and logical flowing lines Guru Nanak Dev (ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ (गुरु नानक گرونانک Gurū Nānak ( 15 april 1469, Nankana Sahib Sikh architecture, is a Style of Architecture that is characterized with values of progressiveness exquisite intricacy austere beauty and logical flowing lines ^[87] The ‘key-note’ of Sikh architecture is the Gurdwara which is the personification of the "melting pot" of Punjabi cultures, showing both Islamic, Sufi and Hindu influences. Punjabi may refer to The Punjabi language of Pakistan and India Punjabi grammar List of Punjabi For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation. Sufism ( تصوّف - taṣawwuf, Persian: صوفی‌گری sufigari, Turkish: tasavvuf, Urdu: تصوف A Hindu ( Devanagari: हिन्दू is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of Hinduism, a set of religious, Philosophical The reign of the Sikh Empire was the single biggest catylst in creating a uniquely Sikh form of expression, with Maharajah Ranjit Singh patronising the building of forts, palaces, bungas (residential places), colleges, etc that can be said to be of the Sikh Style. The Sikh Confederacy was a nation that existed from 1716 to 1799 Maharaja Ranjit Singh (ਮਹਾਰਾਜਾ ਰਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ also called "Sher-e-Punjab" ("The Lion of the Punjab" (1780-1839 was a Characteristics of Sikh architecture are gilded fluted domes, cupolas, kiosks and stone lanterns with an ornate balustrade on square roofs. The "jewel in the crown" of the Sikh Style is the Harmindar Sahib.

Sikh culture is heavily influenced by militaristic motifs, with Khanda being the most obvious; thus it is no surprise that the majority of Sikh artifacts, independent of the relics of the Gurus, have a military theme. The Khanda ( khaṇḍā) is one of most important symbols of Sikhism was established by Guru Nanak over the period of 1469 to 1708. This motif is again evident in the Sikh festivals of Hola Mohalla and Vaisakhi which feature marching and practicing displays of valor respectively. Hola Mahalla (also Hola Mohalla or simply Hola) is a Sikh festival which begins on the first day of the Lunar month Vaisakhi (ਵਸਾਖੀ vaisākhī, also known as Baisakhi) is an ancient Harvest festival in Punjab, which also marks beginning of

The art and culture of the Sikh diaspora has been merged with that of other Indo-immigrant groups into categories such as 'British Asian', 'Indo-Canadanian' and 'Desi-Culture'; however there has emerged a niche cultural phenomenon that can be described as 'Political Sikh'. The Sikh diaspora is a relatively recent term used to describe the phenomenon of Sikh migration from the traditional ^[88] The art of prominent diaspora Sikhs such as Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra & Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh,^[89] is informed by their Sikhism and the current affairs of the Punjab. The Sikh diaspora is a relatively recent term used to describe the phenomenon of Sikh migration from the traditional

Bhangra and the Gidha are two forms of indigenous Punjabi folk dancing that have been appropriated, adapted and pioneered by Punjabi Sikhs. Bhangra (ਭੰਗੜਾ pa-PK بھنگڑا pə̀ŋgɽäː is a lively form of music and dance that originated in the Punjab region of Pakistan and India The Punjabi Sikhs have championed these forms of expression all over the world, such that Sikh Culture has become inextricably linked to Bhangra, even though "Bhangra is not a Sikh institution but a Punjabi one. Bhangra (ਭੰਗੜਾ pa-PK بھنگڑا pə̀ŋgɽäː is a lively form of music and dance that originated in the Punjab region of Pakistan and India "^[90]

A frontispiece to the Dasam Granth.

The Bardari of Ranjit Singh, built in the Hazuri Bagh.

Gateway of the Ram Bagh, North-East of Amritsar; built by Maharajah Ranjit Singh. Amritsar (ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ meaning The Lake of the Holy Nectar, is the administrative headquarters of the Amritsar District in the state Maharaja Ranjit Singh (ਮਹਾਰਾਜਾ ਰਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ also called "Sher-e-Punjab" ("The Lion of the Punjab" (1780-1839 was a

The Sikh diaspora art of Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh is informed by uniquely Sikh issues. The Sikh diaspora is a relatively recent term used to describe the phenomenon of Sikh migration from the traditional

References and Notes

Further reading

• The Sikhs In History: A Millennium Study by Sangat Singh, Noel Quinton King. First Published New York 1995. Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 ISBN 8190065025
• A History of the Sikhs: Volume 1: 1469–1838 by Khushwant Singh. Pub. by Oxford India Paperbacks (January 13, 2005). Events 532 - Nika riots in Constantinople. 888 - Odo Count of Paris becomes King of the Franks Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. ISBN 0195673085.
• The Sikhs by Patwant Singh. Published by Image (July 17, 2001). Events 180 - Twelve inhabitants of Scillium in North Africa are executed for being Christians Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. ISBN 0385502060.
• The Sikhs of the Punjab by J. S. Grewal. Published by Cambridge University Press (October 28, 1998). Events 306 - Maxentius is proclaimed Roman Emperor. 312 - Battle of Milvian Bridge: Constantine Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) ISBN 0521637643.
• The Sikhs: History, Religion, and Societyby W. H. McLeod. Published by Columbia University Press (April 15, 1989). Events 1450 - Battle of Formigny: Toward the end of the Hundred Years' War, the French attack and nearly annihilate English Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) ISBN 0231068158.
• The Sikh Diaspora: Tradition and Change in an Immigrant Community (Asian Americans - Reconceptualizing Culture, History, Politics) by Michael Angelo. Published by Routledge (September 1, 1997). Events 462 - Possible start of first Byzantine indiction cycle. Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar ISBN 0815329857.

External links

• The legacy of Guru Nanak Dev - Documentary
• SikhSpectrum.com Quarterly
• Sikhism Guide — Guide to Sikhism
• Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle — A socio-religious non-profit Sikh organization
• The Sikhism Home Page — General resource site introducing the main concepts of Sikhism
• Sikh Missionary Society (UK) — Non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Sikh religion, culture and history
• Sikh Videos Gurbani Kirtan — Sikhism videos
• All About Sikhs — Sikhism resource site
• Sri Granth — Guru Granth Sahib search engine with additional scriptural resources
• Sikh-History.com — Sikh history site
• SikhNet — Sikh community website
• Anglo Sikh Heritage Trail — A new perspective on the heritage of one of Britain's most visible minorities
• First Sikh Cadet of Pakistan Army
• Sikh Gurudwaras Around the World — A global database of Sikh Gurudwaras around the world

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