101 Years of the 'Jaito Da Morcha'........by KBS Sidhu
A significant chapter in the peaceful efforts of Sikhs to secure the right to manage their historical gurdwaras autonomously
Chandigarh: As we mark the centennial, plus one, of the historic 'Jaito Da Morcha' today—coinciding with the centennial of the brutal firing by British troops on unarmed Sikh Jathas exactly 101 years ago—it is essential to reflect on and honour the bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment of the Sikh community to their rights and religious sovereignty.
This pivotal chapter in India's freedom struggle stands as a testament to the unparalleled sacrifices made by Sikhs in the fight against colonial oppression, reaffirming their pursuit of justice and the inalienable right to manage their sacred and historic gurdwaras through a democratically elected body of their own.
The Catalyst: Abdication of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh
The agitation was sparked on July 9, 1923, by the forced abdication of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha, a progressive and popular ruler from the Phulkian misl of the Sidhu-Brar clan.
Known for his candid stance on Sikh issues and his unequivocal, open support for the Akali Dal and the Gurdwara Reform Movement, his ouster by the British Government ignited unrest among Sikhs, who perceived this as an infringement on their rights and sovereignty.
This incident infused new energy into the movement led by the Akali Dal, which was being coordinated from Amritsar.
Gurdwara Reform Movement and SGPC's Role
During the Gurdwara Reform Movement (1920-1925), which sought to free Sikh gurdwaras from British-backed mahants (priests)—many of whom were morally and financially corrupt—the SGPC, initially a non-statutory body, played a pivotal role.
This movement was not merely a battle for control over religious sites but also a wider struggle for the Sikh community's identity and rights. The SGPC, as their own democratically elected body, along with the political entity, the Akali Dal, articulated this fight against colonial dominance.
The Prelude to the Turning Point
In the buildup to a significant turning point, an Akhand Path (a 48-hour continuous recitation of the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib) was initiated at Gurdwara Gangsar Sahib in Jaito, located within the Princely State of Nabha and overseen by a British-appointed administrator, specifically to pray for the reinstatement of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh.
The arrest of Sikh priests by colonial authorities, in an attempt to disrupt this revered spiritual ceremony, only fortified the Sikh community's determination. In a defiant response, an indefinite Akhand Path was initiated, receiving backing from the SGPC, which at the time did not yet enjoy official legal status.
The situation intensified when colonial officials disrupted the ceremony by removing the holy “beed” of Sri Guru Granth Sahb. They forcibly ended the Akhand Path on September 14, 1923, and seized control of the gurdwara.
As a countermeasure, the SGPC started dispatching small contingents of 25 Sikhs from Amritsar to peacefully enter the gurdwara, though these efforts were met with arrest and aggression, further highlighting the escalating tensions.Such was the response of the Sikh Sangat that the size of the jatha had soon to increased to 500 persons daily.
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KBS Sidhu, Retired IAS Officer
kbssidhu@substack.com
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