1920’s Reform Abolishes Caste Discrimination at Darbar Sahib

On 12 Oct 1920, reformist Sikhs successfully ended caste discrimination at Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar, marking a pivotal moment in the Gurdwara Reform Movement that led to the formation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the SAD a month later. This determined effort involved removing corrupt granthis (custodians of the Guru Granth Sahib) and mahants (managers of Gurdwaras, antithetical to Sikhi) who practiced caste-based discrimination, particularly against so called lower caste Ravidassia and Mazhabi Sikhs, who were often denied prasad (offerings) by the granthis. Reformist Sikhs from upper castes, including Khatris (traders) and Jatts (farmers), collaborated with Ravidassia Sikhs to challenge these discriminatory practices, as detailed in Narain Singh’s book Akali Morche Ate Jhabbar and Teja Singh’s autobiography Aarsi. On the fateful day, Khalsa Brotherhood held an annual event at Jallianwala Bagh, followed by a procession to Darbar Sahib where leaders like Prof. Bawa Harkishan Singh and Kartar Singh Jhabbar confronted the head granthi. This confrontation led to the acceptance of ardas (prayers) from newly converted Sikhs, allowing oppressed caste Sikhs to participate fully in religious practices. Subsequently, the reformists took control of the Akal Takht (Eternal Throne, Sikh Seat of Justice and Authority), formed a committee to manage its affairs, and held discussions with the Panjab governor, leading to the establishment of SGPC in August 1920. This historic event not only eradicated caste discrimination within Sikh religious practices but also solidified the political influence of reformist Sikh leaders, fostering unity and progress within the Panjab Sikh community. Historian Gurdarshan Singh Dhillon emphasizes the significance of rewriting Sikh history to recognize Dalit contributions and combat ongoing discrimination, aligning with Guru Nanak’s egalitarian teachings. Mazhabi Sikhs make up about 31.5% of the scheduled caste population in Panjab.