Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Namdhari Sect
Why in the News?
Punjab CM paid tribute to the Kuka martyrs at a function held at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla. The day commemorates the execution of 66 Namdhari Sikhs (Kukas) on January 17 and 18, 1872, by British colonial authorities. Â
Who are the âNamdharisâ?
- The Namdharis, also called Kukas, are a Sikh sect founded by Satguru Ram Singh on April 12, 1857, in Ludhiana, Punjab.
- The name Kuka derives from their distinctive high-pitched recitation of Gurbani (kook in Punjabi means âcryâ or âscreamâ).
- Social Reforms:
- Advocated against alcohol consumption, meat eating, and other social vices.
- Promoted Swadeshi principles, urging people to boycott foreign goods, British services, and educational institutions.
- The movement served as a precursor to nationwide Non-Cooperation Movement, emphasizing self-reliance and resistance against colonial rule.
About the Kuka Rebellion
- The Kuka Rebellion was one of the localized uprisings against British rule after the Rebellion of 1857.
- The Namdharis actively opposed British policies, particularly cow slaughter, which became a focal point of their resistance.
- Key events leading to the rebellion:
- In January 1872, Namdharis, led by Hira Singh and Lehna Singh, clashed with British authorities after a cow slaughter incident in Malerkotla.
- They attacked the Malaudh Fort in Ludhiana, loyal to the British, but the rebellion was crushed.
- British Retaliation:
- The British responded brutally, executing 49 Namdharis on January 17, 1872, and 17 more on January 18, 1872.
- The Kukas were placed in front of cannons and blown up in a public spectacle to intimidate others.
Kuka Martyrsâ DayÂ
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PYQ:[2016] The âSwadeshiâ and âBoycottâ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the: (a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal (b) Home Rule Movement (c) Non-Cooperation Movement (d) Visit of the Simon Commission to India |
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