Sikh History

Sikh History

Videos

Friday
,
18
October
2024

1984: Witness, Document, Justice

Join SikhRI as we pay tribute to those who answered the call of humanity during those dark days in Delhi. Featuring an esteemed panel of historians, activists, and legal advocates, this event sheds light on their courageous efforts.

watch now ⟶
Tuesday
,
1
October
2024

1984 & Its Afterlives

To mark the 40th year of the violence of 1984, we will remember the events that unfolded in India and make connections with the ongoing and durable violence against Sikhs, Muslims, and other minority groups in India and the diaspora.

watch now ⟶
Saturday
,
7
September
2024

Betrayals & Broken Promises: Dharam Yudh Morcha

In the final session of the series, we will explore the Dharam Yudh Morcha period, the escalating state violence against Sikhs, and the Sikh response to this violence.

watch now ⟶
Tuesday
,
3
September
2024

Betrayals & Broken Promises: Revolution, Resolution & Massacres

This session will examine the socio-economic repercussions of the Green Revolution and the significance of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution. This document would become the center of Sikh-India relations until 1984.

watch now ⟶
Friday
,
30
August
2024

Betrayals & Broken Promises: The Struggle for Panjabi Suba

This session will examine Sikh-India relations post-1947, focusing on the 1950s and 60s.We will look at the emergence of Sikh demands in the aftermath of Independence, the formulation of the Indian constitution, and the epic struggle to create a...

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
26
August
2024

Betrayals & Broken Promises: Promises & Partition

In our first session, we will examine the dilemma Sikhs faced in the 1930s as the British prepared to leave the sub-continent.

watch now ⟶
Tuesday
,
9
February
2016

Liv - Free Akal Takht - Looking Back - Forging On

We were once free. Our sovereign institutions were answerable only to the Guru and the Divine. Today the Akal Takht, built by Guru Harigobind Sahib, is under the laws of the Indian state.

watch now ⟶
Monday
,
24
September
2018

Gurduara: A Sikh Place of Learning

What’s the relationship between the Gurduara governance and the local sangat worldwide? We traced Gurduara’s history throughout the ages and surveyed the opinions of 1,172 self-identified Sikhs from 22 countries.

watch now ⟶
Sunday
,
19
July
2020

Bhakti & Shakti

Bhakti and Shakti are two sides of the Guru. While deep internal contemplation and the exuberant worldly power are often painted as dichotomous, Sikh history, Gurbani, architecture and art all demonstrate their interwoven and complementary nature.

watch now ⟶
Friday
,
23
October
2020

A Brave Life of the Exemplary Sikh Warrior: Sikh History

This is the story of Hari Singh Nalua, a formidable general in the army of the Khalsa during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. From birth to death, what lessons can we learn from this figure from Sikh history?

watch now ⟶
Friday
,
19
November
2021

Representing 1984

Join us as we explore the recent rise of literature, art, film, and photography focusing on the anti-Sikh violence of 1984.

watch now ⟶
Tuesday
,
21
December
2021

A December Poem: Sikhi's Fragrance

Mahakavi Santok Singh gives us a glimpse into Love. A woman’s deep-seated love for Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. 

watch now ⟶

Articles

Tuesday
,
15
October
2024

Banda Singh Bahadar

Embark on the profound journey of Baba Banda Singh Bahadar, the guardian of Panjab's heritage.

READ More ⟶
Monday
,
16
September
2024

From Humility to Divinity

In this reflective essay marking the 450th Coronation Anniversary of Guru Ramdas Sahib, we journey through the profound life of the Guru—from his humble beginnings in Chuna Mandi to his transformative role in Sikh history.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
25
June
2024

Legacy of 1984

Discover the essence of Sikhi in "Legacy of 1984: Rising Voices," a poetic tribute that delves into the indomitable spirit of Sikhs during tumultuous times.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
4
June
2024

Why Was Bhindranwale There?

Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale is a pivotal figure in the events of 1984. There is much consternation and confusion over his actions and choices in the lead-up to the June 1984 Ghallughara.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
26
March
2024

No More Blue Stars

In recent years, diasporic Sikhs have been moving to consciously avoid using the terms Operation Blue Star or Holocaust and instead use terms like the Battle of Amritsar, genocide, or Ghallughara when speaking about June and November 1984.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
13
February
2024

The Attack on Political Sikhi

What did Indira Gandhi hope to achieve in the June 1984 attack on the Harimandar Sahib Complex and Gurduaras around Panjab? What was the goal of the Indian National Congress (I) party’s brutal and genocidal pogroms against Sikhs across the country in...

READ More ⟶
Sunday
,
8
March
2009

Woman: Gateway to Freedom

“The whole Guru Grantha is the voice of a wedded women or a maiden pining in love of the Beautiful. Her nobleness in Guru Grantha is infinite, her freedom is of the highest. Both man and woman as sexes are forgotten in her voice.

READ More ⟶
Thursday
,
5
November
2009

Maharaja of Firangi

Last week I walked into the first exhibition to comprehensively explore the extraordinarily rich culture of the maharajas. “Maharaja – the Splendor of India‘s Royal Courts” is the feature exhibit at the Victoria & Alberta Museum in London...

READ More ⟶
Saturday
,
18
September
2010

Guru Angad

Today marks the gurgaddi divas, the Coronation Day of Guru Angad Sahib, the Second Sovereign of Sikhi. Guru Angad Sahib's unwavering devotion and obedience to Guru Nanak Sahib set a profound example for Sikhs.

READ More ⟶
Monday
,
18
June
2012

The Messiah Is Here

We all suffer at times, weighed down with personal traumas, disappointments and regrets. According to the Buddhists, the primary truth of all of human existence is suffering. But in Sikhi, while our Guru acknowledges that there is much suffering in life, there is more to life and the universe than mere suffering. No, life is so much more than suffering.

READ More ⟶
Monday
,
2
June
2014

1984 Woke Me Up From A Deep Slumber

In this poignant reflection, Inni Kaur shares her awakening from a cultural Sikh to a deeply connected follower, driven by the pain and loss of June 1984.

READ More ⟶
Tuesday
,
24
November
2015

Top Ten Truths About Guru Teghbahadar Sahib

Guru Teghbahadar Sahib’s life and legacy are unparalleled in the annals of world history. The Guru proclaimed: “Be very clear in your mind; the insightful person is the one who doesn’t fear anyone nor frightens anyone.”

READ More ⟶

Podcasts

Thursday
,
10
October
2024

1984 & Its Afterlives

To mark the 40th year of the violence of 1984, we reflect on the events that unfolded in India and make connections with the ongoing and durable violence against Sikhs, Muslims, and other minority groups in India and the diaspora.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Thursday
,
25
July
2024

A Conversation on Anand Sahib: The Bliss

Inni Kaur joins Sikh Heritage Month to discuss the deeper meaning of Anand Sahib by Guru Amardas Sahib.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Saturday
,
29
June
2024

The Attack on Political Sikhi

Manvinder Kaur and Santbir Singh explore the events of 1984 that forever transformed the landscape of Sikh history and politics in India.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Friday
,
28
June
2024

Why Was Bhindranwale There?

Santbir Singh delves into the complex and sometimes controversial legacy of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale during the events of June 1984.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Thursday
,
27
June
2024

Legacy of 1984

Through vivid imagery and heartfelt verses, Inni Kaur revisits 1984, weaving threads of courage, resilience, and unwavering devotion. Join this lyrical exploration today.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Wednesday
,
12
June
2024

Sant Jarnail Singh: The Man, the Myth, the Truth

Listen as Santbir Singh delves into an in-depth conversation with Harinder Singh about Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a pivotal figure in 20th-century Sikh history.

LISTEN NOW⟶
,

Pakistan: Uncovering a Sikh Heritage

In this episode, our panel each draws from their specific expertise and experience to draw the connection of Sikh Heritage in Pakistan.

LISTEN NOW⟶
,

The Sikhs and The Panjab

73 years ago, two nation-states were carved by the British mapmaking: Hindustan and Pakistan. The historical Sikh Homeland in The Panjab was divided by the Radcliffe line. In now truncated Indian Panjab, a proportion of the Sikhs led many campaigns to fight for economic, political, state, human, and religious rights. What’s next to secure the Sikh aspirations and the Panjab’s autonomy?

LISTEN NOW⟶
Wednesday
,
11
January
2017

“Emperor-Prophet” - The Real Guru Gobind Singh Ji

The Panjab Digital Library was selected to develop an exhibition for the 350-year celebration of Guru Gobind Singh by the government of Bihar.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Monday
,
24
April
2017

Everywhere I Go, Bithal is Present

Listen to Harinder Singh’s reflection on Bhagat Namdev’s evolution from deity worship to seeing Divinity pervading everywhere.

LISTEN NOW⟶
Wednesday
,
18
December
2019

1984: Why Should I Care?

Why do I care about the violence that occurred during 1984…why should I care?

LISTEN NOW⟶
Monday
,
30
March
2020

Sikh History in Afghanistan

Dr. Pritpal Singh discusses the importance, history, and significance of Afghanistan for Sikhs, from the time of the Gurus to now.

LISTEN NOW⟶

Courses

No courses found. See all Courses.

Resources

Getting to Know Rani Jind Kaur

"Getting to Know Rani Jind Kaur" is an extensive educational resource meticulously crafted to introduce students to the illustrious legacy of Rani Jind Kaur and the admirable qualities of Sikh leadership. Each lesson is thoughtfully paired with various "Advanced Learning Opportunities," catering to students of diverse proficiency levels and encouraging them to delve deeper into learning and contemporary discourse.

View Resource ⟶View Resource ⟶

A Special Report on Historical Context 1984

We present this Special Report to provide historical context to the Sikh experience from 1984 to the present day vis-a-vis the Indian and Canadian governments. The information provided narrates the wrongdoings against the Sikh community and Indian Panjab, which have been largely ignored and even perpetuated by the state and media.

View Resource ⟶View Resource ⟶

Getting to Know Jassa Singh Ahluwalia

Explore the life and lessons of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and his legacy through our downloadable education resource and our originally produced podcast and video series ‘Sikh History.’

View Resource ⟶View Resource ⟶

Getting to Know Hari Singh Nalua

Explore the life and lessons of Hari Singh Nalua and his legacy through our downloadable curriculum, as well as through our originally produced podcast and video series 'Sikh History'.

View Resource ⟶View Resource ⟶