Tensions Rise as Sukhbir Singh Badal Faces Attack Amid Akal Takht-Mandated Atonement
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 09)
| Topic: GS1 – History |
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Analysis of News:
Akal Takht: Historical Context and Authority
- The Akal Takht, established in 1606 by Guru Hargobind, serves as the supreme temporal authority of Sikhs.
- Symbolizing defiance against Mughal oppression, it became a seat of governance and decision-making for the Sikh community.
- Its doctrines emphasize a balance between temporal (miri) and spiritual (piri) power, asserting the primacy of values over authority.
Role in Sikh Leadership and Religious Discipline
- Post-Guru Gobind Singh’s era, the Akal Takht became central to Sikh gatherings during persecution, evolving into the authority for religious and temporal matters.
- The Jathedar, its head, wields power to summon individuals for adjudication and impose religious penalties, fostering humility and community discipline.
- Historical instances, such as Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s atonement, underscore its moral authority.
Relationship with SGPC and SAD
- The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), formed in 1920, manages Sikh shrines and appoints the Akal Takht Jathedar.
- Historically intertwined with the SAD, the SGPC has been a tool for the Akali Dal to influence Sikh politics.
- This relationship mirrors the dynamic between the RSS and BJP, though critics highlight fundamental differences in ideological and operational objectives.
Political Influence on Akal Takht Decisions
- Over decades, SAD’s dominance over the SGPC has raised concerns about political interference in the Akal Takht’s functioning.
- Key controversies, such as the unilateral pardon of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in 2015, have fueled allegations of SAD influence, compromising the impartiality of the Jathedar and the institution’s credibility.
Conclusion: Challenges in Balancing Authority and Autonomy
- The Akal Takht remains a revered symbol of Sikh identity and authority, but its perceived politicization poses challenges. Ensuring its decisions reflect Sikh values, free from external interference, is critical to preserving its moral and religious authority in the community.
| Important Gurudwaras in Sikhism |
Panj Takht: There are five Takhts and these Takhts are five gurudwaras which have a very special significance for the Sikh community.
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| Practice Question: Examine the historical significance and evolving role of the Akal Takht in Sikh religious and political affairs. How has its relationship with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the SGPC impacted its authority and impartiality? (250 words/15 m) |
