7: Sikhism outside India

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Sikhs exploited economic opportunities created by British rule....began to move within Punjab and British Empire...even moved as afar as Canada and California (though not made welcome).

After 1st World War immigrants mainly from low caste (Bhatras) (tended to maintain customs e.g : objecting to wives working outside home.

After 2nd World War mainly Jats and members of low caste Chamar caste, In 1960's Ramgarhias from East Africa came to Britain.

Jat men often cut hair and removed Turban to improve employment chances.

Gurdwara became principal Sikh institution and every Sikh community will have one.....helps to cope with Diaspora : centre for exchange of gossip, news and information, discussion of problems and issues affecting community.

Gurdwara depends on volunteers so provides Sikhs opportunity for service (v.important)

Gurdwara like a community centre: place for elderly to meet, marriages occur, library, childrens classes in Punjabi and Kirtan (singing of shabads). medium for political communication with government.

Gurdwaras similar in UK and Canada...but in Canada the governments multicultural policy means Gurdwaras social and cultural role is less significant.

Movement for independent Sikh state swelled after temple attack in 1984...increased worldwide Sikh support....new sense of community....money sent to Punjab...new organisations sprung up.

Because of lack of clergy/ministry...lack of theological leadership in Diaspora.

Secularising pressures....counter measures to make services more accessible....some in favour of translating Guru Granth Sahib....many against it as it is the manifest of Guruand its verses sung in the correct raga invoke vibration of the divine word in the mind.

additional challenges to diaspora: maintaining 5 K's like uncut hair, beards , kirpan sword banned in some places.....banning of religious symbols (eg France 2004...including Turban).

Sikhs have set up own schools (eg in UK)...pupils meet for Sikh worship, take Punjabi classes, Punjabi clothing for girls, boys wear head coverings, emphasis on service to the community.

In UK compulsory religious education presents Sikhism as distinct world religion encouraging Khalsa as norm. encourages people to draw boundaries between practices of different religions.

Important role of 'Sants' who are charismatic spiritual guides...usually male...provide advice, teaching, inspiration, help.

Diaspora has given impetus to Sikh organisations or movements, powerful support for Punjab, economic impact on Punjab, interest in Sikh heritage and boost to Sikh studies.....also encouragement of academic study of Sikhism (some critical or sceptical of traditional Sikh history...controversial!)

threat to Sikhism now seen as from Indian government and the continuing potential for communal violence in India.

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