Author: Mohinder Singh
Foreword/Introduction: Jawaharlal Nehru
Publisher: National Book Trust
Year: 2011
Language: English
Pages: 93
ISBN/UPC (if available): 9788123752310
Description
The Akali Movement was the first successful demonstration of passive resistance organized by the Sikhs to dislodge the Mahants, priests and other vested interests from the Sikh shrines. It was in the wake of the Akali Movement that the sturdy Sikh peasantry of Panjab came out in the open against the British rule by initiating a frontal attack on the bureaucracy in the province which was working hand-in-glove with the vested interest.
An interesting feature is that the Sikhs, who joined National Movement in the course of the Akali struggle and the Non-Cooperation, then launched by Mahatma Gandhi, courted arrests in a strength equal to that of the Congress and the Khilafat volunteers put together.
Then again, the Akalis continued their non-violent struggle even after suspension in 1911 of the Non-cooperation Movement until they finally achieved their goal. The triumphant march of the Akali Jathas and their victory in the Keys’ Affair was hailed by Mahatma Gandhi as the “First decisive victory of the forces of nationalism.”
The present work is a comprehensive account of the five-year (1920-25) Sikh struggle. Based on fresh evidence gathered from the private papers of the contemporary British officials and the national leaders and hitherto, this book throws new light on many significant issues.
Contents
Preface
I.Historical Background
II.Struggle for Reform in the Sikh Shrines
III.Struggle Against the British Government in Panjab
IV.Akali Struggle in the Sikh States
V.Organisation, Base and Leadership of the Movement
VI.The Gurdwara Legislation and the Finale
VII.Impact of the Movement
Glossary