Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Babbar Akali movement was a militant movement launched by Sikhs in the 1920s, primarily as a reaction to the perceived betrayal of the community by the British government and the perceived weakness of the Shiromani Akali Dal in addressing their concerns. Emerging in the aftermath of the Nankana Sahib massacre (1921), the movement aimed to avenge the atrocities committed against Sikhs and reclaim control of Sikh shrines (gurudwaras) from the mahants (custodians) who were often seen as corrupt and pro-British. It represented a more radical and violent approach compared to the non-violent satyagraha adopted by the Akali Dal.
Origins and Context
The roots of the Babbar Akali movement lay in the widespread discontent among Sikhs following the British Raj’s policies and the mismanagement of gurudwaras by appointed mahants. The Nankana Sahib massacre, where peaceful protestors were fired upon by police and mahant’s men, served as a catalyst. The Shiromani Akali Dal, formed in 1920, initially adopted non-violent methods to reform gurudwaras, but many felt this approach was too slow and ineffective.
Emergence and Leadership
The Babbar Akali movement was formally launched in 1922 by Karam Singh and Dalip Singh. These leaders, along with others like Ishar Singh and Udham Singh, believed in a more assertive and retaliatory approach. The name ‘Babbar’ was derived from a legendary Sikh warrior, Baba Deep Singh, known for his bravery and sacrifice. The movement quickly gained support from disillusioned Akali activists and Sikh youth.
Methods and Activities
Unlike the Akali Dal’s peaceful protests, the Babbar Akalis resorted to violence and targeted individuals perceived as enemies of the Sikh community. Their activities included:
- Retaliatory killings: They avenged the deaths of Sikhs killed in Nankana Sahib and other incidents by targeting those responsible, including mahants and British officials.
- Raids on treasuries: They conducted raids on government treasuries to collect funds for their activities and to demonstrate their defiance.
- Disrupting British administration: They aimed to disrupt the functioning of the British administration in Punjab.
The movement operated in a clandestine manner, with cells established across Punjab. They utilized guerilla tactics and relied on a network of sympathizers for support.
Government Response and Suppression
The British government responded with a harsh crackdown on the Babbar Akali movement. A series of ordinances were enacted to suppress the movement, including the Punjab Security of Property Act (1922) and the Criminal Law Amendment Act (1923). Mass arrests were carried out, and many Babbar Akalis were sentenced to long prison terms or executed. Karam Singh, a key leader, was hanged in 1924. The government also implemented strict surveillance and intelligence gathering to dismantle the movement’s network.
Decline and Legacy
By the mid-1920s, the Babbar Akali movement had been largely suppressed due to the government’s relentless crackdown. However, its legacy continued to inspire Sikh militancy in later decades. The movement highlighted the deep-seated grievances of the Sikh community and the limitations of non-violent methods in achieving their goals. It also contributed to the growing sense of Sikh identity and political consciousness. The movement’s actions, while controversial, forced the British government to address some of the concerns raised by the Sikh community regarding gurudwara management and political representation.
Conclusion
The Babbar Akali movement, though short-lived, was a significant episode in the history of Sikh political activism. Born out of frustration and a desire for justice, it adopted a path of violence in response to perceived injustices. While ultimately suppressed, it left a lasting impact on the Sikh community, shaping its political trajectory and contributing to the broader struggle for independence in India. Its legacy remains a subject of debate, with some viewing it as a necessary response to oppression and others condemning its violent methods.
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