The “Chabiyan Da Morcha” in Amritsar, which took place on 7 Magh 555, refers to a significant episode in Sikh history during the early 1920s. This event was part of the larger Akali movement, which aimed to reform the management of Sikh places of worship, especially the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
The Golden Temple had been under the control of a government-nominated administrator (sarbrdh) since 1849. The Akali movement emerged in the early 20th century with the goal of wresting control of Sikh religious institutions from government-appointed officials and establishing a more autonomous Sikh administration.
Akali Takeover of the Golden Temple (October 1920)
The Akali takeover of the Golden Temple in October 1920 was a crucial moment in Sikh history, marking a significant shift in the administration of the revered religious site. However, despite this change in management, certain key aspects of control, particularly regarding the treasury, remained in the hands of the government-nominated administrator, Sundar Singh Ramgarhia
Akali Takeover (October 1920)
The Akali movement, a Sikh reform movement, aimed to establish greater autonomy and control for the Sikh community over their religious institutions, including the Golden Temple. In October 1920, the Akalis succeeded in gaining control of the Golden Temple, effectively replacing the existing government-nominated administrators with Sikh leaders aligned with the Akali cause.
Sundar Singh Ramgarhia’s Role
Sundar Singh Ramgarhia was the government-nominated administrator in charge of the Golden Temple before the Akali takeover. Despite the change in management, the Akalis appointed Sundar Singh as a member of the newly formed Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the body responsible for managing Sikh shrines. This was likely an attempt at a compromise to ensure a smooth transition of control.
Retention of Keys to the Toshakhana
While the Akalis took over the administrative functions of the Golden Temple, Sundar Singh Ramgarhia retained control over the keys to the Toshakhana, which housed the treasury of the Golden Temple. The Toshakhana contained valuable items, including offerings made by devotees, historical artifacts, and precious metals. The control of the keys to the treasury allowed Sundar Singh to maintain a degree of influence over the financial and material resources of the Golden Temple.
Significance of the Treasury
The Toshakhana was a crucial aspect of the Golden Temple, as it held offerings and donations made by devotees over the years. These offerings were meant for the maintenance and development of the temple and its associated institutions. The control of the treasury keys symbolized a form of continued influence and control over the financial resources of the Golden Temple, even after the Akali takeover.
Akali Dissatisfaction
Some Akali reformers were dissatisfied with the fact that Sundar Singh, despite being a member of the SGPC, still retained control over the keys to the Toshakhana. This was perceived as a continuation of government control or influence, even if it was in a more indirect or symbolic form. While the Akali movement successfully achieved the takeover of the Golden Temple in October 1920, the retention of control over the keys to the Toshakhana by the government-nominated administrator, Sundar Singh Ramgarhia, introduced a layer of complexity and dissatisfaction within the Akali leadership. Resolving this issue became a key focus of the subsequent Chabiyan Da Morcha and the broader Akali movement for the autonomy of Sikh religious institutions.
Government Intervention (November 7, 1921)
However, before the SGPC could implement its decision, the deputy commissioner of Amritsar, Amar Nath, intervened. On November 7, 1921, Amar Nath, along with a police party, raided Sundar Singh’s house and confiscated the keys, thwarting the SGPC’s attempt to take control.
Protests and Arrests
The SGPC responded with protests. A meeting on November 12, 1921, saw prominent leaders like Baba Kharak Singh addressing the grievances. The government attempted to replace Sundar Singh with Captain Bahadur Singh on November 11, but the SGPC refused to recognize this new appointment. This led to further protests and the arrests of key Akali leaders. The situation intensified, and on November 26, 1921, prominent Akali leaders were arrested. In response, the SGPC, during a session at the Akal Takht, moved to Ajnala to continue their meeting. The district authority declared the gathering illegal, resulting in the arrest of several Akali leaders.
Escalation and Akali Solidarity
The situation escalated as more Akali leaders were arrested, leading to a show of solidarity. In late November 1921, Akalis, including members of the SGPC, gathered at Ajnala despite government opposition. The district authorities declared the gathering illegal and arrested several Akali leaders.
Government’s Concession (January 3, 1922)
The government’s concession on January 3, 1922, was a pivotal moment in the Chabiyan Da Morcha, marking a significant shift in response to the escalating protests and the realization of the impact it could have on Sikh sentiment. Detailed explanation of this key development is as below:
Context of Government’s Concession
By January 1922, the protests and arrests of Akali leaders had created a tense atmosphere in Punjab. The government, recognizing the potential consequences of the situation, particularly its impact on Sikh sentiments and the broader Sikh community, decided to make a concession.
Announcement to Return the Keys
On January 3, 1922, the government officially announced its decision to return the keys of the Golden Temple treasury to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). This decision was significant because it indicated a willingness to address the Akali demands and restore a sense of autonomy to the Sikh community in the management of their religious institutions.
Facilitating Guru Gobind Singh’s Birth Anniversary
One of the stated reasons for the government’s concession was to facilitate the celebration of the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, which was scheduled for January 7. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, holds immense significance in Sikhism, and celebrating his birth anniversary is an important religious and cultural event for Sikhs.
Symbolism and Gesture of Goodwill
Returning the keys before Guru Gobind Singh’s birth anniversary was seen as a symbolic gesture of goodwill. It was an acknowledgment of the importance of religious observances for the Sikh community and an attempt to defuse tensions by meeting the Akali demands. The government’s move aimed to demonstrate respect for Sikh religious sentiments and a willingness to address their concerns.
Impact on Sikh Community
The announcement had a significant impact on the Sikh community, and it was generally welcomed as a positive step. The Akalis and the SGPC saw it as a vindication of their struggle for autonomy in the management of their religious places. The decision also contributed to a sense of victory and achievement among the Sikh population.
Unconditional Release Condition
It’s worth noting that despite the government’s decision to return the keys, the SGPC had made it clear that they would only accept the keys if all Sikhs who were arrested during the Chabiyan Da Morcha were unconditionally released. This condition reflected the SGPC’s commitment to the broader cause and the well-being of those who had participated in the protests. The government’s concession on January 3, 1922, marked a turning point in the Chabiyan Da Morcha. By deciding to return the keys of the Golden Temple treasury, the government acknowledged the legitimacy of Sikh concerns and sought to ease tensions by aligning with the religious observances of the Sikh community,
SGPC’s Condition and Victory (January 19, 1922)
However, the SGPC refused to accept the keys until all Sikhs arrested during the movement were unconditionally released. Finally, on January 19, 1922, a government official delivered the keys wrapped in a piece of red silk to Baba Kharak Singh, the president of the SGPC, at a gathering at the Akal Takht. This event was considered a victory for the Akalis, marking the end of the Chabiyan Da Morcha. The Chabiyan Da Morcha was a significant episode in Sikh history where the community, through the Akali movement and the SGPC, asserted its control over the Golden Temple and successfully confronted perceived government interference in religious matters.
SGPC’s Condition – Unconditional Release of Arrested Sikhs
The SGPC, led by Baba Kharak Singh, had insisted that they would not accept the keys to the Golden Temple treasury unless all Sikhs who were arrested during the Chabiyan Da Morcha were unconditionally released. This condition underscored the SGPC’s commitment to the broader cause of Sikh rights and the welfare of those who had participated in the protests.
Government’s Response and Resolution
In response to the SGPC’s condition, the government made the decision to release all Sikhs who had been detained in connection with the Akali movement. This resolution was crucial in not only meeting the SGPC’s demand but also in demonstrating the government’s willingness to de-escalate tensions and address the concerns of the Sikh community.
Delivery of the Keys (January 19, 1922)
On January 19, 1922, a government official delivered the keys of the Golden Temple treasury to Baba Kharak Singh. The keys were wrapped in a piece of red silk, symbolizing a gesture of respect and significance. This delivery occurred during a gathering at the Akal Takht, a prominent seat of religious authority within the Golden Temple complex.
Perceived Victory for the Akalis
The delivery of the keys to the SGPC was seen as a victory for the Akali movement and the Sikh community at large. It marked the successful assertion of Sikh control over the Golden Temple and the reversal of what was perceived as government interference in religious matters. The return of the keys symbolized the restoration of autonomy to the Sikhs in the management of their sacred places.
End of the Chabiyan Da Morcha
The delivery of the keys on January 19, 1922, effectively marked the end of the Chabiyan Da Morcha. The Sikhs had achieved their objectives: the release of the detained individuals and the restoration of control over the Golden Temple’s treasury. The resolution of the conflict was a testament to the strength of the Akali movement and the unity of the Sikh community in safeguarding its religious institutions.
Legacy of the Chabiyan Da Morcha
The Chabiyan Da Morcha holds a lasting place in Sikh history as a moment of resilience and assertion of Sikh rights. It contributed to the ongoing struggles for autonomy and self-determination within the Sikh community and became a symbol of resistance against perceived external interference in religious affairs. The events surrounding the SGPC’s condition, the release of the arrested Sikhs, and the delivery of the keys on January 19, 1922, marked the successful conclusion of the Chabiyan Da Morcha, showcasing the determination of the Sikhs to protect and govern their religious institutions without external interference.
