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During India's struggle for independence, Sikhs fought against the British at great personal cost. In the successful fight for independence, 3,697 Sikhs were hanged, killed or imprisoned for life, versus 1,074 non-Sikhs.

When India was granted independence and partitioned in 1947, massive populations of Muslims and Hindus were given their own geographic nation. The hard-working and hard-fighting Sikhs decided to join with predominantly Hindu India and put their faith in the Indian government to protect their interests. After receiving such firm and solemn promises in clear and unambiguous terms from the Congress Party leaders, Sikhs decided to throw in their lot with India and did not press the British government for an independent Sikh state. They had wholeheartedly and vigorously supported the freedom struggle and suffered greatly for the cause. Promises of religious freedom and self-determination made to them by Mahatma Gandhi and Mr. Nehru were never fulfilled. No sooner had the country achieved independence when all past promises, declarations and assurances made to the Sikhs, and the sacrifices made by the Sikhs were forgotten. With the partition of India to form the Moslem state of Pakistan, 60% of the agriculturally developed lands of the Sikhs went to Pakistan and the Sikhs migrated to Indian Punjab to make their new homes on barren land. Through their skill and industry, this land was transformed by a "green revolution" and now provides 60% of the food supply for all of India, including 70% of all the wheat and 50% of the rice.

"It was the Sikhs who helped spawn the "green revolution" in agriculture- the single most stunning accomplishment of India's independent years." Christian Science Monitor. 6/18/84

Sikh community's embrace of military and political organisation made it a considerable regional force in medieval India and it continued to evolve after the demise of the gurus.

Sikh warrior bands known as misls formed

decline of the Mughal empire, a Sikh Empire arose in the Punjab under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, with its capital in Lahore and limits reaching the Khyber Pass and the borders of China.

Goal: The goal of every Sikh is to build a close, loving relationship with God.

Deity: Sikhs believe in a single, Formless God, with many names, who can be known through meditation. his concept is similar to Islam whose followers believe in a single God who has 99 names. The Mool Mantar, the first hymn composed by Guru Nanak, is recited daily by many Sikhs. It contains a description of many of the attributes of God: There is only one God; His Name is Truth; He is the Creator; He is without fear; He is without hate; He is beyond time (i.e. is immortal); He is beyond birth and death; He is self-existent. 1 Only he can be worshiped. Rahras, a Sikh evening prayer states: "[O God] since I have fallen at your feet, I do not care for anybody else. I do not follow the religious ways preached by various religions believing in Ram, Mohammed, Puran or Qur'an. The Simritis, Shastras and the Vedas lay down different doctrines. But I do not recognize any of these. O God, I have written these hymns with your grace and kindness. All that has been said is in fact spoken by you." 2

Reincarnation: They believe in samsara (the repetitive cycle of birth, life and death), karma (the accumulated sum of one's good and bad deeds, and reincarnation the belief of a rebirth following death. These beliefs are similar to Hinduism.

Kesh Uncut hair, which is kept covered by a distinctive turban. Kesh are a traditional symbol of holiness in India, and the turban is a symbol of leadership.

Kirpan A ceremonial sword, symbolizing readiness to defend the defenseless, and defend one's faith against persecution. The kirpan is normally worn on a cloth belt called a gatra. The kirpan exemplifies the warrior character of a Sikh.

A wooden comb, symbolizing cleanliness and order. The kangha is used to keep the hair clean. As a Sikh combs their hair daily, he or she should also comb their mind with the Guru's wisdom.