Prologue

What follows is a brief historical sketch of these various Sikh traditions that have existed from the times of Akali Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Nanak Panthi
Painting of a 'Nanak Panthi' (follower of Akali Guru Nanak Dev Ji), possibly from the 'Sutra Shaieh' sect

It has to be noted that whereas Sanatan Sikhism could tolerate these varied approaches to Sikhism, today’s puritanical Tat Khalsa Singh Sabhia-influenced mainstream Sikhs will no doubt reject these beliefs and practices. Some, such as the ultra-radical ‘Akhand Kirtani Jatha’ (A.K.J.) and ‘Baba Kartar Singh Samparda’ (also known as the ‘Chowk Mehta Samparda’ or more incorrectly as ‘Dam Dami Taksal’) would perhaps relegate some of these sects as being ‘Tankhaiya’ (apostates) of the Sikh faith.

Baba Kartar Singh
Baba Kartar Singh (holding an arrow), founder of the
'Baba Kartar Singh Samparda', also known more popularly as 'Dam Dami Taksal'

Before delving deeper into the histories of these orders, it has to be stated that certain Sikhs within the UK, feeling threatened by this academic and historical research into the history of the varied hues of Sikhism have tried to impress upon the creators of www.sarbloh.info that the mentioning of such material serves no purpose, but to further split and weaken the ‘Sikh Panth’.

Sriman 108 Mahant Bhai Jameeat Singh Ji Sewa Panthi
Mahant of Katara Karam Singh, Amritsar

We do not agree with such cowardly and truth-fearing naive views that are unbecoming of true Sikhs. As true Sikhs on an eternal search for the truth, we cannot abide by lies, be they spoken from the mouths of whom people or institutions may consider as being ‘holy’. Some of the greatest lies and acts of deceit in the world have been perpetuated by so-called religious/spiritual institutions and self-proclaimed holy persons.

Durbar Sahib
Sketch of the interior of Hari Mandhir Sahib from The Illustrated
London News, based on a painting by William Carpenter, circa 1858

Scholars within Sanatan Sikhism aim for the constant exploration of the depths of Sikhism, and question Sikhism itself in order to attain the truth. Such a practice only serves to enlighten and strengthen those true individuals who are not afraid of the truth. This is a stark contrast to the narrow-minded mainstream Sikhism that today fuels modern institutions which, fearing academic and historical scrutiny, serve to prevent past truths from being known, and eternalize their own warped ideology.