19th May
1919
The British regime acknowledged right of the Sikhs to wear their religious sword and removed all restrictions on Kirpan Sahib.
A long agitation against restrictions on Kirpan Sahib was successfully concluded. This agitation saw hundreds of Sikhs in Jails. However, upon its conclusion all restrictions on Kirpan Sahib (specifically in armed forces) were removed all over British India and Burma. Kirpan Sahib is the second Kakaar, out of a total of five Kakaars, mandated for GurSikh’s attire. Others include Kaes (unshorn hair), Kanga (comb), Kasha (underwear), and Kadha (bangel).
==> 5 K’s: useful sources for information on 5 Ks include :-
Kapur Singh (1989), “Parasaraprasna: An Enquiry into the Genesis and Unique Character of the Order of the Khalsa with an Exposition of the Sikh Tenets,” Guru nanak dev University, Amritsar, 2nd ed. (first published in 1959)
Kirpal Singh (1971), “Sikh Symbols,” The Sikh Missionary Society, Gravesend, UK Santokh Singh (1991), “Sword of the Khalsa,” Gujral Printers, Jammu.
Teja Singh (1951), “Forms and Symbols in Sikhism: Its Ideals and Institutions,” Orient Longmans, Calcutta, pp. 30-35
Trilochan Singh (1977), “The Turban and Sword of the Sikhs,” The Sikh Missionary Society, 10 Featherstone rd, Southall, Middx, UK
J.P.S. Uberoi (1975), “The Five Symbols of Sikhism,” in Harbans Singh, ed., “Perspectives on Guru Nanak,” Punjabi University, Patiala, pp. 502-513 also published in
Fauja Singh, ed., “Sikhism,” Punjabi University, Patiala, 1969, pp. 123-128
Bishan Singh (1975), “Gurmat Kakkar Philosophy (Punjabi),” Khalsa Brothers, Amritsar.
1940
A meeting of all Sikh parties was held in Amritsar, to explore the issue of Sikh sovereignty and a sub-commitee was set-up to explore the matter.