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On January 17, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann paid tribute at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla to commemorate Kuka Martyrs’ Day. The event marks the execution of 66 Namdhari Sikhs by the British in January 1872.

Kuka Rebellion: An Overview

The Kuka Rebellion was an anti-British movement led by the Namdhari sect in Punjab. It combined religious reform with resistance to colonial rule, reaching its peak in January 1872.

Key Events:

• January 13, 1872: Kukas, led by Hira Singh and Lehna Singh, protested against cow slaughter in Malerkotla.
• January 15, 1872: Clashes occurred between Kukas and government officials. A contingent attacked Malaudh Fort but was repulsed.
• January 17-18, 1872: 66 Kukas were executed by being blown up with cannons under orders of British official John Lambert Cowan.

Reasons Behind the Movement:

• Religious Reform: Opposed meat consumption, alcohol, and social vices.
• Colonial Oppression: Protested against British rule and native collaborators.
• Cow Protection: Strongly opposed cow slaughter, leading to confrontations with British authorities.

Impact and Aftermath:

• Suppression: The British crushed the movement with extreme brutality.
• Exile of Leaders: Satguru Ram Singh and other key leaders were exiled to Rangoon, Burma.
• Legacy of Martyrdom: The sacrifice of young Namdharis like 12-year-old Bishan Singh and Waryam Singh inspired future resistance movements in India.

Who are the Namdharis?

The Namdharis, also called Kukas, are a Sikh sect founded by Satguru Ram Singh in 1857 in Ludhiana. Their distinctive practices include:

• High-pitched recitation of Gurbani (hence the name ‘Kuka’ meaning ‘crying’ or ‘screaming’ in Punjabi).
• Wearing white attire as a sign of mourning for their exiled leader.
• Early adoption of Swadeshi principles, boycotting British goods and services.

Current Status of Namdhari Sect:

• The Namdharis, numbering around 2 lakh in Punjab today, have faced internal divisions since the death of Satguru Jagjit Singh in 2012.
• Two major factions exist:
  • One led by Thakur Dilip Singh, headquartered in Sirsa, Haryana.
  • Another led by Sangrur Uday Singh, headquartered at Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana.
• A core belief remains that Satguru Ram Singh is still alive and will return one day.

Significance:

The Kuka Rebellion, though localized, was an important precursor to later national movements against British rule. It showcased the early spirit of resistance, long before organized freedom movements gained momentum in the 20th century.