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{{Sikhism sidebar}}
{{Short description|Deliberative assembly of the Sikhs}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox recurring event
| name              = Sarbat Khalsa
| native_name        = ਸਰਬੱਤ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ
| logo              = Khanda (Sikh Symbol).svg
| logo_size          = 50px
| logo_alt          = A stylized wordmark saying "Calgary Stampede" below a C lazy-S logo.
| image              = GURUDWARA_SRI_AKAL_TAKHT_SAHIB.jpg
| image_size        =
| alt                =
| caption            = The [[1986 Sarbat Khalsa]] gathering at the [[Akal Takht]] on [[Vaisakhi]] (13 April 1986).
| dates              =
| frequency          = Biannually Since 1805, then called upon Sikh community request since 1986.
| location          = Various throughout [[Punjab Region]]
| country            = Previous (Sikh Raaj and Sikh Empire), Most recent (Punjab, India)
| founded            = 18th Century
| founder_name      = [[Guru Gobind Singh|Guru Gobind Singh Ji]]
| last              = 10 November 2015
| attendance        = 500,000 - 600,000 Sikhs
| activity          = Sikh Religious Affairs, Sikh Activism, Sikh Human Rights, Sikh Separatism (Since 1986)
| website            =
}}
'''Sarbat Khalsa''' (lit. meaning ''all the [[Khalsa]]''; [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]: {{lang|pa|ਸਰਬੱਤ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ}} <small>([[Gurmukhi]])</small> pronunciation: {{IPA|pa|sǝɾbǝt̪t̪ kʰäːlsäː|}}),<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cole |first1=W. Owen |title=A popular dictionary of Sikhism |date=1997 |publisher=NTC Pub. Group |location=Lincolnwood, Ill. |isbn=978-0700710485 |page=75}}</ref> was a biannual [[Mass meeting|deliberative assembly]] (on the same lines as a [[Parliament]] in a [[Direct democracy]]) of the [[Sikhs]] held at [[Amritsar]] in [[Punjab]] during the 18th century.<ref>{{cite book |title=Brief History of Sikh Misls |publisher=Sikh Missionary College (Regd.) |location=Jalandhar |pages=4–5 |url=http://www.apnaorg.com/books/sikh-misls/book-1.php?fldr=book }}</ref> It literally translates to the "entire Sikh [[Nation]]" but as a political institution it refers to the meetings of the [[Dal Khalsa (Sikh Army)|Dal Khalsa]] and the legislature of the [[Sikh Confederacy]].


'''Sarbat Khalsa''' (lit. meaning ''all the [[Khalsa]]''; [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]: {{lang|pa|ਸਰਬੱਤ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ}} <small>([[Gurumukhi]])</small>),<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cole |first1=W. Owen |title=A popular dictionary of Sikhism |date=1997 |publisher=NTC Pub. Group |location=Lincolnwood, Ill. |isbn=978-0700710485 |page=75}}</ref> was a biannual [[Mass meeting|deliberative assembly]] (on the same lines as a [[Parliament]] in a [[Direct Democracy]]) of the [[Sikhs]] held at [[Amritsar]] in Panjab during the 18th century.<ref>{{cite book |title=Brief History of Sikh Misls |publisher=Sikh Missionary College (Regd.) |location=Jalandhar |pages=4–5 |url=http://www.apnaorg.com/books/sikh-misls/book-1.php?fldr=book }}</ref> It literally translates to the "entire Sikh [[Nation]]" but as a political institution it refers to the meetings of the [[Dal Khalsa (Sikh Empire)|Dal Khalsa]], [[Sikh Misls]], and the [[legislature]] of the [[Sikh Empire]]. The first Sarbat Khalsa was called by the tenth guru, [[Guru Gobind Singh]] before his death in 1708 and the tradition of calling Sarbat Khalsa has continued ever since at times of hardship or conflict. After the demolition of the Mahant System by the Khalsa Panth, S. Kartar Singh Jhabbar called the Sarbat Khalsa in 1920. He was not the Jathedar of the Akal Takht but a Sikh leader. In the resolution of that Sarbat Khalsa, Teja Singh Bhuchhar was announced as the Jathedar of the Akal Takht. The next known meeting of the Sarbat Khalsa took place on the occasion of Divali in 1723 when a clash between Tat Khalsa and the Bandais (owing fealty to Banda Singh Bahadur) was averted and amicably settled through the intervention and wise counsel of Bhai Mani Singh.
== Procedure ==


The next notable Sarbat Khalsa, which was held soon after the martyrdom of [[Bhai Tara Singh Wan]] in 1726, passed a ''[[Gurmata]]'' (the decisions of the Sarbat Khalsa), laying down a threefold plan of action: to plunder government treasures in transit between local and regional offices and the central treasury; to raid government armouries for weapons and government stables for horses and carriages; and to eliminate government informers and lackeys.
[[File:1867 photo showing a Sikh granthi reading the Guru Granth Sahib scripture in Amritsar, British India.jpg|thumb|left|Meetings of the Sarbat Khalsa began with an [[Ardās]], a [[Sikh]] prayer for guidance.]]
 
Meetings of the Sarbat Khalsa began with an [[Ardās]], a [[Sikh]] prayer for guidance. The body then chose [[Panj Piare]], or five members, to act as the governing body of the [[mass meeting]]. To become one of the Panj Piare members would have to be nominated, answer objections from the assembly, and be subject to a [[direct vote]].<ref name="b5">{{cite book |url=http://www.apnaorg.com/books/sikh-misls/book-1.php?fldr=book |title=Brief History of Sikh Misls |publisher=Sikh Missionary College (Regd.) |location=Jalandhar |pages=5}}</ref> After their election the Panj Piare sat next to the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] on the [[Akal Takht]] of [[Harmandir Sahib]]. Members put proposals up for consideration and the Panj Piare intervened in disputes that came up during the assembly. A proposal passed by the Sarbat Khalsa, known as a ''[[Gurmata]]'' (The Guru's decision) binding on all Sikhs.<ref name="b5" />
The declaration of the Independence of [[Khalistan movement|Khalistan]] was conducted in the [[Sarbat Khalsa (1986)]].
 
== History ==
[[File:Painting of Guru Gobind Singh holding court, from a Gobind Gita manuscript, circa early 19th century.jpg|thumb|Painting of Guru Gobind Singh holding court, from a ''Gobind Gita'' manuscript, circa early 19th century]]
The first Sarbat Khalsa was called by the tenth guru, [[Guru Gobind Singh]] before his death in 1708 and the tradition of calling Sarbat Khalsa has continued ever since at times of hardship or conflict. After the demolition of the Mahant System by the Khalsa Panth, S. Kartar Singh Jhabbar called the Sarbat Khalsa in 1920. He was not the Jathedar of the Akal Takht but a Sikh leader. In the resolution of that Sarbat Khalsa, Teja Singh Bhuchhar was announced as the Jathedar of the Akal Takht. The next known meeting of the Sarbat Khalsa took place on the occasion of Divali in 1721 when a clash between Tat Khalsa and the Bandais (owing fealty to Banda Singh Bahadur) was averted and amicably settled through the intervention and wise counsel of Bhai Mani Singh.
 
The next notable Sarbat Khalsa, which was held soon after the martyrdom of [[Bhai Tara Singh Wan]] in 1726, passed a ''[[Gurmata]]'' (the decisions of the Sarbat Khalsa), laying down a threefold plan of action: to plunder government treasures in transit between local and regional offices and the central treasury; to raid government armouries for weapons and government stables for horses and carriages; and to eliminate government informers and lackeys. This Sarbat Khalsa was arranged by the [[Jathedar of the Akal Takht]] at the time, [[Baba Darbara Singh]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Jagraj |title=A Complete Guide to Sikhism |publisher=Unistar Books |year=2009 |isbn=9788171427543 |pages=54 |quote=Banda Singh was captured alive and executed in Delhi by the Moghul Government of Hindustan in 1716, after which two most powerful nations of Asia at that time, the Moghul Emperor of Hindustan from Delhi and Ahmad Shah Abdali King of Afghanistan from Kabul vowed to wipe out the Sikhs from the face of the earth. The Sikhs left their homes and hearths and escaped to the safety of jungles, mountains of the Punjab and desert of the adjoining Rajputana, refused to submit and continued their struggle for the independence of the Sikh Nation. They re-organized themselves and first Sarbat Khalsa meeting was held at Akal Takhat Amritsar under the leadership of Jathedar Darbara Singh on the Vaisakhi day in 1726. Thereafter Amritsar became the headquarters of Dal Khalsa, Buddha Dal, Taruna Dal and then 12 Misls.}}</ref>


Another Sarbat Khalsa assembled in 1733 to deliberate upon and accept the government's offer of a Nawabship and jagir to the Panth. Under a [[gurmata]] of the Sarbat Khalsa on 14 October (Divali day) 1745, the active fighting force of the Sikhs was reorganized into 25 jathas (bands) of about 100 each.
Another Sarbat Khalsa assembled in 1733 to deliberate upon and accept the government's offer of a Nawabship and jagir to the Panth. Under a [[gurmata]] of the Sarbat Khalsa on 14 October (Divali day) 1745, the active fighting force of the Sikhs was reorganized into 25 jathas (bands) of about 100 each.


A further reorganization into 11 misls (divisions) forming the Dal Khalsa was made by the Sarbat Khalsa on Baisakhi, 29 March 1748. Thus, Sarbat Khalsa became the central body of what J.D. Cunningham, in his book, ''A history of the Sikhs'', terms a “theocratic confederate feudalism” established by the misls.<ref>
A further reorganization into 11 [[Misl|misls]] (divisions) forming the Dal Khalsa was made by the Sarbat Khalsa on Baisakhi, 29 March 1748. Thus, Sarbat Khalsa became the central body of what J.D. Cunningham, in his book, ''A history of the Sikhs'', terms a "theocratic confederate feudalism" established by the misls.<ref>
{{citation
{{citation
|title= Punjab Through the Ages
|title= Punjab Through the Ages
Line 21: Line 53:
}}</ref> On 29 April 1986, a Sarbat Khalsa at the Golden Temple declared the rebuilding of [[Akal Takht]].<ref>{{Cite book|title = Sikh Nationalism and Identity in a Global Age|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=HKu66SixH6AC&pg=PA58|publisher = Routledge|year =2007|author=Giorgio Shani|page=58|isbn = 9781134101894}}</ref>
}}</ref> On 29 April 1986, a Sarbat Khalsa at the Golden Temple declared the rebuilding of [[Akal Takht]].<ref>{{Cite book|title = Sikh Nationalism and Identity in a Global Age|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=HKu66SixH6AC&pg=PA58|publisher = Routledge|year =2007|author=Giorgio Shani|page=58|isbn = 9781134101894}}</ref>


==History==
After the death of [[Banda Singh Bahadur]] in 1716 the [[Khalsa]] was in disarray. After 1716, the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] government began a campaign of [[Chhota Ghallughara|genocide]] against [[Sikhs]] led by [[Abdus Samad Khan]] and later his son [[Zakariya Khan]] that was carried out by in the form of a standing army dedicated to eliminating Sikhs, daily public executions, and monetary rewards for the heads of killed Sikhs.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Sikhs |last=SIngh |first=Patwant |year=2001 |publisher=Image |isbn=978-0-385-50206-1 |pages=78–79 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5i3FJTOvDXEC&dq=mughal%20genocide%20sikhs&pg=PT83}}</ref> The [[Dal Khalsa (Sikh Empire)|Dal Khalsa]] "retaliated by killing government functionaries and plundering Mughal posts, arsenals, and treasuries".<ref>{{cite book |title=The Sikhs |last=SIngh |first=Patwant |year=2001 |publisher=Image |isbn=978-0-385-50206-1 |page=79 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5i3FJTOvDXEC&dq=mughal%20genocide%20sikhs&pg=PT83}}</ref> In 1733, because of the failure of the Mughal government to subdue the Sikhs they were offered a [[jagir]] in 1733. [[Nawab Kapur Singh]] was appointed head of the [[Dal Khalsa (Sikh Empire)|Dal Khalsa]] and he reorganized the Sikhs into the [[Taruna Dal]] and [[Budda Dal]]. The Taruna Dal formed the basis of the Sikh Misls.
After the death of [[Banda Singh Bahadur]] in 1716 the [[Khalsa]] was in disarray. After 1716, the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] government began a campaign of [[genocide]] against [[Sikhs]] led by [[Abdus Samad Khan]] and later his son [[Zakariya Khan]] that was carried out by in the form of a standing army dedicated to eliminating Sikhs, daily public executions, and monetary rewards for the heads of killed Sikhs.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Sikhs |last=SIngh |first=Patwant |year=2001 |publisher=Image |isbn=978-0-385-50206-1 |pages=78–79 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5i3FJTOvDXEC&dq=mughal%20genocide%20sikhs&pg=PT83}}</ref> The [[Dal Khalsa (Sikh Empire)|Dal Khalsa]] "retaliated by killing government functionaries and plundering Mughal posts, arsenals, and treasuries".<ref>{{cite book |title=The Sikhs |last=SIngh |first=Patwant |year=2001 |publisher=Image |isbn=978-0-385-50206-1 |page=79 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5i3FJTOvDXEC&dq=mughal%20genocide%20sikhs&pg=PT83}}</ref> In 1733, because of the failure of the Mughal government to subdue the Sikhs they were offered a [[jagir]] in 1733. [[Nawab Kapur Singh]] was appointed head of the [[Dal Khalsa (Sikh Empire)|Dal Khalsa]] and he reorganized the Sikhs into the [[Taruna Dal]] and [[Budda Dal]]. The Taruna Dal formed the basis of the [[Sikh Misls]].


[[Ranjit Singh|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]] banned the Sarbat Khalsa in 1805 but it has recently been revived.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Cole |first=W. Owen |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/648154652 |title=A popular dictionary of Sikhism |date=1997 |publisher=NTC Pub. Group |others=Piara Singh Sambhi |isbn=978-0-203-98609-7 |location=Lincolnwood, Ill. |oclc=648154652 |quote=A gurmatta may only be passed by the Sarbat Khalsa, that is a properly constituted assembly of the Panth which has been publicly announced and to which they have been summoned. In this way it resembles the gatherings of Sikhs in the presence of the human Gurus at Hola Mohalla, Baisakhi, and Diwali, at which such decisions were often made, though, of course, it must be held in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. In 1805 Maharaja Ranjit Singh abolished assemblies of the Sarbat Khalsa for this purpose, but the practice has recently been re-established.}}</ref>
[[Ranjit Singh|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]] abolished the Sarbat Khalsa in 1805.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Cole |first=W. Owen |title=A popular dictionary of Sikhism |date=1997 |publisher=NTC Pub. Group |others=Piara Singh Sambhi |isbn=978-0-203-98609-7 |location=Lincolnwood, Ill. |oclc=648154652 |quote=A gurmatta may only be passed by the Sarbat Khalsa, that is a properly constituted assembly of the Panth which has been publicly announced and to which they have been summoned. In this way it resembles the gatherings of Sikhs in the presence of the human Gurus at Hola Mohalla, Baisakhi, and Diwali, at which such decisions were often made, though, of course, it must be held in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. In 1805 Maharaja Ranjit Singh abolished assemblies of the Sarbat Khalsa for this purpose, but the practice has recently been re-established.}}</ref> Prior to its abolition, its last convening was also held in 1805 to discuss the pursuance of the Maratha leader [[Yashwantrao Holkar]] by the British military in the Punjab.<ref name=":62">{{Cite book |last=Ramgarhia |first=Sundar Singh |title=Guide to the Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple of Amritsar |publisher=Mufid-i-'am Press |year=1903 |location=Lahore |pages=35}}</ref>


[[File:1867 photo showing a Sikh granthi reading the Guru Granth Sahib scripture in Amritsar, British India.jpg|thumb|left|Meetings of the Sarbat Khalsa began with an [[Ardās]], a [[Sikh]] prayer for guidance.]]
=== Revival ===
The practice of Sarbat Khalsa has recently been revived.<ref name=":0" /> In [[Sarbat Khalsa (2015)|2015, a Sarbat Khalsa]] was held against the wishes of SGPC and announced 13 resolutions deliberated upon by the Sikh panth and its representatives.


==Procedure==
The [[Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee]] claims to be the modern incarnation of the Sarbat Khalsa institution, however this claim is contested.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 May 2025 |title=Interview with Former SGPC General Secretary Bibi Kiranjot Kaur About SGPC, Jathedars and Akal Takht |url=https://sikhsiyasatnews.net/interview-with-former-sgpc-general-secretary-bibi-kiranjot-kaur-about-sgpc-jathedars-and-akal-takht/ |access-date=17 December 2025 |work=Sikh Siyasat News |quote=Bibi Kiranjot Kaur offers a contrasting perspective, arguing that the SGPC represents a modern form of Sarbat Khalsa. This claim, however, is highly contested—especially given the current circumstances.}}</ref>


Meetings of the Sarbat Khalsa began with an [[Ardās]], a [[Sikh]] prayer for guidance. The body then chose Panj Piare, or five members, to act as the governing body of the [[mass meeting]]. To become one of the Panj Piare members would have to be nominated, answer objections from the assembly, and be subject to a [[direct vote]].<ref name=b5>{{cite book |title=Brief History of Sikh Misls |publisher=Sikh Missionary College (Regd.) |location=Jalandhar |pages=5 |url=http://www.apnaorg.com/books/sikh-misls/book-1.php?fldr=book }}</ref> After their election the Panj Piare sat next to the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] on the [[Akal Takht]] of [[Harmandir Sahib]]. Members put proposals up for consideration and the Panj Piare intervened in disputes that came up during the assembly. A proposal passed by the Sarbat Khalsa, known as a ''Gurmata'' (The Guru's decision) was binding on all Sikhs.<ref name=b5/>
== List of prominent Sarbat Khalsas ==


== Sarbat Khalsa 2015 ==
*[[Sarbat Khalsa (1986)]]
Sarbat Khalsa 2015 was held on November 10, 2015 in Chabba village on the outskirts of [[Amritsar]], with the purpose to strengthen all Sikh institutions and traditions. As many as 550,000<ref name="The Economist" >{{cite news|title=What sounds like a religious schism in Punjab could be a cry for better political leadership|url=https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21679234-what-sounds-religious-schism-punjab-could-be-cry-better-political-leadership-seeking|access-date=28 November 2015|work=[[The Economist]]|date=28 November 2015}}</ref> to over 600,000 Sikhs from around the world attended the event. A few{{which|date=January 2019}} Sikh organizations in support of the [[Shiromani Akali Dal]] did not attend the event and refused to recognize the resolutions passed. The event was also opposed by Punjab Chief Minister [[Parkash Singh Badal]] and his Party [[Shiromani Akali Dal|Akali dal]].<ref name="The Economist" /> But Few Sikh organizations supported to Sarbat Khalsa attended the event and recognized the resolutions passed. The event was called by [[Simranjit Singh Mann]] and [[Mohkam Singh]], leaders of [[Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar)]] and [[United Akali Dal]] respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Aftermath of the Sarbat Khalsa: What the crisis in Punjab means for SAD|url = http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/aftermath-of-the-sarbat-khalsa-what-the-crisis-in-punjab-means-for-sad/|publisher = The Indian Express|access-date =30 November 2016}}</ref> The Sikh congregation passed 13 resolutions to be implemented.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Official Resolutions From Sarbat Khalsa 2015|url = https://www.sikh24.com/2015/11/11/official-resolutions-from-sarbat-khalsa-2015/|website = Sikh24.com|access-date = 2015-11-13}}</ref>
* [[Sarbat Khalsa (2015)]]
 
=== Resolutions<ref>{{Cite web|title = Official Resolutions From Sarbat Khalsa 2015|url = https://www.sikh24.com/2015/11/11/official-resolutions-from-sarbat-khalsa-2015/|website = Sikh24.com|access-date = 2015-11-13}}</ref> ===
# Absolves the four current Jathedars from their duties: [[Giani Gurbachan Singh]], Giani Mal Singh, Giani Gurmukh Singh, Giani Iqbal Singh. Appoints the following interim Jathedars till Vasiakhi 2016 as follows: Bhai [[Jagtar Singh Hawara]] Jathedar (Sri Akal Takht Sahib), Bhai Dhian Singh Mand Acting Jathedar (Sri Akal Takht Sahib), Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala Jathedar (Sri Kesgarh Sahib) and Bhai Baljit Singh Daduwal Jathedar (Sri Damdama Sahib)
# Reaffirms Akal Takht Sahib is a guru-gifted sovereign Sikh institution which must become fully independent again. A draft committee is to be constituted composed of Sikhs both from the Homeland and Diaspora by 30 Nov 2015 to report on Akal Takht Sahib system which includes Sarbat Khalsa and Jathedars governance and process. Plan to be adopted by Vaisakhi 2016 when next Sarbat Khalsa is to be held.
# Declares [[Kanwar Pal Singh Gill]] and [[Kuldip Singh Brar]] ''tankhaiya'' (chastised) for anti-Sikh genocidal campaigns and summons them at Akal Takht Sahib to present themselves by 30 Nov 2015.
# Finds [[Prakash Singh Badal]], [[Sukhbir Singh Badal]] and Avtar Singh Makkar guilty of undermining and misusing the Sikh institutions of [[Panj Piare]] and [[Akal Takht]] Sahib. Nullifies Prakash Singh Badal's Fakhar-e-Qaum and Panth Rattan and Avtar Singh Makkar's Shiromani Sewak awards.
# Creates World Sikh Parliament to represent global Sikhs under aegis of Akal Takht Sahib. A draft committee is to be constituted of Sikhs both from the Homeland and the Diaspora by 30 Nov 2015 to report on its structure and governance. Plan to be adopted by Vaisakhi 2016.
# Calls on all Sikhs to safeguard sanctity of Guru Granth Sahib and aptly deliver justice, in accordance with the Khalsa traditions, to those disrespecting the eternal Guru.
# Recognizes the Sikh political prisoners as the Sikh nation's assets. Holds the state responsible for the resultant consequences due to Jathedar [[Surat Singh Khalsa|Surat Singh]]'s struggle. Demands all political prisoners of any movement in India such as Sikhs, Naxalites, Kashmiris, Nagas, and others, be released unconditionally now.
# Revive the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbadhak Committee's democratic representation system to manage the internal Sikh affairs which have been suspended by the state over the years.
# Orders all Sikhs to fully refrain from all internal divisive doctrinal debate until the sovereignty of Akal Takht Sahib is fully restored.
# Recognizes the Sikh nation must establish a unifying independent Sikh calendar.
# Aspires for [[Vatican City|Vatican]]-like status for Harmandar Sahib Complex to ensure every Sikh's birthright to visit and deliberate at the Akal Takht Sahib.
# Reaffirms the resolutions adopted by the Sarbat Khalsa held on 26 Jan 1986.
# Embraces the disenfranchised fellow human beings be treated with dignity and respect; appeals to stop the construction of caste-based gurdwaras and cremation grounds.


==See also==
==See also==
Line 68: Line 85:
*''History of Panjab'' by Dr L. M. Joshi and Dr Fauja Singh.
*''History of Panjab'' by Dr L. M. Joshi and Dr Fauja Singh.


[[Category:Sikh politics]]
{{Sikhism}}
[[Category:History of Punjab]]
 
[[Category:History of Sikhism]]
[[Category:Sikh Confederacy]]

Latest revision as of 02:34, 28 March 2026


Sarbat Khalsa
ਸਰਬੱਤ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ
A stylized wordmark saying "Calgary Stampede" below a C lazy-S logo.
The 1986 Sarbat Khalsa gathering at the Akal Takht on Vaisakhi (13 April 1986).
FrequencyBiannually Since 1805, then called upon Sikh community request since 1986.
Location(s)Various throughout Punjab Region
CountryPrevious (Sikh Raaj and Sikh Empire), Most recent (Punjab, India)
Founded18th Century
FounderGuru Gobind Singh Ji
Most recent10 November 2015
Attendance500,000 - 600,000 Sikhs
ActivitySikh Religious Affairs, Sikh Activism, Sikh Human Rights, Sikh Separatism (Since 1986)

Sarbat Khalsa (lit. meaning all the Khalsa; Punjabi: ਸਰਬੱਤ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ (Gurmukhi) pronunciation: pa),[1] was a biannual deliberative assembly (on the same lines as a Parliament in a Direct democracy) of the Sikhs held at Amritsar in Punjab during the 18th century.[2] It literally translates to the "entire Sikh Nation" but as a political institution it refers to the meetings of the Dal Khalsa and the legislature of the Sikh Confederacy.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

Meetings of the Sarbat Khalsa began with an Ardās, a Sikh prayer for guidance.

Meetings of the Sarbat Khalsa began with an Ardās, a Sikh prayer for guidance. The body then chose Panj Piare, or five members, to act as the governing body of the mass meeting. To become one of the Panj Piare members would have to be nominated, answer objections from the assembly, and be subject to a direct vote.[3] After their election the Panj Piare sat next to the Guru Granth Sahib on the Akal Takht of Harmandir Sahib. Members put proposals up for consideration and the Panj Piare intervened in disputes that came up during the assembly. A proposal passed by the Sarbat Khalsa, known as a Gurmata (The Guru's decision) binding on all Sikhs.[3] The declaration of the Independence of Khalistan was conducted in the Sarbat Khalsa (1986).

History[edit | edit source]

Painting of Guru Gobind Singh holding court, from a Gobind Gita manuscript, circa early 19th century

The first Sarbat Khalsa was called by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh before his death in 1708 and the tradition of calling Sarbat Khalsa has continued ever since at times of hardship or conflict. After the demolition of the Mahant System by the Khalsa Panth, S. Kartar Singh Jhabbar called the Sarbat Khalsa in 1920. He was not the Jathedar of the Akal Takht but a Sikh leader. In the resolution of that Sarbat Khalsa, Teja Singh Bhuchhar was announced as the Jathedar of the Akal Takht. The next known meeting of the Sarbat Khalsa took place on the occasion of Divali in 1721 when a clash between Tat Khalsa and the Bandais (owing fealty to Banda Singh Bahadur) was averted and amicably settled through the intervention and wise counsel of Bhai Mani Singh.

The next notable Sarbat Khalsa, which was held soon after the martyrdom of Bhai Tara Singh Wan in 1726, passed a Gurmata (the decisions of the Sarbat Khalsa), laying down a threefold plan of action: to plunder government treasures in transit between local and regional offices and the central treasury; to raid government armouries for weapons and government stables for horses and carriages; and to eliminate government informers and lackeys. This Sarbat Khalsa was arranged by the Jathedar of the Akal Takht at the time, Baba Darbara Singh.[4]

Another Sarbat Khalsa assembled in 1733 to deliberate upon and accept the government's offer of a Nawabship and jagir to the Panth. Under a gurmata of the Sarbat Khalsa on 14 October (Divali day) 1745, the active fighting force of the Sikhs was reorganized into 25 jathas (bands) of about 100 each.

A further reorganization into 11 misls (divisions) forming the Dal Khalsa was made by the Sarbat Khalsa on Baisakhi, 29 March 1748. Thus, Sarbat Khalsa became the central body of what J.D. Cunningham, in his book, A history of the Sikhs, terms a "theocratic confederate feudalism" established by the misls.[5] On 29 April 1986, a Sarbat Khalsa at the Golden Temple declared the rebuilding of Akal Takht.[6]

After the death of Banda Singh Bahadur in 1716 the Khalsa was in disarray. After 1716, the Mughal government began a campaign of genocide against Sikhs led by Abdus Samad Khan and later his son Zakariya Khan that was carried out by in the form of a standing army dedicated to eliminating Sikhs, daily public executions, and monetary rewards for the heads of killed Sikhs.[7] The Dal Khalsa "retaliated by killing government functionaries and plundering Mughal posts, arsenals, and treasuries".[8] In 1733, because of the failure of the Mughal government to subdue the Sikhs they were offered a jagir in 1733. Nawab Kapur Singh was appointed head of the Dal Khalsa and he reorganized the Sikhs into the Taruna Dal and Budda Dal. The Taruna Dal formed the basis of the Sikh Misls.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh abolished the Sarbat Khalsa in 1805.[9] Prior to its abolition, its last convening was also held in 1805 to discuss the pursuance of the Maratha leader Yashwantrao Holkar by the British military in the Punjab.[10]

Revival[edit | edit source]

The practice of Sarbat Khalsa has recently been revived.[9] In 2015, a Sarbat Khalsa was held against the wishes of SGPC and announced 13 resolutions deliberated upon by the Sikh panth and its representatives.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee claims to be the modern incarnation of the Sarbat Khalsa institution, however this claim is contested.[11]

List of prominent Sarbat Khalsas[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Cole, W. Owen (1997). A popular dictionary of Sikhism. Lincolnwood, Ill.: NTC Pub. Group. p. 75. ISBN 978-0700710485.
  2. ↑ Brief History of Sikh Misls. Jalandhar: Sikh Missionary College (Regd.). pp. 4–5.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Brief History of Sikh Misls. Jalandhar: Sikh Missionary College (Regd.). p. 5.
  4. ↑ Singh, Jagraj (2009). A Complete Guide to Sikhism. Unistar Books. p. 54. ISBN 9788171427543. Banda Singh was captured alive and executed in Delhi by the Moghul Government of Hindustan in 1716, after which two most powerful nations of Asia at that time, the Moghul Emperor of Hindustan from Delhi and Ahmad Shah Abdali King of Afghanistan from Kabul vowed to wipe out the Sikhs from the face of the earth. The Sikhs left their homes and hearths and escaped to the safety of jungles, mountains of the Punjab and desert of the adjoining Rajputana, refused to submit and continued their struggle for the independence of the Sikh Nation. They re-organized themselves and first Sarbat Khalsa meeting was held at Akal Takhat Amritsar under the leadership of Jathedar Darbara Singh on the Vaisakhi day in 1726. Thereafter Amritsar became the headquarters of Dal Khalsa, Buddha Dal, Taruna Dal and then 12 Misls.
  5. ↑ Kakshi, S.R.; Rashmi Pathak; S.R.Bakshi; R. Pathak (2007), Punjab Through the Ages, Sarup and Son, p. 8, ISBN 978-81-7625-738-1, retrieved 25 April 2010
  6. ↑ Giorgio Shani (2007). Sikh Nationalism and Identity in a Global Age. Routledge. p. 58. ISBN 9781134101894.
  7. ↑ SIngh, Patwant (2001). The Sikhs. Image. pp. 78–79. ISBN 978-0-385-50206-1.
  8. ↑ SIngh, Patwant (2001). The Sikhs. Image. p. 79. ISBN 978-0-385-50206-1.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Cole, W. Owen (1997). A popular dictionary of Sikhism. Piara Singh Sambhi. Lincolnwood, Ill.: NTC Pub. Group. ISBN 978-0-203-98609-7. OCLC 648154652. A gurmatta may only be passed by the Sarbat Khalsa, that is a properly constituted assembly of the Panth which has been publicly announced and to which they have been summoned. In this way it resembles the gatherings of Sikhs in the presence of the human Gurus at Hola Mohalla, Baisakhi, and Diwali, at which such decisions were often made, though, of course, it must be held in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. In 1805 Maharaja Ranjit Singh abolished assemblies of the Sarbat Khalsa for this purpose, but the practice has recently been re-established.
  10. ↑ Ramgarhia, Sundar Singh (1903). Guide to the Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple of Amritsar. Lahore: Mufid-i-'am Press. p. 35.
  11. ↑ "Interview with Former SGPC General Secretary Bibi Kiranjot Kaur About SGPC, Jathedars and Akal Takht". Sikh Siyasat News. 24 May 2025. Retrieved 17 December 2025. Bibi Kiranjot Kaur offers a contrasting perspective, arguing that the SGPC represents a modern form of Sarbat Khalsa. This claim, however, is highly contested—especially given the current circumstances.

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Volume 2: Evolution of Sikh Confederacies (1708-1769) by Hari Ram Gupta. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, 1999, ISBN 8121505402, Pages: 383 pages, illustrated.
  • The Heritage of the Sikhs by Harbans Singh. 1994, ISBN 81-7304-064-8.
  • Sikh Domination of the Mughal Empire. 2000, second edition. ISBN 81-215-0213-6.
  • The Sikh Commonwealth or Rise and Fall of Sikh Misls. 2001, revised edition. ISBN 81-215-0165-2.
  • Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Lord of the Five Rivers by Jean-Marie Lafont. Oxford University Press. 2002, ISBN 0-19-566111-7.
  • History of Panjab by Dr L. M. Joshi and Dr Fauja Singh.
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