Topic-Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
3) The Gurdwara reform movement of Punjab made an important contribution towards India’s freedom struggle. Discuss.(250 words)
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the Gurdwara reform movement of the Punjab and bring out its contribution towards Indian freedom struggle.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the Gurdwara reform movement. E.g The establishment of SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) proved to be a turning point in the history of the Sikhs. A new movement called Gurdwara Reform Movement was started against the Mahants and their mentor.
Body-
Discuss in points, the details of the movement and how it contributed towards Indian freedom struggle. E.g
- The SGPC sent many Akali jathas to various historical Gurdwaras to liberate them from the Mahants.
- Under these pressure many Mahants either surrendered to the Akalis or in many cases, agreed to work as employees of the SGPC.
- But the Mahants of prominent Gurdwaras like Panja Sahib, Taran-Taran, Nankana Sahib and Guru-Ka-Bagh did not agree to handover their Gurudwaras to the Akalis.
- They rather tried to resist them. In all these cases, the Akalis had to launch Morchas to get hold of these Gurudwaras.
- Discuss the Nankana Gurdwara tragedy and the role of the British in it.
- Discuss about the keys affairs of the Golden Temple.
- The Indian National Congress declared its support for the Akali agitation in the special congress session in Delhi.
- The Akali’s were the joined by several freedom fighters, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Kasturirangan Santhanam. Nehru and other were arrested during one such march etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
