Introduction: Archeologists have traced the signs of human habitations in Punjab, which was the centre of pre-historic Indus valley civilization that date back to Stone Age. The Greater Punjab once comprised vast territories of Khantharam, (the present Afghanistan), the present western Pakistan and the present Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in India. The people living in these regions are called Punjabis1. Most of the Punjab is in alluvial plain and bound by magnificent Himalayas in the north. The sub tropical semi-permanent High2 that lies near Sahara Desert pumps continental dry air and keeps the region dry and hot. Despite that Punjab is considered to be one of the most fertile regions of the world because of the fact that many river systems flow through these regions. During pre historic time the mighty River Sararwathi which was seven km in width traversed through Punjab and made Punjab a wealthier state. This was the main reason that Punjab was often attacked and invaded. Different empires and various races especially from west attacked Punjab conquered it and ruled it. The great people of Punjab bore the burnt of incursion and aggressive assault of the Aryan invasion, the Greek invasion, the Persian invasion and the Mughul invasion. It was evident that the ancient people (Kantharas, Kambojas) of Punjab exhibited enormous brave and courage right from the Mahabharata battle fought at Khurushetra by fighting for Kauravas. Many races and different religions make Punjab a multi cultural society. These lead different spiritual aspirations to rise. (Excerpts from web based free content encyclopedia project- The Wikipedia.)
The advent of Sikh religion: During Mughul rule there was much conflict and chaos in Punjab. This was the time the entire India was torn by religious fanatism and sectarianism. The advent of Sikh religion by Guru Nanak changed the history and culture of Sikhs. He aligned with no religion and spread the message that all are one and created by the creator of creation. Guru Nanak rejected (1) idolatry (2) Caste system (3) ritualism and asceticism. Guru Nanak’s Hindu and Muslim followers began to be called as Sikhs. According to Sikh belief God is the eternal truth; he is beyond fear, enmity and death. He is unborn. Guru Nanak founded the religion 500 years ago and Sikhism is the youngest of all religions in the world. Twenty three million people followed this religion through out the world. Guru Nanak inspired the followers by signing divine songs which attracted all. These songs were recorded and became sacred writings and later became as “Siri Guru Kranth Sahaib”
Customs and Traditions: Guru Nanak passed on his enlighten leadership of his religion to nine Gurus and the final Guru; Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa order. i.e. solider-saint order. The blessed Sikhs are known as Khalsa who must observer and follow strict code of conduct. The baptized Khalsa must vow to wear five ‘K’.
(a)Kesh: Uncut hair and beard and a turban to prevent perhaps to protect themselves from the prevailing dry and hot air. It also provides identity among Hindus and Muslims.
(b)Kangha: a wooden comb to properly comb hair.
(c) Kanchera: Specially made cotton underwear
(d) Kara: A steel circle to wear round the wrist perhaps for self defense and
(e) Kirban: A sword with which he righteously defend himself. (Excerpts from sikhnet)
The land of Punjab has been subject to onslaughts and aggression from time immemorial. The latest being during the India- Pakistan separation on the basis of religion. Still this land is said to be granary of India and (Pakistan). In India Punjab is having highest per capita income. This is because of two things. Punjabis’ is a traditional agrarian society for obvious reasons and the farmers follow all modern techniques to increase production. They are warriors by nature and hold key position in Indian armed forces. The author of book “History of Sikhs (1848)” Observed:
It has been usual to record the Sikhs as essentially Hindus, yet in religious faith and worldly aspirations they are wholly different from other Indian and they are bound together by an objective unknown else where. (Cunningham)
Foot notes
1Punjbis: Punjab is land of five rivers and people live in there is Punjabis.
2Highs: When the surround atmospheric pressure is high the prevailing air there tends to descend. Compressional heating occurs when the air descends and the air becomes dry and hot.
Works cited: Web sites
“History of Punjab”. Wikipedia: The free encyclopedia: 18 Aug 2006. 21 Aug 2006 []
“Introduction to Sikhism”. Sikhnet.com/s/sikhintro: 26 Mar 1996. 21 Aug 2006 []
Cunningham, Joseph D, “History of Sikhs(1848)” place & year of publication not known.
