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The history of the Sikhs is a compelling chronicle of resilience and aspiration, characterized by their pursuit of dignity and honor, which at times has manifested in the demand for a sovereign state. Over a span of just over 500 years, the Sikhs once governed a vast territory stretching from the Satluj River to the Khyber Pass, with boundaries touching Tibet on the other side. They were also a crucial player in the colonial negotiations for India’s freedom.

The Sikh religio-political narrative has significantly influenced India’s political dynamics for over a century, notably with the revival of the Sikh struggle marked by the establishment of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on November 15, 1920, at Akal Takht the supreme seat of Sikh sovereignty located in front of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

This narrative evolved further after the partition of India in 1947, a division that resulted in one of the most tragic massacres in history. Since then, the Sikh religio-political dynamics have continued to impact India’s political landscape and are now shaping its geopolitical relations, especially in the context of the Sikh Diaspora.

This volume aims to document these struggles, beginning with the pivotal year of 1940, when the demand for Khalistan was first articulated in response to the Muslim League’s Resolution for Pakistan. Central to this narrative are the issues of autonomy for Punjab and the quest for a separate Sikh state.

The book includes a comprehensive collection of original documents related to these issues, both during and after the partition. The SGPC had formally advocated for a separate Sikh state before 1947. This volume is unique in its attempt to present a cohesive narrative up to contemporary times, reflecting changes in the religio-political landscape. It includes manifestos of the Shiromani Akali Dal and various party constitutions, as well as important documents related to the militant struggle.

The documents are accompanied by an insightful analysis of the Sikh religio-political narrative up to 1966, providing essential context for understanding the turbulence in Sikh political dynamics in the post-1966 era.