Rusty,
Since you ask about Sikh culture, here's what little I know. Now, I'm writing this from memory & without having checked any sources, so some details might be slightly off (names, dates, places, etc...). If so, my apologies, and if anybody would care to point them out to me, I'd be most grateful. So here goes:
The Sikh religion (Sikhism) is a monotheistic tradition that was first preached by Guru Nanak in North India several hundred years ago (13th century? 14th century? not sure of date). This tradition was maintained by a succession of Gurus (teachers) until early 17 century when the ruling Mughal dynasty, at the heights of their power, try to convert them to Islam. The 9th Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur and his children are killed when they refuse to convert.
The 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, decides that under the face of this oppression, it is time for some radical changes. He declares that he will be the last Guru and that henceforth, the Sikhs are to follow the scriptures as laid down in their holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. He also takes steps to transform the Sikhs into a distinctly military sciety. He declares that all Sikh men are to call themselves "Singh" which means Lion, and women "Kaur" - Princess. Moreover, all Sikh men are to take a solemn vow, which among others enjoins them to always have certain objects on their person at all times. These are the five "K"s:
- "Kesh" or hair, signifying a lion's mane, which they tie up in their turbans.
- "Kanga" or comb, to maintain their hair.
- "Kachha" or undergarments, for decency, and also to be forever ready to jump into action without wasting valuable time dressing-up.
- "Kara" or steel bracelet, to remind them of their vows and also to serve as a last-ditch defense/shield.
- "Kirpan" or dagger, for obvious reasons!
Through the years the Sikhs give the Mughals a run for their money, and with the gradual deterioration of Mughal power, start establishing their own kingdom in what is now Punjab in India and Pakistan. The heights of Sikh power is reached in late 18th, early 19th century, especially under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, whose army consists of not only Sikhs and neighboring people, but also European mercenaries (especially artillery) and Gurkhas (in fact, a common Nepalese word for a Gurkha soldier even today is "Lahuray" which means someone from Lahore, the capital of Ranjit Singh's kingdom).
The 1840s see two Anglo-Sikh wars and the eventual defeat of the Sikh power. This is the first major campaign for the Gurkhas under the British, and I understand there were quite a few of their bretheren Lahurays fighting on the opposite side under the Khalsa flag. Anyways, after all is said and done, we find the British recruiting heavily from amongst the Sikhs. Eventually, the Punjab becomes the foremost source for recruits for the British-Indian Army, and the first image that comes to mind when someone speaks of British colonial troops are the bearded, turbaned Sikh and the Gurkha. Even today, notwhitstanding events of the 1980s, the military continues to be practically a family tradition among many Sikhs.
As for a Kirpan (or Kripan), those I've seen look kinda like a Persian/Arab dagger (Jambiya). When I was a school kid, all my Sikh classmates carried Kirpans, even if it was no more than a tiny, dull one. Some of them made do with a wee representation-type that they wore like a necklace, while the more "hard-core" types had wicked looking pieces of hardware dangling from their shoulders (now, this is school-kids in junior-high we're talking about here! And most of the schools I went to were Catholic and Jesuit institutions too!)
The orthodox folks, of course, won't be seen without their whole ensemble - white robes, wide sashes, huge beards, towering blue or orange turbans, long tulwars, sometimes even spears, etc. - nonchalantly striding by on the streets of north India - they present an imposing sight to say the least, and you should see the crowded streets part way for them!!!
As for martial training, I've seen them demonstrate their sword skills in various public displays, but never enough to be able to pass judgement - a lot of twirling, sword in each hand, chopping pieces of fruits on partner's head, throat, mouth, while blindfolded - that kind of stuff. I've heard that it's called "Gadka" or "Gatka" or "Phari-Gatka" or something like that, but at the moment don't know more.
Also, the Sikhs are well known for their boisterous and colorful dance, the "Bhangra."
For some pictures, check out the following site:
http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~amandeep/
This is a site of an upcoming book on Sikh military history and culture.
- Sonam
