Synonyms
Definition
A form of social hierarchy among the Sikhs.
Managing Horizontal Social Distinctions
The presence of caste among the Sikhs is a debated issue. A number of scholars claim that Sikhism never endorsed the Hindu caste system owing to its message deeply embedded in “worldly asceticism.” According to them, the condemnation of caste began with Nanak because he was convinced that it gave rise to social discrimination and inequality exclusively on the condition of birth. The Sikh Guru denounced it through his sabads and tried to counter it through setting up institutions like sangat (religious congregation) and langar (common kitchen) so that his disciples could get rid of its evil consequences. His successors continued the tradition till it reached the high watermark in the birth of the Khalsa under Gobind Singh (1699).
Other scholars have serious reservations about these claims. They hold that such assertions reflect the...
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References
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Banerjee, H. (2017). Caste (Sikhism). In: Mandair, AP.S. (eds) Sikhism. Encyclopedia of Indian Religions. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-0846-1_420
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