The Nirankari Movement was founded by Baba Dayal Das (1783-1855). It is a movement ofpurification and return. In the 1840s, he advocated for the restoration of Sikhism to its roots, emphasizing the worship of one God and nirankar (formless). Such an approach entailed the rejection of idolatry as well as the prohibition of eating meat, drinking liquor, lying, cheating, and other vices. It emphasized Guru Nanak and Sikhism prior to the establishment of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur, which distinguished them from the Namdaris. This article will explain to you about the Nirankari Movement which will be helpful in Modern Indian History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Nirankari Movement – Background

• Dayal Das was born into a Malhotra Khatri family in Peshawar and raised as a devout, religious young man.
• After his parents died, Dayal Das relocated to Rawalpindi and opened an apothecary.
• Dayal Das, apparently dissatisfied with contemporary religion, came to the conclusion that Sikhism was decadent, full of falsehood, superstition, and error.
• During the 1840s, he advocated for the return of Sikhism to its roots, emphasizing the worship of God as nirankar (formless).
• Such an approach meant rejecting idols, idolatry rituals, and the Brahman priests who performed these rituals.
• A rejection of Brahman priests implied a rejection of Sikhs who sided with them.
• Dayal Das quickly encountered opposition from established religious authorities; as a result, the movement continued in secret until the British took control of Punjab.
• Dayal Das bought land on the outskirts of Rawalpindi and built a dharmshala, which became a place of worship known as the Nirankari Darbar.
• Baba Dayal Das died on January 30, 1855, before he could organize and unite this movement.
• Rawalpindi's Nirankaris buried his body in the Lei River near where he used to meditate. It was later renamed Dayalsar and was considered sacred by the Nirankaris.
• Dayal Das named his son, Baba Darbara Singh (1814-70), to succeed him before his death.

Nirankari Movement – Significance

• The Nirankaris emphasized proper religious practice, issuing hukamnamas to define its concepts of what was correct, and constructing a network of worship centres staffed by their own priests.
• They did not clash or oppose the British but grew in part as a result of the establishment of British rule in Punjab, which freed them from the constraints of the Sikh government.
• As a result, the Nirankaris became a permanent subset of the Sikh religion, helping to clarify the lines that separate Sikhs from Hindus.
• Their reliance on Guru Nanak and early Sikhism for a model of 'pure' religion separated them from the Namdharis, another transitional movement.

How the Nirankari Movement Progressed?

• Darbara Singh, also known as Mul Rai, was a fiery and persuasive leader who was determined to sever all ties with Hinduism.
• Darbara Singh began issuing hukamnamas a year after succeeding his father (statements describing both doctrine and approved rituals).
• He traveled around Rawalpindi, preaching, converting, and marrying his followers according to their own traditions.
• In 1861, he paid a visit to Amritsar and requested permission to conduct the Nirankari marriage ceremony at the Golden Temple.
  • This request was denied; however, on April 17, 1861, he performed such a service in Amritsar.
• Darbara Singh established forty new sub centres in fifteen years as the number of disciples increased: it was during his tenure that the Nirankaris experienced their most rapid growth.
• Rattan Chand, his younger brother, succeeded him when he died on February 13, 1870.
• Rattan Chand set up new centres and appointed biredars (leaders) for each congregation or sangat.
• The biredars were in charge of these groups and were responsible for reciting the hukamnamas every fifteen days.
• As a result, they served as a link between the Nirankari movement's leader and its members.
• Rattan Chand transformed Dayalsar into a religious centre by establishing new biras (congregations) in the surrounding towns and villages.
• He wrote a will in 1903, leaving all of the association's property to his successor, and before his death on 3 January 1909, he named his son, Baba Gurdit Singh, to fill that office.
• Gurdit Singh was the movement's leader until his death on April 26, 1947.

Nirankari Movement – Impact

• The Nirankaris were more concerned with shortcomings in religious practice rather than a theological critique.
• The correct path to God was through meditation-based worship rather than complex ritual.
• Dayal Das urged his followers to gather every morning for daily worship within their Dharmshalas.
• He emphasized the significance and authority of Guru Nanak and the Adi Granth (the source of all authority andknowledge).
• His disciples were instructed to 'worship the formless God and obey the guru's shabad (in the Adi Granth), cleaning the shoes and feet of the congregation (as an act of humility), serving one's parents, avoiding bad habits, and earning one's living through work.
• Dayal Das taught a religious code for the householder, that is, an individual who retained familial and social ties and had not withdrawn into the role of a mendicant, in accordance with Sikh tradition.
• Eating meat, drinking liquor, lying, cheating, and using forged weights were all prohibited.

Conclusion

Drawing on Sikh tradition, the Nirankaris focused on Guru Nanak, on Sikhism prior to Guru Gobind Singh's establishment of the Khalsa at Anandpur, and on the militarization of the faith. They pursued a path that was open to both orthodox, keshadharis, Sikhs, and the non-baptized ranks of the sahajdharis, but drew members primarily from the Sikh community's urban non-Jat section.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who founded the Nirankari Movement?

A) Guru Nanak
B) Baba Dayal Singh
C) Guru Gobind Singh
D) Bhagat Singh

2. What was the main objective of the Nirankari Movement?

A) Promoting idol worship
B) Reforming Sikhism by focusing on a formless God
C) Establishing a new religion
D) Forming a Sikh caste system

3. Which of the following was a key principle of the Nirankari Movement?

A) Caste-based discrimination
B) Emphasis on external rituals
C) Personal devotion and rejection of rituals
D) Formation of religious hierarchy

4. Which community was most influenced by the Nirankari Movement's rejection of caste discrimination?

A) Upper-caste Sikhs
B) Lower-caste Sikhs
C) Brahmins
D) Hindus from other regions

5. What was the Nirankari Movement's stance on idol worship?

A) It promoted idol worship as essential to spirituality
B) It rejected idol worship in favor of worshipping a formless God
C) It allowed idol worship in certain contexts
D) It adopted idol worship from Hinduism

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Assess the impact of the Nirankari Movement on Sikhism and its contribution to social reform in India.

Answer: The Nirankari Movement had a significant impact on Sikhism by challenging the traditional practices of idol worship and caste discrimination. By focusing on the worship of a formless God and promoting a personal connection with the divine, the movement redefined spiritual practice within Sikhism. Socially, it contributed to the promotion of equality, especially by advocating for the inclusion of lower-caste Sikhs. The movement also inspired later social reform efforts in India, particularly the fight against untouchability and the caste system. Its emphasis on internal spirituality over external rituals helped shape modern Sikhism and contributed to broader societal changes.

Q2: How did the Nirankari Movement influence the political and religious landscape of India in the 19th century?

Answer: The Nirankari Movement played a key role in the religious reform movements of 19th-century India by offering a reinterpreted version of Sikhism that focused on equality and spirituality. Politically, it contributed to the rise of reformist ideologies that challenged the orthodox structures of religion and society. The movement’s rejection of caste discrimination and ritualism resonated with a broad spectrum of society, including marginalized groups. Although it did not directly challenge British rule, its emphasis on social equality laid the foundation for later political movements that sought to address social injustices and inequality within Indian society.

Q3: Discuss the role of Baba Dayal Singh in the formation and goals of the Nirankari Movement.

Answer: Baba Dayal Singh was the founder of the Nirankari Movement, which he established to reform Sikhism and eliminate the influence of ritualism and caste-based discrimination. His core goal was to bring Sikhism back to the teachings of Guru Nanak, emphasizing the worship of a formless God (Nirankar) and rejecting idol worship. Baba Dayal Singh's leadership and spiritual vision played a crucial role in shaping the movement’s principles, which focused on personal devotion, social equality, and simplicity in worship. His teachings inspired future generations to advocate for a more inclusive and egalitarian society.

Previous Year Questions on Nirankari Movement

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: The Nirankari Movement was primarily focused on which of the following?

A) Promoting idol worship
B) Rejection of caste-based discrimination and ritualism
C) Establishment of a Sikh monarchy
D) Political independence from British rule

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The Nirankari Movement focused on rejecting caste-based discrimination, idol worship, and ritualistic practices, and promoting a formless view of God.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Evaluate the social and religious reforms introduced by the Nirankari Movement and their impact on Sikh society.

Answer: The Nirankari Movement introduced significant social and religious reforms, particularly the rejection of caste distinctions and ritual practices. By emphasizing personal devotion and the worship of a formless God, it contributed to a more egalitarian Sikh society. The movement’s focus on social equality had a lasting impact on Sikhism, especially in uplifting marginalized groups, and it laid the groundwork for later social reform efforts in India.