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Picture Courtesy: BRITANNICA

Context:

Recently the president of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sukhbir Singh Badal, was shot in front of the Golden Temple, but was uninjured. 

About Akali Takht:

The Akali Takht was established by the Sixth sikh guru, Guru Hargobind in 1606 after the execution of his father, Guru Arjun Dev, by the Mughals.

Guru Hargobind used this platform for governance and issued the first directive (Hukamnama) from here urging the sikh congregations to contribute horses and weapons to the Panth.

The guru is said to have requested 2 swords, symbolizing Miri (temporal power) and Piri (spirituality). The miri sword is shorter than the piri, showing the primacy of spirituality over temporal power.

The Akal Takht was also a symbol and representation of the sikh defiance of the Mughal authority. 

According to some historians, the 12-foot-high platform of Akal Takht symbolised a challenge to the Mughal authority as the throne of Mughal Emperor Jahangir was only 11-foot-high.

The Takht became the focal point for sikhs after the execution of the general of the Khalsa army, Banda Singh Bahadur, in 1716

About Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD):

It found its root in the Gurudwara Reform Movement of 1920.

It works as a political wing of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

Read about Takht Dumdama Sahib:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/takht-damdama-sahib

Read about Sikh Gurdwaras Act:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/sikh-gurdwaras-act-1925

Read about Sikh Gurus:

https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/sikh-gurus

Source:

INDIAN EXPRESS