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Context:

Punjab Chief Minister paid tribute at a function organised at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla to mark the Kuka martyrs’ day.

About Kuka Rebellion

Aspect	Details
What is it	The Kuka movement was the first major reaction in Punjab against the British political order established after 1849. The Kuka Rebellion was an anti-British rebellion led by the Namdhari sect (Kukas) in Punjab, combining religious reform with resistance to colonial rule.
Peak of Rebellion	January 1872, with major clashes at Malerkotla and Malaudh Fort.
Leaders	Spearheaded by Satguru Ram Singh, founder of the Namdhari sect, along with leaders like Kuka Hira Singh and Lehna Singh.
Reasons for Movement	Religious Reform: Opposition to social vices like meat consumption, alcohol, and foreign goods. Colonial Oppression: Dissatisfaction with British rule and native collaborators. Cow Slaughter: Protests against cow slaughter.
Events During Movement	Attack on Malerkotla: (January 13, 1872) Kukas clashed with officials after a cow slaughter incident. Attack on Malaudh Fort: (January 15, 1872) Kukas attacked the fort but faced strong resistance.
Mass Executions	49 Kukas executed on January 17, 1872; 17 more were blown up on January 18, 1872, after surrendering.
Suppression	British forces, led by John Lambert Cowan, acted with extreme brutality. Thousands were forced to witness the executions as a deterrent.

Changes after the revolt

Exile of leaders: Satguru Ram Singh and key leaders were exiled to Rangoon, Burma, marking the suppression of the movement.
Legacy of Martyrdom: Stories of bravery such as the sacrifice of 12-year-old Bishan Singh and Waryam Singh inspired future resistance movements.

About Namdhari Sect

It was founded by Satguru Ram Singh of Baisakhi in 1857. It challenged the status quo, advocated social reforms, and defied the Raj in various ways.
The Namdharis were also known as "Kukas" because of their distinctive style of reciting "Gurbani" (Sayings/Teachings of the Initiate). This style was expressed in a high voice called "Kook" in Punjabi. Hence the Namdharis were also called "Kukas".
Namdhari Sikhs consider the Guru Granth Sahib to be the supreme Gurbani but also believe in a living human Guru.
The Namdharas regard the cow as sacred, are abstinent, and avoid even tea and coffee. The headquarters of the sect is located in Ludhiana's Bhaini Sahib near the village of Raiyaan, where Ram Singh was born.

Source:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the causes, key events and significance of the Kuka Rebellion in the context of India's freedom struggle. How did it impact the socio-political landscape of Punjab during the British colonial period? (150 words)