Glimpses of Sikh Heritage in Kashmir

Historic and modern glimpses of Kashmiri Sikh life and culture

Historically, Sikhs of Kashmir have participated fully in the cultural, educational, and public life of Kashmir. They have made important contributors to Kashmir's development in fields like horticulture, agriculture, education, and public service

They share their culture with other Kashmiri communities while having their own distinctive religious practices shared with Sikh communities globally.

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Chhevin Pathshahi, Singhpora (Baramulla) — Sikh Gurdwaras can be found dotted throughout Kashmir, easily recognisable by their distinctive architecture and the 'nishan sahib'. Many of these are named "Chhevin Patshahi" in honour of Guru Hargobind Sahib who visited regularly in the mid 1600's

Rural Reconstruction in Kashmir - S. P. College, Srinagar, 1939. Group photograph shows two Sikh gentlemen, Bhai Mohan Singh Ji of Singhpora-Baramulla, and Sardar Harbans Singh Azad of Baramulla — From 1939 - the two Sikh gentlemen seen in this group photo are Bhai Mohan Singh Ji of Singhpora-Baramulla and Sardar Harbans Singh Azad of Baramulla. Historically, Sikhs have had an important role in the development of Kashmir (in particular, horticulture and agriculture)

Carpets are an important element of Kashmir's culture — A love of carpets and all other elements of Kashmiri culture is something common to all people of Kashmir, regardless of their religion

View inside Kashmir village Gurdwara — A view inside a Kashmir village Gurdwara. Gurdware sahiban serve as important centres of Sikh spiritual and social life

Bhai Veer Singh Ji, a noted Sikh scholar from Punjab, had a deep connection with Kashmir. Bhai Sahib used to visit often in the first half of twentieth century, to rest, recuperate, and write in the peace and tranquillity of Kashmir. He wrote some of his books in Kashmir

Besides the fabled woolen shawls and woodcarving, Kashmiri craftsmen are also adept at the art of Papier-mâché. Although there are no known Sikh artisans involved in its manufacturing, all Kashmiris treasure them and these can be found in most Kashmiri homes

Picture possibly dated to 1920's features Bhai Amar Singh ji of Singhpora Kalan (Baramulla). He was a noted scholar

Two Sikh students seen here in a group from Tyndale Biscoe School (Srinagar) in 1960's, on a mountaineering challenge called "City Mountain Peaks". Picture shared by Jenab Ajaz Rasool (also seen in black sweater). He says his Sikh classmate Arvinder Singh always tied his turban with an impeccable technique!

Kehwa is another important element of Kashmir's culture. Every Kashmiri home is likely to serve this speciality at some point as part of the fabled 'Kashmiri hospitality'

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