Introductory - Global Sikh Studies

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in 1789. Obviously, such a radical objective, which the Gurus set
before the Sikh movement, could not but be the Gurus’ own, impelled
as they were by their inner urge.
4. Ideology
Originally, the initiative was all along that of the Gurus, Later,
it was their ideology which determined the goals, the direction and
the character of the Sikh movement. Certitude of faith is a characteristic
expression o the mystic experience. The Sikh Gurus were deeply
convinced that to bring about total human freedom and equality was
God’s own Mission and that they were the instruments for that purpose.
“I express that ideology, O Lalo, as the Lord’s words come to me.”
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"As God spoke to me I speak, On this account I have come into the
world, . . . seize and destroy the evil and the sinful.” 17
The disciplines of history and sociology might be precluded from
talking cognizance of the mystic experience, but these cannot escape
taking into account the ideology and the convictions that inspired the
pioneers, who were not only the initiators and leaders of the movement
but were its actual planners and directors. It was the deep conviction
of the Gurus that their ideology was the right one as it was dictated
by God Himself. This lent firmness to their resolve to shape and give
direction to the movement the way they did it. It was also their faith
that all of them were pursuing the same mission. This lent firmness,
conviction and continuity to the movement.
It would be wrong to read Indian history of the medieval era in
the light of the developments in Europe, especially of the French
Revolution, in the corresponding period. There the writings of
Enlightenment had rudely shaken old faiths and beliefs, and the ideas
of freedom, equality and class interests had come to the fore. Above
all, there was no caste in Europe. In India, the caste excluded the
development of any movement based on values of human freedom
and equality, and also of a movement requiring the cohesion of
different castes, even for common class interests. If utter humiliation
imposed by religious persecution and foreign domination could not bring
the Hindus to react together, what else could? Leaving aside the attempts