18TH CENTURY POLITY-RAKHI

SYSTEM,GURMATA,DAL KHALSA
INTRODUCTION
The foundation of RAKHI SYSTEM, GURMATA and DAL KHALSA are very
important event in the history of political growth of the Sikhs. This paved a way
for the Sikhs to thwart the policy of persecution of the Sikhs by the Mughal
governors of Lahore in an organized manner. Dal khalsa was one such powerful
organization through which the Sikhs put an end to the DARK PERIOD OF SIKH
HISTORY [1716-48] and entered the AGE OF GLORY. The intervening period
between the decline of Mughal empire and the foundation of sikh kingdom by
maharaja Ranjit singh in the Punjab is known as the Misal age. The military
exploits of Banda bahadur had aroused among the Sikhs a desire to establish
their independent poitical identity. The Sikhs organized themselves in 11-12
jathas under the banner of Dal khalsa . The chiefs of these jathas established
independent sikh states known as “MISALS”. The 12 Misals continued to rule
over the state till Maharaja Ranjit singh came into power.
ROLE OF RAKHI SYSTEM

INTODUCTION-
“RAKHI” was one of the most important institution which came into existence
in Punjab in the 19th century. This system was the first step in the direction
towards gaining political power .
MEANING-
Rakhi system is an important system of the Misal period;the system sowed the
seeds of political power of Sikhs in the Punjab. The word Rakhi literally means
“PROTECTION”. In the beginning the people of Punjab demanded protection
from the Sikhs,later on, the Sikhs in order to capture more and more territories
and subjugate them, they provided protection to villages and towns of Punjab.
BEGINNING AND WORKING OF RAKHI SYSTEM

• The sikh sardars promised to provide protection to the villagers from foreign
invasions, exploitation of govt. ,from the loot and plunder of local robbers .
• These villages would be provided full protection to the life and property ,in
return they used to get one-fifth part of income from the villages under
their protection.
• This tax was collected from these villagesor areas twice in a year, at the
harvesting of rabi and Kharif crops.
• The prevailing conditions demanded an institution which could provide
them protection from internal chaos and external dangers.
 IMPORTANCE OF RAKHI SYSTEM

• The people of Punjab heaved a sigh of relief after centuries.It saved them
from the oppression and cruelties of corrupt officials.
• It is a first great step in the direction of gaining political power in Punjab by
Sikhs .
• The danger of foreign incursions and their lost and plunder was now over.
• Peace in Punjab lead to progress in agriculture,trade and industry,as a result
people became prosperous.
• Rakhi system increased the income of Dal khalsa ,so they were able to
increase their military power.
GURMATA
ORIGIN OF GURMATA-
The important institution “GURMATA” enjoys an important
position in the Misl system of govt. The institution of gurmata
helped the sikh Misals to be united like the pearls of a string. The
decisions taken by ‘sarbat khalsa’ in the presence of Guru Granth
Sahib were called “Gurmatta” [decision of the guru]. These
resolutions were obligatory infallible for the sikh chiefs . The
resolutions were in no way less than Hukumnamas . All decisions
were taken at SRI AKAL TAKHT SAHIB in the presence of Guru
Granth Sahib.
AIMS OF GURMATTA

• To forge a joint organization for the Sikhs and to establish mutual co-
operation and contact amonst the various sikh jathas.
• To elect a leader of Dal khalsa as was done on Baisakhi day .
• To prepare out a joint plan for carrying out military campaigns against
the Mughals .
• To settle the disputes of Misal sardars with regard to their areas of
occupation and property
DAL KHALSA
CAUSES OF THE RISE OF DAL KHALSA-
• Historical background- the sikh religion developed peacefully from the
time of guru Nanak dev.
• Foundation of khalsa –Guru Gobind Singh founded Khalsa on Baisakhi
1699 A.D.
• Policy of persecution followed by the Mughal governors
• Formation of Buddha Dal and Taruna Dal
• Reorganisation of jathas after the death of Zakariya Khan
ELEVEN JATHAS OF DAL KHALSA
• Ahluwalia jatha- Jassa singh Ahluwalia was the leader.
• Faizalpuria jatha- Nawab Kapoor singh was the chief of this jatha.
• Sukerchakya jatha- Nodh singh of village sukerchak was the chief.
• Nishan singh walia jatha-Dasaundha singh was the one who carried the flag
of Dal khalsa.
• Bhangi jatha- Bhooma singh and hari singh led this jatha.
• Kanhiaya jatha-Jai singh was the chief.
• Nakai jatha-Hira singh was the chief.
• Dallewalia jatha-Gulab singh was the chief.
• Shaheed jatha-Deep singh was the chief.
• Karor singhia jatha- It was lead ny karor singh.
• Nand singh jatha-Jassa singh Ramgarhia was the chief.
SIGNIFICANCE OF DAL KHALSA

• Organisation and unity maong the Sikhs.

• New life infused among the Sikhs.
• Joint military plan .
• Facing Ahmed Shah Abdali successfully
• It all lead to the basis of Sikh Misals.
CONCLUSION
From this we conclude that the foundation of Dal khalsa was very
important event in the history of political growth.The origin of Dal
khalsa ,Rakhi system ,Gurmata proved to be a milestone .With this the
Sikhs not only got an enterprising organization, but it also paved a way
for the establishment of sikh power in the Punjab.This led to the
establishment of a great sikh empire.
THANK YOU.
SUBMITTED TO- PROFESSOR PRAKASH
SUBMITTED BY-SANDHYA UPMANYU
ROLL NUMBER-1267
B.A 2ND YEAR