Kuka revolt (1872)

Recently, tribute has been paid to the martyrs of the Kuka Movement.

• The Kuka Movement, or Namdhari Movement, was founded by Satguru Ram Singh in 1857 at Bhaini Sahib, Punjab.
• The movement aimed to promote religious purity, social reforms, and economic self-reliance among Sikhs, including the abolition of the caste system and the improvement of women’s status.
• Namdhari followers wore white, hand-spun clothing and saffron turbans, promoting vegetarianism and a simple lifestyle.
• In 1871, the Kukas attacked cow slaughterhouses in Amritsar and Raikot, opposing British policies that allowed cow killing.
• The Kuka Movement was an early anti-colonial uprising in India, emphasizing religious purity, social reforms, and laying the groundwork for future independence movements.