ÿþ<HTML><HEAD><TITLE>HARIMANDAR </TITLE> <style type="text/css"> .BODY { background-color: #EAF1F7; background-image: url('images/gtbh.jpg'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; background-position: center; color: #0066CC;} .C1{text-align: justify;color: #0066CC;FONT-size: SMALL;FONT-family: Tahoma;} .BIB{text-align: center;color: #000099;FONT-size: SMALL;FONT-family: Tahoma;} .CONT{text-align: right;color: #FF0000;FONT-size: SMALL;FONT-family: Tahoma;} </style><META NAME="keywords" CONTENT="HARIMANDAR"> <META http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"></HEAD> <BODY class="BODY" oncontextmenu="return false" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false"> <FONT ALIGN="JUSTIFY" FACE="Tahoma"> <p class="C1">&#65279HARIMANDAR (lit. the House of God; <i>hari</i> = Vi&#7779&#7751u, or God; <i>mandar</i> = temple, house), Golden Temple to the English-speaking world, is the Sikhs' most famous sacred shrine. Also called Sr&#299 Darb&#257r S&#257hib (the Exalted Holy Court), it lies in the heart of the city of Amritsar in the Punjab. The city in fact grew around what initially stood as the temple portal. The present structure could well be described as a golden beauty amid a glittering pool of water. It is a heaven of peace for the devotees as well as a rare attraction for the lay tourists. Its basic architectural design was conceived by the Fifth N&#257nak, Gur&#363 Arjan (1563-1606), setting the building with a door in each of the four directions signifying its accessibility to all irrespective of caste and creed. <u>Gh</u>ul&#257m Muhay ud-D&#299n, also known as B&#363&#7789e Sh&#257h, <i>Tw&#257r&#299<u>kh</u>-i-Pañj&#257b</i> (MS.), in the Dr Ga&#7751&#7693&#257 Si&#7749gh Collection, Punjabi University, p. 139, states that Sh&#257h M&#299&#257&#7749 M&#299r came to Amritsar at Gur&#363 Arjan's request and "with his own blessed hand put four bricks, one on each side, and another one in the middle of the tank". Sohan L&#257l S&#363r&#299 in his '<i>Umd&#257t-ut-Tw&#257r&#299<u>kh</u></i>, &#256rya Press, Lahore, 1885, Book 1, pp. 28-29, says that Gur&#363 Arjan went to Lahore to see Sh&#257h M&#299&#257&#7749 M&#299r and sought his assistance in the construction of the tank and buildings at Amritsar. Gi&#257n&#299 Gi&#257n Si&#7749gh, <i>Tw&#257r&#299<u>kh</u> Gur&#363 <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257</i> (Urdu), Waz&#299r Hind Press, Amritsar, 1896, part 1, p. 96, is more explicit and states that the foundation of the building of the Harimandar was laid by M&#299&#257&#7749 M&#299r. According to the current tradition, the Gur&#363 had the cornerstone laid by the Muslim saint M&#299r Muhammad (1550-1635), popularly known as Hazrat M&#299&#257&#7749 M&#299r, of Lahore, on 1 M&#257gh 1645 Bk/28 December 1588.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Work on the holy tank of Amritsar had been commenced in AD 1577 by Gur&#363 Arjan's predecessor, Gur&#363 R&#257m D&#257s (1534-81), on a site which, according to some sources, was purchased during the time of the Third N&#257nak, Gur&#363 Amar D&#257s (1479-1574), from the inhabitants of the nearby village Tu&#7749g, and which, according to other sources, was a gift from the Mu<u>gh</u>al emperor Akbar (1542-1605) to the latter Gur&#363's daughter, B&#299b&#299 Bh&#257n&#299, married to Gur&#363 R&#257m D&#257s. The habitation which developed around the tank first came to be known as R&#257md&#257spur, after the name of Gur&#363 R&#257m D&#257s, or simply as Chakk Gur&#363 (the Gur&#363's village). The tank was completed and lined by his son and spiritual successor, Gur&#363 Arjan, who also raised the structure, Harimandar, in the middle of it, Sikhs, i.e. disciples, contributing with devotion the labour of their hands. Some of the leading contemporary Sikhs took a hand in excavating the tank and in raising the masonry in the middle of it. Counted among them are Bh&#257&#299 Bu&#7693&#7693h&#257, Bh&#257&#299 Gurd&#257s, Bh&#257&#299 S&#257hlo, Bh&#257&#299 Bahilo, Bh&#257&#299 Bhagat&#363, Bh&#257&#299 Pai&#7771&#257 and Bh&#257&#299 Kaly&#257&#7751&#257. The completion of the temple was consummated with the installation in it, on Bh&#257do&#7749 <i>sud&#299</i> 1, 1661 Bk/ 16 August 1604, of the Holy Scripture, the &#256di Granth, which Gur&#363 Arjan had himself compiled. Bh&#257&#299 Bu&#7693&#7693h&#257, revered for his holiness since the days of Gur&#363 N&#257nak, was named the first <i>granth&#299</i> or officiant. According to <i>Gurbil&#257s P&#257tsh&#257h&#299 Chhev&#299&#7749</i>, Gur&#363 Arjan set the daily routine and liturgy, which are operative till today. <i>K&#299rtan</i> or singing of scriptural hymns goes on the whole day and through the best part of the night, starting between 2 and 3 in the morning, depending on the season, and continues till late in the evening. The Holy Book is then reverently escorted from the premises amid the chanting of the holy hymns to Ko&#7789h&#257 S&#257hib at Gur&#363 k&#257 Mahal, the Gur&#363's chamber. The custom continued until the Holy Book came to be installed at Ak&#257l Bu&#7749g&#257, the edifice raised over the Ak&#257l Ta<u>kh</u>t, the Throne of the Timeless, raised by Gur&#363 Hargobind in 1606. The Holy Book is ushered back into the sanctum sanctorum at the Harimandar between the hours of 4 and 5 the next morning. The interval between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. is utilized for cleaning the premises and washing and scrubbing the floor of the Harimandar.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The control of the Harimandar passed into the hands of the schismatic sect of the M&#299&#7751&#257s after Gur&#363 Hargobind, who had succeeded Gur&#363 Arjan in the spiritual line, left Amritsar (Gur&#363 Chakk) in 1635 to settle at K&#299ratpur in the &#346iv&#257lik hills. First B&#257b&#257 Miharb&#257n of the sect and then his son Harij&#299 managed the shrine, the latter having had a long tenure of about 57 years from 18 January 1639 to 17 April 1696. It was during his stewardship that Gur&#363 Te<u>gh</u> Bah&#257dur, N&#257nak IX, was barred entry into the Harimandar at the time of his visit to Amritsar in 1664. Soon after the inauguration of the <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257 in 1699, Gur&#363 Gobind Si&#7749gh, on a request from the Amritsar <i>sa&#7749gat</i>, sent Bh&#257&#299 Man&#299 Si&#7749gh (d. 1737) accompanied by Bh&#363p&#257l Si&#7749gh, Gulz&#257r Si&#7749gh, Koer Si&#7749gh Chandra, D&#257n Si&#7749gh and K&#299rat Si&#7749gh to take charge of the Harimandar and the Ak&#257l <i>Ta<u>kh</u>t</i> on behalf of the <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257. Bh&#257&#299 Man&#299 Si&#7749gh remained the custodian throughout the rest of his life except for a brief interval spent in Delhi in the service of M&#257t&#257 Sundar&#299, widow of Gur&#363 Gobind Si&#7749gh.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Harimandar being the source of Sikh life and faith, remained the main target during the period of persecution by the Mu<u>gh</u>al rulers and by Af<u>gh</u>&#257n invaders from across the northwest frontier during the eighteenth century. In March-April 1709, the governor of Lahore set up a police post at Amritsar and sent an army contingent to suppress the Sikhs. Yet they thronged the shrine, especially on festival occasions such as Bais&#257kh&#299 and D&#299val&#299. This continued even after the arrest and execution in 1716 of Band&#257 Si&#7749gh along with a large number of Sikhs. At the D&#299v&#257l&#299 of 1723, the holy premises were the scene of a conflict between the factions of the Sikhs, Tatt <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257, the puritans, and Banda&#299s, who claimed Band&#257 Si&#7749gh to be their mentor. An open clash was, however, averted at the intervention of Bh&#257&#299 Man&#299 Si&#7749gh who suggested seeking, in settling the dispute, the guidance of the Gur&#363. Two pieces of paper with the <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257 salutation "V&#257higur&#363 J&#299 K&#299 Fateh" written on one and the Banda&#299 salutation "Fateh Darshan," an innovation introduced by Band&#257 Si&#7749gh, on the other were set afloat in the holy tank from steps behind the Harimandar. The slip with "V&#257higur&#363 J&#299 K&#299 Fateh" inscribed on it kept floating while the other sank in water. This was interpreted to be a verdict in favour of the Tatt <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257 which most of the Banda&#299s then joined.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Harimandar regained the bustle and glory of the days of Gur&#363 Hargobind as Zakar&#299y&#257 <u>Kh</u>&#257n, the Mu<u>gh</u>al governor of Lahore, admitting how his unrelenting campaign against the Sikhs had failed to subdue them, made peace with them in 1733, offering them a large <i>j&#257g&#299r</i> and conferring the title of Naw&#257b upon their leader, Kap&#363r Si&#7749gh of Faizull&#257pur, thus opening the way for them to come out of their hiding-places and station themselves at Amritsar. With the abrogation of the accord in 1735, Sikhs were driven back into their former haunts. Bh&#257&#299 Man&#299 Si&#7749gh custodian of the shrine, was captured and executed in 1737. Amritsar was occupied. Masse <u>Kh</u>&#257n, a Ra&#7749gh&#257&#7771 R&#257jp&#363t landlord of Ma&#7751&#7693i&#257l&#257, who was appointed <i>kotw&#257l</i> or police commissioner of the town, befouled the <i>sarovar</i> and converted the Harimandar into an asylum for his dancing girls. To avenge the sacrilege, two Sikhs, Bh&#257&#299 Mat&#257b Si&#7749gh of Mir&#257&#7749ko&#7789 and Bh&#257&#299 Sukkh&#257 Si&#7749gh of M&#257&#7771&#299 Kambo, setting out from their desert resort in R&#257jasth&#257n, came to Amritsar, entered the Harimandar in disguise, killed Masse <u>Kh</u>&#257n, and rode back to safety. This occurred on 11 August 1740. In 1746, Lakhpat R&#257i, a Lahore official, had the pool surrounding the Harimandar levelled up with sand. The Sikhs got the chance of having it cleared up three years later when the governor of Lahore, Mu'&#299n ul-Mulk, nicknamed M&#299r Mann&#363, slackened military operations against them to enlist their help in his expedition against Mult&#257n. After M&#299r Mann&#363's death in November 1753, Sikhs had freer access to the Harimandar. Delhi government had lost control over the Punjab and Sikhs were establishing their sway through the <i>r&#257kh&#299</i> system introduced by different <i>misls</i> or commands of the Dal <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257, Amritsar falling within the area held by Sard&#257r Har&#299 Si&#7749gh of the Bha&#7749g&#299 <i>misl</i>.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In 1757, the Af<u>gh</u>&#257n invader Ahmad Sh&#257h Durr&#257n&#299, returning from Delhi with his spoils, attacked Amritsar, desecrated the Harimandar and defiled the tank casting into it the waste and entrails of slaughtered cows. Sikhs wrested control of the shrine as B&#257b&#257 D&#299p Si&#7749gh of the Shah&#299d <i>misl</i> led a band of warriors into Amritsar, himself falling fighting valiantly (11 November 1757), and had the holy tank cleaned by Af<u>gh</u>&#257n soldiers captured during their campaign undertaken jointly with &#256d&#299n&#257 Beg, the <i>faujd&#257r</i> of Jalandhar Do&#257b, and the Mar&#257&#7789h&#257s against Ahmad Sh&#257h's son, Prince Taim&#363r, and his deputy Jah&#257n <u>Kh</u>&#257n. In 1762, during his sixth invasion of India, Ahmad Sh&#257h Durr&#257n&#299 blew up the Harimandar with gunpowder. The Sikhs, however, rallied to return to Amritsar and celebrated there the festival of D&#299v&#257l&#299 a few months later. After the conquest of Sirhind in January 1764, Jass&#257 Si&#7749gh &#256hl&#363v&#257l&#299&#257, commander of Dal <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257, federated army of the Sikh <i>misls</i>, gave a call for collecting funds for the reconstruction of the Harimandar. The <i>misl</i> Sard&#257rs set aside part of the booty for this purpose. Money so raised was deposited with the bankers of Amritsar, and Bh&#257&#299 Des R&#257j of the village of Sursi&#7749gh was entrusted with the supervision of the work and given a special seal, <i>Gur&#363 d&#299 Mohar</i>, to collect more funds. Bh&#257&#299 Gurba<u>kh</u>sh Si&#7749gh of the village of Lil, stationed at Ak&#257l Bu&#7749g&#257 to look after the ruined Darb&#257r S&#257hib (Harimandar), turned out with his small contingent of 30 Niha&#7749gs to challenge the Durr&#257n&#299 who had reached Amritsar on 1 December 1764 marching down unchecked during his seventh invasion. Bh&#257&#299 Gurba<u>kh</u>sh Si&#7749gh and his comrades-in-arms fought gallantly and fell to a man.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With Ahmad Sh&#257h getting on in years and showing signs of exhaustion, Sikh <i>misl</i> leaders started occupying territory and ruling within their domains as autonomous chiefs, Amritsar and the holy Harimandar remaining their common rendezvous and cherished place of pilgrimage. Several <i>misl</i> chiefs made endowments in land for the maintenance of the shrine and of the Gur&#363 k&#257 La&#7749gar attached to it. They also constructed around the tank their <i>bu&#7749g&#257s</i> or rest houses to stay in during their visits to the Harimandar. Some of the <i>bu&#7749g&#257s</i> became in due course the centres of religious and secular instruction. The reconstruction of the Harimandar, the causeway and Darshan&#299 &#7692eo&#7771h&#299, the main gateway, was completed by 1776 and the renovation of the terrace around the pool by 1784. The <i>ha&#7749sl&#299</i> or canal bringing water from the River R&#257v&#299 to fill the Harimandar tank had been dug by 1781 under the supervision of two Ud&#257s&#299 <i>mahants</i>, Pr&#299tam D&#257s and Santokh D&#257s.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Harimandar assumed its present appearance during the reign of the Sikh sovereign Mah&#257r&#257j&#257 Ra&#7751j&#299t Si&#7749gh (1780-1839). While its basic design barring minor alterations and architectural embellishments remained the same as before, decorative art work on the walls and ceiling was carried out during this period. The source of its architecture cannot be related to any particular prototype, its elements lying in different contemporary or preceding architectural practices prevalent in the country. Broadly speaking, it may be called a mixture of the Mu<u>gh</u>al and R&#257jp&#363t models. What is most striking to the eye of a casual visitor as well as that of a connoisseur is the beauty of the Harimandar's superb setting and the richness of detail. The main building, a 12.25 metre square two-storeyed domed edifice, stands on a 19.7 metre square platform in the middle of the almost square <i>amritsar</i> or <i>amrit-sarovar</i> (the Pool of Nectar), 154.5 X 148.5 metre in expanse and 5.1 metre deep, and connected to northwestern bank, by a 60-metre causeway bridge ending at a magnificent gateway called Darshan&#299 &#7692eo&#7771h&#299. On the opposite side is added to the square sanctum sanctorum a half-hexagonal appendage sheltering Har k&#299 Pau&#7771&#299, holy steps, a flight of steps leading to the waters of the tank.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The total ground plan of the Harimandar is thus a hexa-square. This leaves a 3.7 metre wide circumambulatory passage, uncovered on three sides and running through the semi-hexagonal appendage on the fourth. The building is divided into two floors. The ground floor has a central square where the Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib is seated. The first floor is formed by an all-round gallery spreading over the space between the inner square and the outer walls and approached by stairs built on either side of the back opening leading to Har k&#299 Pau&#7771&#299. While the facade on the ground floor is lined with white marble worked with richly decorated panels and pilasters, the whole exterior above it is covered with gilded plates of copper conferring upon the edifice the popular name of Golden Temple. The four door-openings at the ground floor have multifoil arches, their shutters covered with gold-leafed copper sheets bearing beautiful embossed designs of flowers and birds and scenic motifs. The first floor facade is punctuated by numerous windows, some plain rectangles marked off by pilasters and top arches, others in the form of balconies thrown-out on carved brackets. An all-round wide awning at the roof level separates the decorated masonry on the top from the floors below. A low, fluted, semispherical dome topped by a tall ornamental pinnacle and an umbrella-shaped finial covers the central square. Arched copings on the sides with small solid domes and corner cupolas adorn the central dome. There are domed kiosks at the corners and smaller cupolas on the parapet.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The beauty of the interior is still more bewitching. Its richly ornamented floral designs, either painted in tempera, embossed in metal or inset in marble are a warm expression of the intense religious emotion of the Sikh faith captured in visual designs. Arabesques with floral designs in fine filigree and enamel work decorate the walls and the ceiling of the central hall. Its arches are ornamented with verses from the Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib reproduced in letters of gold. There also are decorative inlaid figures and floral designs studded at places with semi-precious stones and pieces of reflecting glass in stucco. Hundreds of frescoes depicting floral patterns interspersed with animal motifs also decorate the walls. Walls along the stairs abound in some rare murals, among them a portrait of Gur&#363 Gobind Si&#7749gh on horseback out on a falconry excursion.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The marbled causeway is a bridge 60 metre long and 6.36 metres wide having 52 large and small spans called <i>svargdv&#257r&#299s</i> (lit. doors of heaven) formed by trefoil arches and rectangular pillars including those underneath the Harimandar itself. A special feature of the bridge is the construction of the inner narrower aqueducts connecting the <i>svargdv&#257r&#299s</i> on both sides of the bridge.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Darshan&#299 &#7692eo&#7771h&#299 at the end of the bridge is built within the <i>sarovar</i>. It is a two-storeyed building divided by the pathway to the Harimandar into two wings, identical in architectural design though with slightly differing measurements. The ground floor houses some management offices and the first floor contains the <i>tosh&#257<u>kh</u>&#257n&#257</i>, the temple treasury. The heavy portal, 3x2.4 metres, of 15 centimetres thick <i>sh&#299sham (Dalbergia sissoo) </i> wood is covered with silver sheets ornamented with panels inlaid with artistic ivory work. Above the gate on either facade is a projected balcony, and above it is a <i>bu<u>kh</u>&#257rch&#257</i> (a rectangular kiosk with an elongated dome).</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The composite management of the Darb&#257r S&#257hib (the Harimandar and the related shrines) by the <i>misl</i> chiefs was taken over by Mah&#257r&#257j&#257 Ra&#7751j&#299t Si&#7749gh who claimed exclusive right to 'serve' and manage it. He appointed Des&#257 Si&#7749gh Maj&#299&#7789h&#299&#257 and later his son, Lahi&#7751&#257 Si&#7749gh Maj&#299&#7789h&#299&#257, to manage the shrines. Bh&#257&#299 S&#363rat Si&#7749gh, of Chinio&#7789, was appointed manager of the Darb&#257r S&#257hib and of the <i>j&#257g&#299rs</i> or land grants endowed for its maintenance. S&#363rat Si&#7749gh's son, Gi&#257n&#299 Sant Si&#7749gh, who replaced his father as manager in 1806, was additionally charged with the ornamentation of the building with funds provided by the Mah&#257r&#257j&#257 and princes and chiefs. After Gi&#257n&#299 Sant Si&#7749gh's death in 1832, his son Bh&#257&#299 Gurmukh Si&#7749gh was appointed to this duty. The position became hereditary in the family and it was Bh&#257&#299 Gurmukh Si&#7749gh's eldest son, Gi&#257n&#299 Parduman Si&#7749gh who, after a brief period in exile following the arrest and assassination of his father in 1843, was appointed to it.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The importance of the Harimandar in the religious and political life of the Punjab was not lost on the British, who upon their conquest of the Punjab in 1849 assumed the authority, like their predecessors, to the right the former rulers had exercised in controlling the Darb&#257r S&#257hib. At the suggestion of Lahi&#7751&#257 Si&#7749gh Maj&#299&#7789h&#299&#257, who had retired to Ben&#257ras in January 1848, Sard&#257r Jodh Si&#7749gh, an Extra Assistant Commissioner from the Punjab, was appointed to manage the Darb&#257r S&#257hib. The British authority had issued in 1847 public instructions mindful of religious scruples of the Sikhs. Also, a General Committee composed of some prominent Sikhs, with R&#257j&#257 Tej Si&#7749gh as president was appointed to oversee the affairs of the Temple. In one sense Jodh Si&#7749gh was the executive officer of the Committee. He was the dominant power. For a decade following the annexation in 1849 the British government bore a direct hand in the management of the Darb&#257r S&#257hib. After the incidents of 1857, the government appointed a committee of Sikh nobles (1859) to nominate a <i>sarbar&#257h</i> (superintendent or manager) for the Golden Temple. The appointment was subject to the approval of the deputy commissioner of Amritsar. This arrangement continued till 1920 notwithstanding the fact that the Government of India had passed an Act in 1863: "An act to enable the Government to divest itself of the management of religious endowments." This Act required local governments to appoint trustees to whom powers and responsibilities for the management of religious institutions would be transferred and who would thereafter be autonomously self-perpetuating. In the case of Sikh shrines in Amritsar, collectively known as the Darb&#257r S&#257hib, the Punjab Government, virtually ignored the Government of India legislation. A meeting of the Sikh elite called by the deputy commissioner of Amritsar was held at the <i>ko&#7789h&#299</i> (bungalow) of R&#257j&#257 Tej Si&#7749gh from 5 to 12 September 1859. Sard&#257r Shamsher Si&#7749gh Sandh&#257&#7749v&#257l&#299&#257, Bh&#257&#299 Parduman Si&#7749gh, Sard&#257r Dy&#257l Si&#7749gh Maj&#299&#7789h&#299&#257, Sard&#257r Maht&#257b Si&#7749gh Maj&#299&#7789h&#299&#257, R&#257i M&#363l Si&#7749gh, R&#257i S&#257hib Bachittar Si&#7749gh, Sard&#257r Jaimal Si&#7749gh Kha&#7751&#7693&#257lv&#257l&#257, Sard&#257r Ma&#7749gal Si&#7749gh R&#257mga&#7771h&#299&#257, Sard&#257r Hardit Si&#7749gh Bha&#7771&#257&#7751&#257, Sard&#257r L&#257l Si&#7749gh Talva&#7751&#7693&#299v&#257l&#257, and Sard&#257r M&#299h&#257&#7749 Si&#7749gh Bh&#257gov&#257l&#299&#257 drew up a manual called <i>Dast&#363r-ul-Amal</i> (managerial procedure) "for settlement of disputes among <i>puj&#257r&#299s</i> (priests) and <i>rab&#257b&#299s</i> (choristers), etc. and for the future management of Darb&#257r S&#257hib at Sr&#299 Amritsar J&#299." It laid down shares of different categories of priests and choristers in the income from offerings subject to good conduct and behaviour of the officiants. From 1849 to 1859, the government had virtually maintained a direct management. The first officially nominated <i>sarbar&#257h</i> was Jodh Si&#7749gh who also as part of his duty handled all cases relating to the Temple and could fine <i>puj&#257r&#299s</i> for misconduct and exclude them from the Temple precincts for up to six months. His immediate successors in the line were Sard&#257r Ma&#7749gal Si&#7749gh R&#257mga&#7771h&#299&#257, Honorary Magistrate, Amritsar, and Ris&#257ld&#257r Major M&#257n Si&#7749gh. Members of the first General Committee were R&#257j&#257 Tej Si&#7749gh; Sard&#257r Shamsher Si&#7749gh Sandh&#257&#7749v&#257l&#299&#257; R&#257j&#257 S&#363rat Si&#7749gh Maj&#299&#7789h&#299&#257; Sard&#257r Bhagv&#257n Si&#7749gh, son of Jam&#257d&#257r <u>Kh</u>ush&#257l Si&#7749gh; Bh&#257&#299 Parduman Si&#7749gh Gi&#257n&#299, Honorary Magistrate, Amritsar; General Gul&#257b Si&#7749gh Bh&#257gov&#257l&#299&#257; Sard&#257r Jaimal Si&#7749gh Khu&#7751&#7693&#257h; Sard&#257r Sard&#363l Si&#7749gh M&#257n; R&#257i M&#363l Si&#7749gh, Honorary Magistrate, Lahore; and Sard&#257r R&#257j&#257 Si&#7749gh M&#257n. In 1883, the Committe included R&#257j&#257 Harba&#7749s Si&#7749gh of Shei<u>kh</u>&#363pur&#257; R&#257j&#257 S&#257hib Di&#257l Si&#7749gh K.C.S.I, of Kishanko&#7789; Sard&#257r Aj&#299t Si&#7749gh, Honorary Assistant Commissioner of A&#7789&#257r&#299; Sard&#257r &#7788h&#257kur Si&#7749gh Sandh&#257&#7749v&#257l&#299&#257, Extra Assistant Commissioner; Captain Gul&#257b Si&#7749gh A&#7789&#257r&#299, Honorary Magistrate, Amritsar; Sard&#257r Arjan Si&#7749gh Ch&#257halv&#257l&#257; R&#257i Kaly&#257&#7751 Si&#7749gh, Honorary Magistrate, Amritsar; Sard&#257r Attar Si&#7749gh of Bhadau&#7771 and Sard&#257r Jagat Si&#7749gh, representative of the Mah&#257r&#257j&#257 of J&#299nd.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>Translation of Administration Paper for the Golden Temple, dated 12 September 1859. </i></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Administration Paper for the settlement of dispute among priests, choristers, etc., and for the future management of the internal affairs of the Sikh Temple at Amritsar drawn up at the suggestion of and in consultation with R&#257j&#257 Tej Si&#7749gh, Sard&#257r Shamsher Si&#7749gh Sandh&#257&#7749v&#257l&#299&#257, Sard&#257r Dy&#257l Si&#7749gh, Sard&#257r Maht&#257b Si&#7749gh Maj&#299&#7789h&#299&#257, Sard&#257r Jaimal Si&#7749gh, Bh&#257&#299 Parduman Si&#7749gh, Sard&#257r L&#257l Si&#7749gh, R&#257i M&#363l Si&#7749gh, Sard&#257r Ma&#7749gal Si&#7749gh R&#257mga&#7771h&#299&#257, Sard&#257r Hardit Si&#7749gh Bha&#7771&#257&#7751&#257, Bh&#257&#299 Lahi&#7751&#257 Si&#7749gh, Jodh Si&#7749gh, B&#257v&#257 Sundar Si&#7749gh and signed in the presence of the entire gentry of Amritsar district together with <i>puj&#257r&#299s</i> of each shrine in the Darb&#257r S&#257hib (complex) assembled in a general meeting by the permission of Mr Frederic Cooper, Deputy Commissioner, District Amritsar, with the approval of His Honour the Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>Preamble</i></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is well-known that a dispute has been going on for some years among the <i>puj&#257r&#299s, r&#257g&#299s</i> and <i>rab&#257b&#299s</i> of Darb&#257r S&#257hib concerning the distribution of the votive offerings. The Deputy Commissioner in view of regard and respect for the holy shrine Sr&#299 Darb&#257r S&#257hib, the Gurdw&#257r&#257 of the Si&#7749ghs of the entire <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257 J&#299o, and in order to settle the ongoing dispute as well as to make proper arrangements to avoid such disputes in future, had addressed letters to each of us on our suggestion and advice, and also forwarded judicial documents based on the enquiry and findings conducted in connection with the present case to the R&#257j&#257 S&#257hib and Sard&#257r Shamsher Si&#7749gh. So in response thereto all of us, considering it our duty to serve for the management of the Gurdw&#257r&#257 S&#257hib, assembled at the residence of R&#257j&#257 Tej Si&#7749gh. We have perused all the court papers. We have also enquired orally from the parties concerned and consulted clerical record of Darb&#257r S&#257hib. It is clear that the sole proprietor of this sacred institution for ever is Gur&#363 R&#257m D&#257s: no other person has any title to proprietorship. The claim to the service of the said place or <i>chel&#257ship</i> belongs equally to the entire <u>Kh</u>&#257ls&#257 and the holy congregation. The <i>puj&#257r&#299s</i> and others receive their wages from the offerings fixed according to their appointed dues for service performed</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;First Grade</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The <i>granth&#299s</i> of the Temple whose traditional duty is to attend upon Gur&#363 Granth S&#257hib. They are entitled to receive the proceeds of their respective <i>j&#257g&#299rs</i> granted by government. They may also keep any personal offerings which may be made to them, exclusive of their share in the general contributions on the floor of the shrine. It is arranged also that when one of the <i>granth&#299s</i> who have only a life-grant shall die, some provision out of the offerings and out of the perpetuity tenure of the original grantee shall be made; and it is considered that some assistance out of the lapsed tenure of the old <i>j&#257g&#299r</i>, as is the old custom, would be appropriate.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Second Grade</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The <i>puj&#257r&#299s</i> of the temple, whose duties are to arrange for the security of the offerings, compilation of the account of receipts and expenditure and related matters concerning Darb&#257r S&#257hib traditionally assigned to them by their superior officer.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Their rank is above that of the <i>rab&#257b&#299s</i> and <i>rag&#299s</i> for the reason that the latter have no concern with the above important offices. The <i>puj&#257r&#299s</i> receive a certain fixed allowance out of the aggregate collections credited to the treasury of Darb&#257r S&#257hib in perpetuity from generation to generation.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are six shares in the name of the following six persons and devolving upon their descendants:</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. M&#257n Si&#7749gh, whose son is Jodh Si&#7749gh, etc. -- one share.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Nih&#257l Si&#7749gh whose sons are R&#257m Si&#7749gh, etc. and Kirp&#257 Si&#7749gh -- one share.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>Kh</u>ush&#257l Si&#7749gh whose sons are Gul&#257b Si&#7749gh, and K&#257hn Si&#7749gh, etc. -- one share.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Sahaj Si&#7749gh, whose sons are J&#299t Si&#7749gh, Bh&#257g Si&#7749gh, Sher Si&#7749gh and Chet Si&#7749gh -- one share.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Har&#299 Si&#7749gh (<i>ard&#257s&#299a</i>), whose sons are Dev&#257 Si&#7749gh, Sher Si&#7749gh, Ga&#7749g&#257 Si&#7749gh and Ratan Si&#7749gh - one share.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Dy&#257l Si&#7749gh Dh&#363p&#299&#257, whose son is Jai Si&#7749gh etc. -- one share.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An allowance of Rs 27/- at Rs 4.5 for each share is fixed for these six shareholders.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Third Grade</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The <i>r&#257g&#299s</i> and <i>rab&#257b&#299s</i> or choristers serve as hymn singers in the Darb&#257r S&#257hib. They are divided into 15 <i>chau&#7749k&#299s</i> or choral groups as per the following detail.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The R&#257g&#299s</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Bh&#257&#299 M&#257n Si&#7749gh, Dev&#257 Si&#7749gh</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Misr&#257 Si&#7749gh</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Bh&#257&#299 Lahi&#7751&#257 Si&#7749gh</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Ratan Si&#7751gh, S&#363r D&#257s</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Ga&#7751&#7693&#257 Si&#7749gh, etc.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. &#256gy&#257 Si&#7749gh</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Bh&#257&#299 Bishan Si&#7749gh (at night)</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. Bh&#257&#299 Budh Si&#7749gh, etc. (at night) </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Rab&#257b&#299s</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Bh&#257&#299 Bosna, etc.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Bh&#257&#299 K&#257hn&#257, etc.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Bh&#257&#299 L&#257l&#257, Sard&#257r&#299</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Bh&#257&#299 Atar&#257, etc.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Bh&#257&#299 Ditt&#363</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Bh&#257&#299 Am&#299r&#257, etc.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. H&#299r&#257 Shik&#257rpur&#299&#257</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The <i>chau&#7749k&#299s</i> perform <i>k&#299rtan</i> in Darb&#257r S&#257hib daily during their respective fixed hours, and are paid out of cash offerings of Darb&#257r S&#257hib (collectively) Rs 282 per month in perpetuity.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fourth Grade </p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The gong-ringer, the treasurer, the key-keeper, clerk and other miscellaneous officials all receive certain salaries from the temple collections in perpetuity for their subsistence. In addition are gardeners, <i>p&#257lk&#299</i>-bearers and floorers, etc., who receive monthly pay from the collections. Their appointment and dismissal are controlled by the Sarbar&#257h on report from the <i>puj&#257r&#299s</i>.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>Interlocutory Memo</i></p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following are the replies of the convocation to four queries propounded by the Deputy Commissioner:</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ist -- What are the customary rights of the <i>puj&#257r&#299s</i>? Can they sell or mortgage their shares? Shall their next of kin automatically inherit them? or how shall it be disposed of?</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reply -- Having carefully consulted the records of past years, and being well acquainted with traditional usage, it is clear that since <i>sammat</i> 1872, in the reign of the late Mah&#257r&#257j&#257 Ra&#7751j&#299t Si&#7749gh up to <i>sammat</i> 1908, during 36 years, they received Rs 5463 as pay only during 14 years, sometime for two, three, four, eight or twelve months in a year; while during the other 24 years they got nothing at all. Therefore the Extra Assistant Commissioner, Sard&#257r Jodh Si&#7749gh cast the average of the rate of payment they would be entitled to. A result was attained, on 6 August 1852, that they were entitled to an equivalent of two months on the whole proceeds of the year's offerings. It was confirmed on 31 August 1852 by Messrs Saunders and Deputy Commissioner, Denison, former presidents, that in future they should get at the rate of two months per year. Although they have been paid accordingly, they have always been displeased. In our opinion, the decision of the Deputy Commissioner, on the representation of Sard&#257r Jodh Si&#7749gh on 17 April 1857 that three months should be allowed and which was also acted upon accordingly, for the year <i>sammat</i> 1913, was highly equitable. If that arrangement had been allowed to continue, there might have been no dispute. Because, if the collection of the <i>j&#257g&#299r</i> amounting to Rs 304 allowed to the <i>puj&#257r&#299s</i> which formerly were cast into the treasury, be taken into consideration and divided among the six <i>puj&#257r&#299</i> shares, the value will be equivalent to five months' assets. The <i>puj&#257r&#299s</i> now desire and pray that they may receive exactly in accordance with the rules in force during the reign of Mah&#257r&#257j&#257 Ra&#7751j&#299t Si&#7749gh. In our opinion too their petition for the future is justified. The rules of Mah&#257r&#257j&#257 Ra&#7751j&#299t Si&#7749gh were, that after paying ten months' wages to the <i>rab&#257b&#299s</i> and <i>r&#257g&#299s</i> and other personnel and defraying the miscellaneous expenses of the Darb&#257r S&#257hib, sometimes two months, sometimes four months, sometimes eight months, sometimes twelve months, according to the balance in hand, be paid to the <i>puj&#257r&#299s</i>: sometimes in case of deficit nothing at all (it has been shown that out of the 36 years, in 24 years they received nothing) . In future therefore it is proper in accordance with the above that after payment to the <i>rab&#257b&#299s, r&#257g&#299s</i> and mendicants, and defrayment of three per cent towards miscellaneous expenses, the balance, whether more or less, be distributed among the six <i>puj&#257r&#299</i> shareholders, as decided by the <i>sarbar&#257h</i> according to their several shares, on condition of good behaviour. Should ever possibly there remain in a whole year a balance after disbursement, it will be credited to the treasury of Gur&#363 R&#257m D&#257s. On the question of right of sale or mortgage, no <i>puj&#257r&#299</i> has a right or title to sell or mortgage his property in the six <i>patt&#299s</i>. The rights would devolve on successive heirs on condition of good behaviour. In the case of death without a male heir, transfer may take place by gift, in the presence of the shareholders of the <i>patt&#299</i>, to a grandson on the female side, or to a <i>chel&#257</i> on condition of his being a Hindu Sikh. But should there be a flaw or imperfection in the deed of conveyance, the right shall be reserved to other shareholders.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2nd Question -- What should be the share-wise rate of payment to <i>r&#257g&#299s</i> and <i>rab&#257b&#299s</i> out of the income of the Darb&#257r S&#257hib consistent with ancient customary practice?</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Answer -- It is clear from official records of the Darb&#257r S&#257hib and the schedule prepared by the court in respect of the previous years that these men have been receiving payment for ten months in a year. In our opinion too it is equitable that they be paid accordingly in perpetuity, after deduction of certain trifles according to traditional usage. They are to perform their functions of hymn-singing in Darb&#257r S&#257hib daily at their appointed hours. Fifteen days of absence only can be allowed, on report to the <i>sarbar&#257h</i>, for special circumstances. But in case a <i>r&#257g&#299</i> or <i>rab&#257b&#299</i> goes to a <i>r&#257j&#257</i> or <i>sard&#257r</i> for a period up to three months, he shall find his own substitutes, who shall remain until the return of the incumbent.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3rd Question -- To whom should the account of the works and buildings of Sr&#299 Darb&#257r S&#257hib be presented in future?</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Answer -- These duties had in the Mah&#257r&#257j&#257 Ra&#7751j&#299t Si&#7749gh's reign been performed by Bh&#257&#299 Sant Si&#7749gh and his descendants, and Bh&#257&#299 Parduman Si&#7749gh, his grandson, now performs the duties honestly and faithfully. It is believed that he will continue to be busy with the construction work with still greater zeal in future.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4th Question -- Can the temple affairs be peaceably conducted without the support of government or not? If they can be, how? If not, what are the causes?</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Answer -- In our opinion this is not possible without the officially appointed <i>sarbar&#257h</i>, because without the <i>sarbar&#257h</i> disputes will supervene among the <i>puj&#257r&#299s</i> and <i>rab&#257b&#299s</i>, etc. In the first place, in the absence of the present supervisor there may be irregularities in the offerings. At the time of disbursement in the absence of a chief manager, distribution of dues will be impossible. In addition to this, the peaceful management of the temple and good repute of the government are closely allied. The <i>sarbar&#257h</i> does not and will not in future have the slightest connection either now or hereafter with any religious question raised. It seems proper that there should be some responsible authority to supervise certain works to keep an eye on bad characters, to keep the general peace and avoid disputes or wrangles and to ensure disbursement of dues in his own presence. It will however be requisite that an upright honourable and unprejudiced Sikh or Hindu should perform this duty. At present Sard&#257r Jodh Si&#7749gh, Extra Assistant Commissioner, possesses these qualities and runs the affairs very efficiently. After him the government may appoint a similarly qualified person.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In addition to the above decision, a general warning (in the spirit of Circular No.42, dated 8 April 1859, from Judicial Commissioner) is held out to all the <i>puj&#257r&#299s, r&#257g&#299s, rab&#257b&#299s</i>, etc., connected with the Darb&#257r S&#257hib, that persons connected with it should maintain the decorum enjoined by tradition, that none of them should enter the Darb&#257r S&#257hib drunk and that they should refrain from tampering with the offerings on which condition alone will they be entitled to their payments. In case of proved profligate conduct according to the terms of the circular quoted, the offender will not be entitled to his share.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A Darogah on a salary of Rs 6 a month shall continue to be appointed as of old to guard the offerings at the shrine; he shall be changed every six months.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <i>Signed Frederic Cooper Deputy Commissioner, 12 September 1859, and other chiefs, citizens and priests of Ak&#257l Bu&#7749g&#257, Sh&#257h&#299d Bu&#7749g&#257 and Jha&#7751&#7693&#257 Bu&#7749g&#257</i>.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After the Shiroma&#7751&#299 Gurdw&#257r&#257 Parbandhak Committee assumed control in 1920 of the holy shrines at Amritsar, including the Harimandar, the Ak&#257l Ta<u>kh</u>t and B&#257b&#257 A&#7789&#257l, a local committee under the chairmanship of Sard&#257r Sundar Si&#7749gh R&#257mga&#7771h&#299&#257 was formed for their management. After the Gurdw&#257r&#257 legislation had been placed on the statute book in 1925, the Shiroma&#7751&#299 Gurdw&#257r&#257 Parbandhak Committee itself became the committee of management for the Harimandar as it did for other shrines at Amritsar, Tarn T&#257ran and Anandpur S&#257hib. The secretary of the committee acting as manager of the shrines took over the responsibility for their general administration, buildings, accounts, etc, but the religious and ritualistic routine inside the Harimandar remained in the hands of the <i>granth&#299s, r&#257g&#299s</i> and <i>sev&#257d&#257rs</i> headed by Head Granth&#299 of Sr&#299 Darb&#257r S&#257hib, a highly revered personage next only in importance to, if not equal with, the Jathed&#257r of the Ak&#257l Ta<u>kh</u>t.</p> <p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Gurdw&#257r&#257 legislation adopted under the Act of 1925 remained in operation until well into the forties. Special legislation had to be passed in view of the fact that <i>gurdw&#257r&#257s</i> had vast properties, real estate and lands, attached to them. To secure legal rights to the new owners statutory provisions had to be made in the state's laws. In the laws thus brought on the statue book amendments were made from time to time. An amendment was proposed in 1944 and carried in the Punjab Legislative Assembly to provide representation for Sikh backward classes for whom 12 seats were now statutorily reserved. Another amendment provided for greater central&#299zation of power and removed some of the restrictions on the use of funds for the Sikh educational and missionary activity. Formerly every Sikh adult, man or woman, had the right to vote. Certain conditions demanding stricter compliance of the religious code of the Sikhs were laid down. The initiator of most of these amendments was Gi&#257n&#299 Kart&#257r Si&#7749gh, who was a member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Further amendments were necessitated by the merger in 1956 with the Punjab of the state of Pa&#7789i&#257l&#257 and East Punjab States Union. The jurisdiction of the Shiroma&#7751&#299 Committee was by these legislative amendments extended to the entire state of the Punjab including the territories of erstwhile princely rulers.</p> </font> <p class="BIB"> BIBLIOGRAPHY<p class="C1"><ol class="C1"><li class="C1"> Gi&#257n Si&#7749gh, Gi&#257n&#299, <i>Tw&#257r&#299<u>kh</u> Sr&#299 Amritsar</i> [Reprint] Amritsar, 1977<BR> <li class="C1"> &#7788h&#257kar Si&#7749gh, <i>Sr&#299 Gurdu&#257re Darshan</i>. Amritsar, 1923<BR> <li class="C1"> T&#257r&#257 Si&#7749gh, <i>Sr&#299 Gur T&#299rath Sa&#7749grahi</i>. Amritsar, n.d.<BR> <li class="C1"> Prat&#257p Si&#7749gh, Gi&#257n&#299, <i>Amridsaru Sifat&#299 d&#257 Gharu</i>. Amritsar, 1977<BR> <li class="C1"> Datta, V.N., <i>Amritsar Past and Present</i>. Amritsar, 1967<BR> <li class="C1"> Madanjit Kaur, <i>The Golden Temple: Past and Present</i>. Amritsar, 1983<BR> <li class="C1"> Patwant Singh, <i>The Golden Temple</i>. Delhi, 1988<BR> <li class="C1"> Archer, W.G., <i>Paintings of the Sikhs</i>. London, 1966<BR> <li class="C1"> Arshi, P.S., <i>The Sikh Architecture</i>. Delhi, 1986<BR> <li class="C1"> Teja Si&#7749gh, <i>Essays in Sikhism</i>. Lahore, 1944<BR> </ol><p class="CONT">Ian J. Kerr<br></p><BR> </font> <img src="counter.aspx" width="1px" height="1px" alt=""> </HTML></BODY>