Sikh Educational Philosophy and the Evolution of Sikh Learning Systems

Abstract

This comprehensive research paper examines Guru Nanak's revolutionary educational philosophy and its practical implementation through Sikh institutions across six centuries. Beginning with an analysis of Guru Nanak's rejection of abstract idealism in favor of ethical pragmatism, the study traces the historical development of indigenous education systems during the Lodhi and Mughal periods. It provides a detailed exploration of traditional Sikh learning centers including Dharamsāls, Bungas, and Akharas, analyzing their pedagogical approaches, curriculum, and societal roles. The paper then investigates the disruptive impact of British colonialism on these systems and the subsequent Sikh resistance through the Singh Sabha Movement. Finally, it evaluates contemporary challenges facing Sikh education in post-independence India, offering critical insights into the ongoing tension between tradition and modernity. The research employs textual analysis of primary sources including the Guru Granth Sahib, colonial education reports, and institutional records, supplemented by secondary historical scholarship.