Ram Singh Kuka (3 February 1816 – 18 January 1872), was an Indian philosopher, freedom fighter, and reformer who used boycotts of British products and services to fight for freedom.
Early Life
Ram Singh Kuka was born on 3 February 1816, Ludhiana, India. As a kid, he didn’t get an education and only learned how to become a carpenter, but he didn’t succeed so he joined the army of Sher Singh.
He joined the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh when he was 20. After Ranjit Singh’s death, his army and domain ceased to exist. Sikhs were weak under British rule, so Ram Singh helped them to regain their pride. As a result of his shrieks after chanting hymns frantically, the Namdharis came to be known as Kukas. It was more fundamental and puritanical than other Sikh sects. Namdharis wore white robes, bound their turbans differently, carried wooden staves and woolen rosaries, and used a special greeting. Known as gurdwaras, their temples were simple and spartan.
Ram Singh attempted a monumental gesture in 1863: he asked his followers to meet him at Amritsar, where he would declare himself Gobind Singh’s reincarnation. Ram Singh was forced to live in his village indefinitely after the police intervened. Internal trouble broke out as the years passed and his prophecy about breaking British rule didn’t come true. Realizing they couldn’t compete with British power, the Kukas started attacking the Muslim communists.
Sant Khalsa
Sant Khalsa was founded by him, which led to the Kuka movement. Ram Singh is considered a god to the Kukas. After giving Amrit Sanchar to five of his disciples, he founded Namdhari Sikhism in 1857.
He was in the Khalsa army with Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s grandson Kanwar Naunihal Singh. He also started the boycott of British educational institutions and imported goods. Ram Singh is credited with being the first Indian to use non-cooperation as a political weapon.
He got the Guru mantra from Satguru Balak Singh, and he told him to spread the mantra all over the world. Anand Karaz was introduced by Ram Singh, which simplified marriage rituals and had a positive impact on the average person. As a result of this reform, weddings were performed in gurdwaras. Dowry was also forbidden. Many freedom fighters were killed by the British government in response to the Kuka movement. Ram Singh was sent to Rangoon.
Death
He died on 18 January 1872.
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