SIKH ARMY PANCHAYATS, or regimental committees, were a singularly characteristic phenomenon of the post Ranjit Singh period of Sikh rule in the Punjab. Based on the Sikh principle of equality as well as of the supremacy of sangat or the sarbatt khalsa, they wielded great power during 1841-45. Like the rise of Soviets on the eve of the Russian revolution of 1917, panchayats in the Sikh army appeared spontaneously at a time of instability and declining administrative standards. The struggle of power between Mai, or dowager, Chand Kaur and Prince Sher Singh after the death of Maharaja Kharak Singh and his son, Nau Nihal Singh, ended in victory for the Prince, but at the expense of military discipline.
Sher Singh had won over the army with promises of monetary reward which he was not in a position to fulfil. Charging the government with bad faith, the soldiers whose pay had been in arrears for several months, went on the rampage in the city of Lahore, the trouble spreading also to the provinces. Unpopular senior officers and corrupt paymasters and regimental accountants were their special targets. Sher Singh and his prime minister, Dhian Singh called a meeting of the soldiers` representatives called panches to discuss their demands and end the mutiny which continued intermittently for about six months.
The troops had tasted power while the court had been weakened through jealousy and intrigue among sardars some of whom were also suspected of having links with the British. The soldiers, anxious to have their own voice heard in matters of state, introduced the familiar institution of panchayat. Each battalian, regiment and, in the case of artillery, dera had its own elected panchayat or committee of elders. Together the panchayats formed a council which called itself Sarbatt Khalsa or the Khalsa.
A contemporary witness of court events and diarist, Sohan Lal Suri,` Umdat utTwarikh, does not use the term panchayat, but refers to the representatives of the army variously as Singhs, Khalsa, panches, officers of the paltans or collectively as the Khalsa ji. Army panchayats after their first fit of fury in 1841 remained dormant for the rest of the rule of Maharaja Sher Singh. They reappeared, however, with redoubled vigour immediately after the assassination, on a single fateful day (15 September 1843), of Maharaja Sher Singh, the heir apparent, Kanvar Partap Singh, and the prime minister, Raja Dhian Singh. Raja Hira Singh, son of Dhian Singh, who emerged as a powerful person as the new Wazir had to propitiate the panchayats with promises of a rise in pay and ad hoc rewards.
Broadly speaking, the panchayats performed a fourfold role : they pressurized tlie government for more pay, helped to maintain discipline and morale in the ranks, assured sovereign authority in matters of state in the name of the people, the Sarbatt Khalsa, and they provided popular leadership to meet the British threat from across the southern borders. However sound in principle, the system could not have lasted for long. The panchayats lacked unity and tended towards contention and arbitrariness. With the defeat of the Sikhs in the first Anglo Sikh war (1845-46), they lapsed. The British drastically reduced the strength of the Khalsa army and disbanded units wherein they suspected the slightest indiscipline.
References :
1. Bajwa, Fauja Singh, Military System of the Sikhs. Delhi, 1964
2. Khushwant Singh, A History of the Sikhs, vol. II. London,1966
3. Hasrat, BikramaJit, Anglo-Sikh Relations, 1799-1849. Hoshiarpur, 1968
4. Chopra, Barkat Rai, Kingdom of the Punjab. Hoshiarpur, 1969
Sikh Army Panchayats: Pillars of Unity and Collective Decision-Making in the Khalsa Army
The Sikh Army Panchayats, or councils of the Khalsa Army, represent a unique system of governance and collective leadership that emerged during the period of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh and persisted into the tumultuous years following his reign. These Panchayats served as critical mechanisms for decision-making, reflecting the democratic ethos embedded in Sikh traditions. Their relevance extends beyond military strategy, embodying principles of equality, accountability, and unity within a highly diverse and disciplined armed force.
Historical Context and Formation
The concept of collective decision-making in Sikhism finds its roots in the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, particularly Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who created the Khalsa in 1699. The Khalsa emphasized the equality of all members, fostering a spirit of shared responsibility and mutual respect. This principle of equality and collective governance laid the groundwork for the formation of the Sikh Army Panchayats.
During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1799–1839), the Khalsa Army evolved into a formidable force that combined traditional Sikh martial prowess with modern European military techniques. The army was composed of soldiers from various backgrounds—Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, and even Europeans—all united under the banner of the Khalsa. To maintain cohesion and address the diverse needs and perspectives within the ranks, the concept of Panchayats was institutionalized. These councils operated at various levels within the army, facilitating communication and consensus-building among soldiers and officers.
Structure and Functioning of the Panchayats
The Sikh Army Panchayats were typically composed of representatives elected or chosen by the soldiers. These representatives were responsible for articulating the concerns, grievances, and aspirations of their respective units. The Panchayats served as intermediaries between the soldiers and the higher command, ensuring that the voices of the rank-and-file were heard and addressed.
The functioning of the Panchayats was characterized by a remarkable degree of transparency and inclusivity. Decisions were made collectively through discussions and deliberations, with an emphasis on reaching a consensus rather than imposing top-down directives. This approach not only fostered trust and camaraderie among the soldiers but also ensured that the leadership remained accountable to the collective will of the army.
In addition to addressing internal matters such as discipline, provisions, and pay, the Panchayats also played a role in strategic decision-making. While the ultimate authority rested with the Maharaja or the appointed generals, the input of the Panchayats was often sought and respected. This participatory model of governance distinguished the Khalsa Army from contemporary military forces, which were typically governed by rigid hierarchies and authoritarian command structures.
Role of Panchayats in Post-Ranjit Singh Era
The significance of the Sikh Army Panchayats became even more pronounced following the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839. The empire was plunged into a period of political instability and factionalism, with competing claimants vying for power. In this context, the Panchayats emerged as powerful entities within the army, asserting their influence in matters of succession, governance, and military strategy.
During the Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845–1846 and 1848–1849), the role of the Panchayats became a subject of both admiration and controversy. On one hand, they symbolized the democratic spirit and collective decision-making traditions of the Khalsa Army; on the other hand, their growing autonomy and internal divisions contributed to challenges in maintaining discipline and unity during critical moments of conflict.
Despite these challenges, the legacy of the Sikh Army Panchayats endures as a testament to the Khalsa’s commitment to shared leadership and egalitarian principles. Their example underscores the potential for democratic governance within complex and hierarchical institutions such as armies.
Relevance in Contemporary Times
The Sikh Army Panchayats hold enduring relevance as a symbol of participatory governance and collective responsibility. Their practices resonate with the broader democratic ideals that have become cornerstones of modern societies. In an era where centralized authority and hierarchical decision-making often dominate organizational structures, the Panchayats offer a model of inclusive and consensus-driven leadership.
For the Sikh community and the world at large, the legacy of the Panchayats serves as a reminder of the importance of empowering individuals and fostering unity within diverse groups. Their emphasis on accountability, transparency, and shared responsibility continues to inspire efforts to build more equitable and inclusive institutions.
Conclusion
The Sikh Army Panchayats represent a remarkable chapter in the history of the Khalsa Army, illustrating the integration of democratic principles into military governance. Rooted in the spiritual and ethical teachings of Sikhism, these councils exemplified the values of equality, unity, and collective decision-making. While their influence waned in the aftermath of the Anglo-Sikh Wars, their legacy endures as a source of inspiration for those who seek to balance authority with accountability and individual empowerment with collective responsibility. The Panchayats stand as a testament to the enduring relevance of Sikh ideals in fostering just and harmonious societies.
