Sikhism Study Guide: 20th and 21st Centuries

A collection of vocabulary terms based on the Sikhism lecture notes covering the 20th and 21st century identity, historical events, and the Sikh experience in America.

The Sikh Gurdwaras Act (1925)

A legislative act that defines a Sikh as one who believes in the ten gurus and the Granth Sahib.

1947 Partition of India

An August milestone in history that saw the division of British India, involving regions such as Punjab, Bengal, and Baluchistan.

Golden Temple

A major Sikh shrine in Amritsar that was attacked by India's army in 1984.

Vaisakhi Festival

A Sikh festival celebrated in the 21st century.

Divided We Fall

A documentary film used for analysis and reflection on the struggle of Sikhs in America against violence and discrimination.

Johnston, Iowa Gurudwara Sahib

A specific Sikh place of worship in the United States mentioned in the context of Sikhs in the 21st century.

Sikh Separatist

A term used in a 2024 news report regarding the quest for a Sikh homeland and an assassination case in Canada.

1984

The year the Indian army attacked the Golden Temple and other shrines.

Granth Sahib

One of the two primary entities, along with the ten gurus, in which a Sikh must believe according to the 1925 Act.

Punjab

A region prominently affected by the 1947 Partition and central to the geography of British India.