1. Background and Context
The Punjab Legislative Assembly passed a resolution to declare Amritsar Walled City, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities.
This decision coincides with the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, who sacrificed his life in 1675 to uphold religious freedom and human rights.
The resolution reflects an effort to preserve Sikh religious heritage, reinforce the spiritual character of key sacred places, and align governance with cultural and moral values rooted in Sikhism.
2. Key Provisions of the Resolution
The resolution imposes restrictions within the notified holy city limits, including a ban on:
Sale and consumption of liquor
Sale and consumption of meat
Sale and use of tobacco
Use of other intoxicants
Objective:
To maintain the spiritual sanctity of sacred Sikh spaces
To ensure an environment conducive to religious observance, pilgrimage, and reflection
To align civic life with Sikh ethical principles, which discourage intoxicants
3. Religious and Historical Significance of the Selected Cities
These three cities are of exceptional importance because they together host three of the five Sikh Takhts, making Punjab the spiritual heartland of Sikhism.
4. Understanding Sikh Takhts (UPSC Static Component)
What is a Takht?
The word Takht means “throne”
A Takht represents a seat of temporal (worldly) authority in Sikhism
Takhts guide Sikhs on religious, political, and social matters
There are five Sikh Takhts:
Three in Punjab
One in Bihar
One in Maharashtra
5. The Five Sikh Takhts (Prelims + Mains Relevant)
(1) Akal Takht – Amritsar, Punjab
Established: 1606
Founder: Guru Hargobind
Significance:
Highest seat of Sikh authority
Symbolises the doctrine of Miri-Piri:
Miri → Temporal power
Piri → Spiritual authority
Located opposite the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)
(2) Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib – Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
Historical importance:
Site where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa in 1699
Associated with:
Sikh identity
Concept of Saint-Soldier
Birth of the Five Ks
(3) Takht Sri Damdama Sahib – Talwandi Sabo, Punjab
Significance:
Place where Guru Gobind Singh finalised the Sikh scripture (Guru Granth Sahib)
Known as:
“Guru ki Kashi” (centre of Sikh learning)
(4) Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib – Patna, Bihar
Significance:
Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh
Highlights Sikhism’s historical spread beyond Punjab
(5) Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib – Nanded, Maharashtra
Significance:
Place where Guru Gobind Singh spent his final days
Site of his cremation in 1708
Marks the end of the line of human Sikh Gurus
6. Governance and Constitutional Perspective (GS Paper II)
State Powers
The resolution reflects the state government’s authority over:
Public order
Local governance
Cultural preservation
Such decisions are typically implemented through:
Municipal regulations
State excise laws
Urban planning rules
Balancing Act
While promoting religious sanctity, governments must ensure:
Compliance with constitutional principles
Protection of fundamental rights
Avoidance of arbitrary restrictions
7. Cultural and Social Significance (GS Paper I)
Reinforces Punjab’s Sikh heritage
Strengthens cultural identity and collective memory
Encourages value-based governance
Enhances religious tourism and pilgrimage management
8. UPSC-Ready Key Takeaways
For Prelims:
Three holy cities declared in Punjab: Amritsar Walled City, Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi Sabo
Total Sikh Takhts: Five
Guru associated with martyrdom anniversary: Guru Tegh Bahadur
For Mains:
Illustrates the intersection of religion, governance, and culture
Reflects use of soft power and cultural policy by states
Raises issues of secularism, federalism, and local administration
9. Conclusion
The Punjab government’s resolution is not merely symbolic but represents a culturally rooted governance decision. By recognising the unique religious importance of these cities, the state aims to preserve Sikh heritage while reinforcing ethical and spiritual values in public life. For UPSC aspirants, this topic is important from the perspectives of Indian culture, constitutional governance, and religious institutions.
200-word GS-I
