SINGH SABHA

educational and literary movement among the Sikhs, a religious group of northern India, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It began as a defense against the proselytizing activities of Christians and Arya Samajists (Hindu reformists) and sought the reconversion of many Sikhs back to Hinduism. Its chief aims were the revival of the teachings of the Sikh Gurus (traditional religious leaders and teachers), the production of religious literature in the Punjabi language, and a campaign against illiteracy. The Singh Sabha actively cultivated loyalty to the British, who then governed the Punjab, and in return enjoyed the patronage of the administrators. In collaboration with the British, Sikh schools and colleges were founded in various parts of the Punjab.