A Gurmata (Punjabi: ਗੁਰਮਤਾ; literally, 'Guru's intention' or 'advice of the Guru'), alternatively romanized as Gurumatta, is an order upon a subject that affects the fundamental principles of Sikh religion and is binding upon all Sikhs. The prefix gur- signals the agreement from the Guru and the suffix -mata means a resolution by the people on legal matter.
Role Gurmata is similar to Fatwa in the Muslim tradition with a difference that Fatwa is not binding on all Muslims while Gurmata is binding on all Khalsa, however it is not binding on non-Khalsa Sikhs.
History Gurmatas were used in the 18th century to refer to the resolutions passed by the Sarbat Khalsa, a large gathering of esteemed Sikhs. In the 18th century, gurmatas were issued during Baisakhi and Diwali gatherings. Most of the gurmatas were issued from Amritsar for logistical reasons since the Sikh would gather at the city for the aforementioned celebrations.
Significant Gurmatas
DateSignificance1708Panj Piare quintet issue gurmatta injunction against Guru Gobind Singh to pay 125 rupees for tilting an arrow in the direction of the shrine of Dadu Dayal in Naraina, Rajasthan as a mark of reverence, which was a test by the guru to see if his Sikhs understood that reverence of mausoleums are to be rejected. Guru Gobind Singh, pleased with the Sikhs for recognizing the perceived transgression, paid the injunction fee.Vaisakhi 1721Tat Khalsa and Bandai Khalsa settle their differences.1726Sarbat Khalsa passes Gurmata to raid Mughal precious metal transports, confiscate Mughal armories, and eliminate Mughal informers1733Sarbat Khalsa accepts jagir given by Mughal government14 October 1745During Diwali, the Sarbat Khalsa passes Gurmata organizing Khalsa into 25 jathasVaisakhi 1747Construction of the fortress of Ram Rauni in Amritsar29 March 1748Sarbat Khalsa passes Gurmata reorganizing sixty-five jathas into 11 misls with Jassa Singh Ahluwalia as supreme commander. The records of all territories of the individual misls were ordered to be kept at the Akal Takht in Amritsar.1753Official establishment of the Rakhi system7 November 1760Sarbat Khalsa passes Gurmata to attack Lahore27 October 1761Gurmata passed during the annual Diwali meeting at Amritsar that supporters, such as agents, informers and collaborators, of the Durrani Empire must be annihilated. The first target chosen was Aqil Das, then-head of the heretical Hindali sect and colluder of Ahmad Shah Abdali. Also decided in this Gurmata was that Sikhs should take control of Lahore.1805Pursuance of the Maratha leader Yashwantrao Holkar by the British military in the Punjab1920Teja Singh Bhuchhar was announced as the Jathedar of the Akal Takht26 January 1986Sarbat Khalsa elects and inaugurates 5 member panthik committee to make decisions on behalf of the Sikh diaspora.16 February 1986Sarbat Khalsa was held at Anandpur Sahib (City of Bliss). Sarbat Khalsa unified the panth.10 November 2015Sarbat Khalsa was held at Chabba Village, where Jagtar Singh Hawara was appointed new Jathedar of Akal Takht.
See also
Hukamnama, an injunction or edict issued by the Sikh gurus, their officiated followers, the Takhts, or taken from the Guru Granth Sahib Rakhi system, the protection tax implemented by the Sikh Confederacy Sarbat Khalsa
References