The Singh Sabha Movement was a major socio-religious reform initiative aimed at revitalising Sikh faith, institutions, and identity during the colonial period in India.

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• The Singh Sabha Movement began in 1873 at Amritsar to reform Sikh religious practices and protect Sikh identity after decline following the fall of the Sikh Empire.

• It aimed to revive authentic Sikh teachings based on the Guru Granth Sahib and eliminate non-Sikh rituals, idol worship, and Brahmanical influences from gurdwaras.

• The movement emerged amid pressures from Christian missionaries and Hindu reform movements, which led to religious conversions and identity challenges for Sikhs.

• Two major factions emerged: Amritsar Singh Sabha with Sanatan views and Lahore Singh Sabha led by Tat Khalsa advocating distinct Sikh religious identity.

• Tat Khalsa leaders stressed Khalsa discipline, five Ks, equality, monotheism, and standardised Sikh rituals, becoming the most influential reformist group.

• Singh Sabha reformers promoted modern education through Sikh-controlled schools and colleges, emphasising Punjabi language and Gurmukhi script for cultural preservation.

• The movement introduced gurdwara reforms, challenged corrupt mahants, and laid the groundwork for community management of Sikh religious institutions.

• Singh Sabha reforms later inspired the Akali Movement, formation of SGPC, and long-term consolidation of Sikh religious, social, and institutional self-governance.