The Akali Movement was a major Sikh socio-religious reform that reclaimed gurdwaras from corrupt mahants, strengthened Sikh identity, and influenced India’s freedom struggle through non-violent mobilisation.

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• The Akali Movement, also called the Gurudwara Reform Movement, aimed to liberate Sikh gurdwaras from corrupt mahants and restore community-based religious administration.

• Initially a religious reform initiative, the movement gradually acquired political significance and became closely connected with India’s broader non-cooperation and freedom movements.

• Sikh shrines originally served religious, social, and educational purposes, but control shifted to Udasi mahants who increasingly violated Sikh principles and practices.

• Leaders like Kartar Singh Jhabbar, Baba Kharak Singh, Master Tara Singh, and Mehtab Singh mobilised Sikhs using disciplined, non-violent protests and mass participation.

• The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee was formed in 1920 to ensure democratic management of gurdwaras and represent Sikh religious authority institutionally.

• British policy fluctuated between neutrality and repression, especially after violent incidents like the Nankana Sahib massacre exposed abuses by mahants.

• The Akali Movement strengthened Sikh identity, revived religious discipline, and provided organisational training for future Sikh political leadership in Punjab.

• The movement culminated in the Sikh Gurudwara Act of 1925, granting legal control of gurdwaras to Sikhs and ensuring democratic, inclusive governance.