2012 - 150 Years of Kuka Movement | Commemorative Coin

The 4th release ceremony of the year 2012 saw the commemorative coin on '150 Years of Kuka Movement'.

The Kuka Movement, spanning from 1860 to 1872 in the Punjab, originated under the leadership of Bhagat Jawahar Mal in 1840. Initially founded with the noble objective of purifying the Sikh religion by eradicating abuses, superstitions, and ill-practices, the movement underwent a transformation after the British annexation of Punjab.

Following the annexation, the Kukas shifted their focus towards the revival of Sikh power and sovereignty, a development that stirred concern among British officials. The renewed objective posed a direct challenge to British authority in the region, leading to heightened tensions and a series of measures taken by the British administration between 1863 and 1872.

In response to the perceived threat, the British authorities implemented various strategies to suppress the Kuka Movement. The suppression efforts involved a combination of administrative measures, surveillance, and military interventions. The movement, which had once sought to reform Sikh practices, had evolved into a resistance against British rule, leading to increased scrutiny and crackdowns.

Despite the British efforts, the Kuka Movement remained a significant episode in the history of Punjab. It reflected the socio-religious dynamics of the time and the complex interplay between religious revivalism, resistance to colonial rule, and the broader political landscape in the region.

The Kuka Movement serves as a historical testament to the resilience and evolution of religious and political movements in colonial India, as well as the intricate challenges faced by both the British administration and the indigenous communities during this period of significant change and upheaval.

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