Akal Takht has no connection with any Sikh Guru: Sikh Historian Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgir

Chandigarh: Sikh historian Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgir, who has served as the Director of the Sikh History Research Board of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), claimed that Akal Takht was not created by any Sikh Guru. He stated that the term “Akal Takht” did not exist before 1840, and it is not found in any books published before 1920. Dr. Dilgir made this statement during a press conference at the Chandigarh Press Club. He also announced that if anyone can prove that Akal Takht was created by a Guru, he would reward them with 10 lakh rupees.

According to Dr. Dilgir, after a detailed study, he gathered numerous facts that led him to conclude that not only was Akal Takht not created by any Guru, but the term itself did not exist in the time of the Gurus. He explained that the term “Akal Takht” was invented by Nirmala priests in the Gurbilas Patshahi 6, written in 1840, and in the Guru Pratap Suraj, written in 1843. He pointed out that these texts state that it is the throne of Vishnu (God).

Between 1920 and 1979, there were no activities recorded in the name of Akal Takht: Dr. Dilgir further explained that the building of Akal Takht was originally a residence for the Akalis (a group of Sikhs). In 1840, priests took over the place and conspired to name it the Akali Takht. However, until 1920, there was no mention of the term “Akal Takht.” Between 1920 and 1979, no activity related to Akal Takht was recorded either.

He added that it was later used as a tool to intimidate both the Akalis and the government during the Khalistani movement. After the fall of the Khalistani movement, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) took control of it in 1993 and began using it to intimidate their political opponents. Today, it has become a source of trouble for the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) itself.                                                          (Report by Roshan Lal Sharma)