From 1922 onwards, dissension in Arya Samaj factions of Punjab
between the Vasant Rai and Mangoo Ram groups again split the regional
Adi Dharma movement. Both groups approached the Lahore Headquarters of
Adi Brahmo Samaj for recognition which was denied to both. This led to
rivalry and inducements from all sides including Arya Samaj, Christian
missionaries, Sikhism etc. causing considerable confusion in the Northern Provinces as to who represents Adi Dharma here. The major controversy at this time concerned many depressed caste Sikhs of Chamar grade in a supposedly casteless Sikhism
rediscovered Ravidass's teachings of 14th century (claimed by them to
be incorporated in Guru Granth Sahib) and got themselves registered as Adi -Dharmi's in the 1921 and 1931 Census of Punjab after the legal decision in Bhagwan Koer's case and the Pirali precedent. This action by a section in the Punjab once again revived the Pirali
controversy which echoed in Calcutta. Concerted action and
representation by Adi Dharma and all sections of Brahmo Samaj ensured
that after 1931 no further caste based Census took place in India.
Thereafter the Congress Party revived casteism again with M.K.Gandhi
asserting on 7 September 1936 ".. Sikhism is part Of Hinduism and if
becoming a Sikh is conversion then this kind of conversion on the part
of Harijans is dangerous" |
Adi Dharm timeline >