Malayan Sikhs’ participation in the Ghadar movement: From loyal British subjects to ardent revolutionaries

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article investigates the anti-British political activities of Malayan Sikhs through their participation in the Ghadar movement (1913–18). Although the Malayan Sikhs were generally renowned as loyal British subjects, a considerable number of them became ardent revolutionaries primarily due to Ghadar propaganda that fuelled their desire for India’s independence. The article explores the origins of the Ghadar movement in Malaya and then discusses the movement’s primary goals, main activists, strategies, and struggle against the British in India, as well as the measures taken by the British in Malaya to suppress it. The failure of the Ghadar movement and its legacy is subsequently examined.