World Religions
Sikhs marched in London this week to mark the anniversary of the storming of the Golden Temple in 1984. What happened 30 years ago and what exactly is the Golden Temple and what makes its golden?
The Golden Temple is Sikhism’s holiest shrine. It’s located in Amristar in the state of Punjab in the northwestern part of India.
Construction of the temple began in 1604. Much of the foundation is made of marble while the outside is plated in gold.
Here’s an amusing and engaging review of the temple that students might enjoy.
What happened in 1984? Sikhs clashed with the government of Indira Gandhi over issues of discrimination. Indian troops surrounded the Golden Temple which was held by Sikh militants. Indian troops eventually stormed the temple and over 300 people were killed. The raid was called Operation Bluestar.
The storming of the temple, notes the BBC, “started a chain of events and retaliations which led eventually to the prime minister herself being assassinated by two of her [Indira Gandhi] Sikh bodyguards, on 31 October.”
Voice of Asia has a good review of the events which you can read here.
What does the Golden temple look like?
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