Discovered: 1st Ever British Observation of Sikhs

The Seeks And Their College At Patna
By Sir Charles Wilkins

I found the College of the Seeks, situated in one of the narrow streets of Patna, at no very considerable distance from the Custom-house. I was permitted to enter the outward gate, but, as soon as I came to the steps which led into the Chapel, or public-hall, I was civilly accosted by two of the Society. I asked them if I might ascend into the hall. They said it was a place of worship open to me and to all men; but at the same time, intimated that I must take off my shoes. As I consider this ceremony in the same light as uncovering my head upon entering any of our temples dedicated to the Deity, I did not hesitate to comply, and I was then politely conducted into the hall and seated upon a carpet, in the midst of the assembly, which was so numerous as almost to fill the room......more

February 5, 2014: The following research has shown some really amazing details of the first ever British officer’s observation of a Sikh Gurudwara in Patna in 1781. The officer Charles Wilkins describes his experience inside the Gurdwara and the hospitality of the Sikhs inside of being cordial and letting him observe the congregation’s ceremony. To date this is the first ever British account of a Sikh place of worship in History that has been discovered and he mention’s clearly that it was established by Guru Tegh Bahadur and so it must be Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib in Patna. Charles Wilkins refers to the Gurdwara as a college as back in those times each Gurdwara not only had a place of worship but also a place of study/School and a pharmacy. The proceedings of the ceremony are very well described and we look forward to providing some more ground breaking research. - Editor Daily Sikh Updates

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