Historical Analysis of Dalit Assertion in Punjab- A Study of Ad Dharm Mandal Report

Abstract

The literary meaning of the term Ad Dharm is the original or ancient religion. The followers of this religion considered themselves the original inhabitants of Indian subcontinent and they were popularly known as Ad Dharmis. The Ad Dharm movement was backed by the ideas of the Gurus, Rishi-Munis, Saints and Bhakats. The most significant influence on this movement was that of Guru Ravidas who belonged to the protestant Sant tradition. His mysticism is not based on the blind faith but is the byproduct of first hand and immediate encounter of truth and reality. The Ad Dharmis used his picture as their emblem and his sayings as their sacred texts. The memory of Guru Ravidas had been kept alive by a loose network of shrines and pilgrimage centers called Deras dedicated to his devotion.