Sikhs in World Wars

Sikhs in Worlds Wars - After fall of the Sikh Empire and death of its king Maharaja Ranjit Singh, being the most difficult and longest land to take during the British Conquest, the British began recruiting Sikhs in their army in large numbers. The Sikhs strongly believe in martial arts and battle warfare and the idea of martyrdom and battlefield heroism. For a Sikh it is a great honour to die fighting on a battlefield, quoted in the Sikh National Anthem; "...May I Die Fighting on the Battlefield Courageously."

Sikhs in World War I
The Sikhs efforts were greatly appreciated. Having joined the British Army, being well aware that their martial bravery would aid the Army. Known as the Lions of the Great War after the war, during the war they were often called the Black Lions. Leaving their homeland, the Punjab, they offered to fight and help Britain, yet they did it out of honour and loyalty.

Sikhs were allowed to use traditional Sikh weapons such as chakrams and talwar swords, and it was not uncommon to see the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, being carried before a marching Sikh battalion or even on the front lines among the battling Sikh troops.

Impact
The Sikhs contribution to the world wars widely helped the British Army in defeating the German army and defending Britain.