History of Rehat Maryada

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The Rehat Maryada is the Sikh Code of Conduct as released by the SGPC. See the full text of the code at Rehat Maryada (Full) and abridged version at Rehat Maryada.

In 1915 and later in 1931, attempts were made to create a modern standard Rehat (Rahit or code). This effort involved several Sikh scholars who worked to produce the current version. In 1950 the "Sikh Rahit Maryada" was finally approved. The document has been accepted as the official version which provides guidelines for all Sikh individuals and communities around the world. Its implementation has resulted in a high level of uniformity in the religious and social practices of Sikhism.

Sikh Rahit Maryada is based on earlier codes (Rahit-Namas), the earliest of them are:

  1. Tanakhah-nama (Nasihat Nama) Samvat 1776 (1718-19 CE), ten years after the death of Guru Gobind Singh.
  2. The Prahilad Rai Rahit-nama
  3. Sakhi Rahit ki: About 1735 CE
  4. Chaupa Singh Rahit-nama: 1740-1765 CE (1700 CE according to Piara Singh Padam). Chaupa Singh was a member of the Guru's retinue. He was entrusted with the care of infant Gobind Das by Guru Tegh Bahadur. Some members of Chaupa Singh's family became martyrs with the Guru Tegh Bahadur in Delhi and others served under the 10th Guru.
  5. Desa Singh Rahit-nama: late 18th century
  6. Daya Singh Rahit-nama