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Rank the two columns according to which you think are the most significant reasons for or against, to the least significant reason. Explain your choice of most and least significant reasons.
Most
Least
For
The langar, communal kitchen, is a symbol of equality and humility. Anyone is welcome to attend the gurdwara (and Harmandir Sahib) and receive a meal. This was set up by Guru Amar Das to reject the Hindu caste system and improve social cohesion.
‘We are conceived and born from women. Woman is our life-long friend and keeps the race going. Why should we despair her, the one who gives birth to great men? GGS 473’
The Harmandir at Amritsar is a symbol of the rejection of the Hindu caste system and a symbol of equality. The four gates represent the rejection of the four castes and offer an invitation to all travellers from every direction.
The rejection of caste was originally for theological reasons as opposed to improving social divisions. ‘Recognize the Lord's Light within all, and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter. GGS 349’
Women are able to take up positions within the gurdwara. They can become a granthi where they will read the Guru Granth Sahib and conduct the service. Or they can be a ragi – someone who plays music in the gurdwara.
Against
It is said that everyone shares the task of preparing, cooking, serving and cleaning in the langar. However, women tend to take up the role of cooking at the langar and this is their role in the home – to serve the husband and family.
Men generally take positions within the gurdwara. While the opportunity is there for women, there are still prejudices within the community, especially in India, that may encourage women to avoid the roles of granthi or ragi.
Sikhs have not succeeded in abolishing caste distinctions and as a result there are subgroups of Sikhs– Arora, Ramgarhia and Jat. While they would welcome each other at the langar, they generally marry within their groups
Boys are generally favoured in Sikh families. It has been argued that boys get preferential treatment over girls and are awarded more freedom. Sex ratios in the Punjab region of India also suggest the practice of female infanticide (killing female babies).
