Akalis

Akalis refers to members and supporters associated with Sikh religious and political movements centered on the Akal Takht and the Khalsa. The word derives from Akal, meaning immortal or timeless in Sikh theology, and traditionally described martial Sikh volunteers who protected Sikh sanctuaries and carried out duties for the Khalsa. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Akalis were part of military and religious outfits that guarded Gurudwaras and supported Sikh sovereignty during periods of persecution and conflict.

In the early 20th century, the Akali movement became closely linked with the reform of Sikh religious institutions. During the Gurdwara Reform Movement (early 1920s), Akalis organized to take control of gurdwaras from external authorities, leading to the formation of the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). From this milieu the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) emerged as the political wing representing Sikh religious and community interests in Punjab and beyond. The SAD became a major political force in Punjab, advocating for Sikh rights, religious protections, and federal and regional concerns such as water rights and governance.

In contemporary politics, the term Akalis is most commonly associated with the Shiromani Akali Dal and its affiliations with SGPC-supported bodies. The party has formed state governments in Punjab and has participated in national-level coalitions, including alliances with other parties in India. While the political usage dominates today, the term also remains a broader reference to adherents of the Akali tradition within Sikhism.