PPSC Excise and Taxation Inspector 2018 Question Paper

Answer: A - Cow
 

Explanation:

• The Kuka Movement (also called Namdhari Movement), founded by Baba Ram Singh in 1857, held cow protection as one of its central religious and social tenets.
• Kukas considered cow slaughter a grave religious offence and actively protested against cow killing - this brought them into direct conflict with British authorities and Muslim butchers.
• The movement's cow protection stance led to violent incidents in Malerkotla and Ludhiana in 1871, where Kukas attacked butchers' shops.
• As punishment, 49 Kukas were blown from cannons by the British Deputy Commissioner Cowan in 1872 - one of the most brutal colonial suppressions in Punjab's history.

Key facts about Kuka Movement:

• Founded by : Baba Balak Singh, developed by Baba Ram Singh
• Year of prominence : 1857 onwards
• Headquartered at : Bhaini Sahib (Ludhiana)
• Central demands : Cow protection, Sikh revival, anti-British
• Fate of Baba Ram Singh : Deported to Rangoon (Burma) in 1872
• Notable punishment : 49 Kukas blown from cannons

Why this matters beyond the MCQ:

• Kuka movement is considered one of the earliest organised anti-British resistance movements in Punjab.
• It combined religious reform with political resistance - a precursor to later nationalist movements.