Difference between Punjabi and Sikh
People of the Punjab region on the Indian subcontinent are called the Punjabis. Some of the oldest civilizations of the world have flourished in this region including the famous Indus Valley civilization. In 1947, when the British left the India Punjab region it was divided into two parts, one within India and the other in Pakistan. Most of the Punjabis in India are found in states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh. The union territory of Chandigarh also has a majority of Punjabis. A person following Sikhism is called Sikh. The word Sikh is derived from a Sanskrit word “shishya” meaning “disciple”. Hence, a Sikh is a disciple of his Guru or Teacher.
History
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev. Guru Nanak was named after his elder sister Nanaki and was born in a Hindu family. He was an extraordinary student and grew up spreading his slogan of “Sat Kartar” meaning “He is the only truth”. Sikhism saw a total of ten gurus as the last guru – Guru Gobind Singh said that Holy book noted that Guru Granth Sahib is the Guru for the time to come. The word Punjab is derived from the combination of two words – Punj meaning five and aab meaning water. This is because of five rivers that flowed through Punjab region viz. Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Indus. People belonging to this region mostly spoke the Punjabi language and hence were called Punjabis as are their descendants today.
Religion
It is a common misconception that Punjabis and Sikhs are one and the same thing. Sikhism is a separate religion whereas Punjabis can be Sikhs, Hindus or Muslims. Among Hindus, Punjabis can belong to various castes such as Arora, Khatri, Bhatia, Brahmin, Lohar, Majhabi, Rajput and many more. A Sikh is a person who particularly follows Sikhism and follows the instructions as stated in Guru Granth Sahib. A baptized Sikh is obliged to wear five articles of faith – Five K’s viz. Kachcha (shorts), Kara (iron bracelet), Kripan (sword), Kanga (comb) and Kesh (uncut hair). These were basically the basic necessities of a soldier in the time of tenth Guru who stood against the atrocities of Muslim rulers.
Language
Most Sikhs and Punjabis speak the Punjabi language. There may be variations though, depending upon the region to which a particular speaker belongs. Punjabi in West Punjab (now in Pakistan) is largely influenced by Urdu and even has a Persian touch. Punjabi in India is generally mixed with Hindi. Modern Punjabi is sometimes used along with English. Hence to differentiate we can conclude that Punjabis may speak Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu or English whereas most Sikhs speak either Punjabi or English.
Similarities and Differences
Punjabi
- People belonging to Punjab region in Indian subcontinent are called the Punjabis.
- Most of the Punjabis are found in states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh.
- Word Punjab is derived from the combination of two words – Punj meaning five and aab meaning water.
- Punjabis can be Sikhs, Hindus or Muslims.
- Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu and English are major languages spoken by Punjabis.
Sikh
- Guru Nanak Dev was the founder of Sikhism.
- A baptized Sikh is obliged to wear five articles of faith – Five K’s.
- Most Sikhs either speak Punjabi or English.
- Sikhs follow holy Guru Granth Sahib.
