The Untold Story of Sikhs in Afghanistan - From Prosperity to Perseverance

Imagine the bustling streets of Kabul in the 1970s—a vibrant mosaic of cultures where turbaned Sikh merchants haggled over spices and silks in crowded bazaars, their gurdwaras echoing with the harmonious chants of kirtan. Back then, the Sikh and Hindu communities together numbered around 700,000 souls, thriving in a land that had been their home for centuries. wikipedia.org. euaa.europa.eu

Some estimates even place the Sikh population alone at between 200,000 and 500,000 during this peak era, representing a significant minority in Afghanistan’s diverse tapestry. Fast forward to today, September 2025, and that once-flourishing community has withered to a fragile whisper—fewer than 100 Sikhs remain in the country, scattered like autumn leaves in the wind, clinging to their faith amid uncertainty. How did this happen? Let me take you on a journey through time, weaving the stories of arrival, prosperity, peril, and exodus that define the Sikhs of Afghanistan.

The Seeds of Faith: Guru Nanak's Footsteps and the Early Arrivals

Our tale begins not with conquest or migration en masse, but with a single enlightened traveler: Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. In the early 16th century, during his fourth Udasi (spiritual journey) around 1517-1521, Guru Nanak traversed the rugged landscapes of what was then known as Khurasan, visiting places like Kabul, Jalalabad, and Ghazni. Thequint.com

He wasn’t “bringing” Sikhs in the sense of leading an army or caravan; rather, he sowed the seeds of a new faith among the local people, many of whom were Hindus or Buddhists at the time. Legend has it that in Kabul, he engaged in profound dialogues with Sufi saints and local scholars, spreading his message of unity, equality, and devotion to one God. Over time, these early converts—often from indigenous Afghan Hindu families, including Khatris who resisted conversion to Islam—formed the nucleus of the Sikh community. indianexpress.com. Sikhism in Afghanistan is as ancient as the religion itself, predating even the formal establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

The community grew steadily over the centuries, bolstered by waves of Punjabi Sikhs who arrived as traders along the ancient Silk Road routes. Mughal emperor Babur, who captured Kabul in 1504, even described the city as “Hindustan’s own market,” a hub for caravans from the Indian subcontinent. amitavghosh.com. But a significant influx came in 1947, during the partition of India and Pakistan. Sikhs from the Potohar region in newly formed Pakistan fled persecution and crossed into Afghanistan, swelling the ranks and infusing fresh energy into the community. These newcomers brought with them skills honed in commerce, turning Afghanistan’s cities into hubs of economic activity.

The Heartbeat of the Bazaar: Jobs and Daily Life

What did these Sikhs do for a living? Picture them as the heartbeat of Afghanistan’s marketplaces—astute merchants dealing in textiles, spices, herbal medicines, and dry fruits. Many ran successful shops in Kabul’s bustling bazaars, while others ventured into money lending, photography, and even computer services in later years. hinduamerican.org. They were known for their honesty and hard work, often serving as herbalists (hakims) who provided remedies drawn from ancient Ayurvedic traditions. In a land of warriors and nomads, the Sikhs carved out a niche as peaceful entrepreneurs, contributing to the economy without wielding swords. Their gurdwaras doubled as community centers, where langar (free meals) fed the hungry regardless of faith, embodying the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service).

Beacons of Hope: Famous Sikhs Who Shaped Afghan History

Among these resilient people emerged figures who left indelible marks on Afghan history. Take Anarkali Kaur Honaryar, the first non-Muslim woman elected to Afghanistan’s parliament in 2005, a fierce advocate for women’s rights and minority protections. Then there’s Narinder Singh Khalsa, a nominated Sikh member of parliament who represented his community during turbulent times. Gajinder Singh Safri and Jai Singh Fani also served as MPs, bridging cultural divides in a fractured nation. In the military realm, Sikhs like Engineer Avtar Singh Ahuja and Joginder Singh Premi donned uniforms in the Afghan army during the 1970s, proving their loyalty to their adopted homeland. And let’s not forget community leaders like Khajinder Singh Khurana, who tirelessly worked for Sikh welfare until his passing in 2020. These individuals weren’t just survivors; they were beacons of hope, illuminating the path for their kin. theworldsikhnews.com

Storms of Invasion: Life Under Soviet, US, and Taliban Rule

But the winds of change turned stormy with the Soviet invasion in 1979. As Russian tanks rolled into Kabul, igniting a decade-long war, the Sikhs found themselves caught in the crossfire. Bombs rained down, and the once-safe neighborhoods became battlegrounds. Many families packed their belongings and fled, seeking refuge from the chaos that claimed countless lives. britannica.com. The civil war that followed in the 1990s, pitting mujahideen factions against each other, brought further horrors—looting, kidnappings, and forced conversions. Sikhs, identifiable by their turbans and beards, became easy targets for extremists who viewed them as outsiders.

The rise of the Taliban in 1996 marked a dark chapter. Under their iron-fisted rule, Sikhs were forced to wear yellow badges or patches to identify themselves, echoing painful historical persecutions. Gurdwaras were desecrated, businesses seized, and families endured harassment. Yet, amid the oppression, stories of quiet defiance emerged—like Sikhs who continued to practice their faith in secret, reciting the Mool Mantar under their breath.

The U.S.-led invasion in 2001 toppled the Taliban, ushering in a fragile era of hope. International aid flowed, and some Sikhs returned, rebuilding their lives under the NATO-backed government. But peace was illusory; insurgent attacks persisted, and groups like ISIS targeted minorities. The 2020 suicide bombing at Gurdwara Har Rai Sahib in Kabul, which killed 25 worshippers, shattered any illusions of safety. cfr.org

When the Taliban reclaimed power in 2021, fear gripped the community anew. Promises of protection rang hollow as restrictions tightened, and attacks continued—even into 2022, with an armed assault on a Kabul gurdwara killing two. crisisgroup.org

The Bitter Exodus: Why Their Numbers Dwindled and Where They Went

Why did their numbers dwindle so drastically? The answer lies in a relentless barrage of factors: decades of war eroded economic stability, making it impossible to sustain businesses or families. wikipedia.org. Persecution—from forced Islamization to outright violence—drove waves of emigration. By the 1990s, over 15,000 families had fled during the civil war alone. Lack of opportunities for education and jobs compounded the crisis, while targeted attacks by extremists like the Taliban and ISIS sealed the fate of many. tolonews.com. The 2021 Taliban resurgence triggered the final exodus, leaving behind empty gurdwaras and faded memories. Today, with fewer than 100 remaining—mostly in Kabul and Jalalabad—the community teeters on the brink. state.gov

Where did they go? Most Afghan Sikhs sought sanctuary in neighboring India, particularly in Delhi and Punjab, where they could reconnect with their cultural roots and access gurdwaras like those in New Delhi’s Paharganj area. Others ventured farther—to the United Kingdom, Germany, and other parts of Europe, where diaspora communities offered support. Canada and the United States became havens for many, with cities like Toronto and New York hosting thriving Afghan Sikh enclaves. Australia also welcomed refugees, providing a fresh start away from the turmoil. aljazeera.com. In these new lands, they preserved their heritage, building gurdwaras and sharing stories of their Afghan past with younger generations.

As we reflect on this saga, the Sikhs of Afghanistan remind us of the fragility of home and the enduring spirit of faith. From Guru Nanak’s footsteps to the echoes of empty temples today, their story is one of profound loss but also unbreakable resilience. May the world remember them, and may Waheguru grant peace to those who remain and those who have journeyed afar. If you’re inspired by this tale, share it and support Sikh causes worldwide—because in the end, we’re all part of one global Sangat.

Gurdwaras in Afghanistan: A History of Presence and Peril

Afghanistan has a long and storied history of gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship), dating back centuries to the early days of Sikhism. These sites were once numerous and vibrant centers for the Sikh community, which thrived as merchants and traders along ancient routes like the Silk Road. Below, I’ll outline the historical and current status based on reliable sources.

Historical Gurdwaras: A Legacy Tied to Sikh Origins

Afghanistan’s gurdwaras trace their roots to the 16th century, when Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is believed to have traveled through the region during his Udasis (spiritual journeys) around 1517–1521. He visited cities like Kabul, Jalalabad, and Ghazni, engaging in dialogues with local Sufi saints and scholars, which inspired early converts among Afghan Hindus and others. sikhiwiki.org. These visits led to the establishment of commemorative gurdwaras, marking the faith’s ancient presence in the land (then part of Khurasan). theprint.in, scribd.com

Key historical gurdwaras included

Gurdwara Karte Parwan (Dashmesh Pita Guru Gobind Singh), Kabul

The only fully surviving major gurdwara in the country, located in the Karte Parwan neighborhood. It dates to the 20th century but serves as a symbol of resilience. Despite Taliban protection, it was stormed by ISIS-K gunmen in March 2020 (25 killed) and bombed in June 2022 (2 killed, including a Sikh worshipper). bbc.com.

As of late 2023, it opens daily for limited hours (1 hour morning, 30 minutes evening) with Sri Guru Granth Sahib Prakash (installation). A watchman verifies visitors, and it’s one of about 9 gurdwaras in Kabul (mostly ruins or minimally maintained). timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Two large ones survived into the 2000s, including the historic Chashma Sahib. Post-2018 ISIS bombing (10 Sikhs killed nearby), only remnants remain; used sporadically by the few dozen families there.

In 2023, about 50 Sikhs/Hindus remained, guarding 9 gurdwaras and 2 temples in Kabul alone, but daily services are curtailed, and public celebrations are banned. The UN and human rights groups note ongoing risks, with many fleeing to India, Canada, or the UK. Preservation efforts are minimal, and these sites risk fading entirely without international support. Afghanistan’s gurdwaras embody the Sikh community’s enduring faith amid tragedy. For more, resources like SikhiWiki or World Gurudwaras document their legacy. hrw.org

A Global Effort: Preserving Afghan Sikh Heritage

In 2021, India airlifted 600 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus to safety, a lifeline amid Taliban rule. The UN and human rights groups monitor minority conditions, while the Sikh diaspora funds Gurdwara Karte Parwan’s upkeep despite 2020 and 2022 ISIS-K attacks. Efforts to restore symbols like Tahkta Pul’s Nishan Sahib (2021) show resilience, though Taliban bans on public worship hinder progress. In Canada and India, preserved manuscripts and oral histories keep the legacy alive, hinting at a future where Afghan Sikh heritage might endure beyond its homeland.

Afghan Sikh Refugee Tales

The plight of Afghan Sikhs has birthed stories of courage and loss. Here are two that echo their journey.

In 1996, Harpreet Kaur fled Kabul after her husband died in a Jalalabad blast targeting Sikh leaders. With her children and a Muslim girl she raised as her own, she trekked to Delhi, leaving behind her home. “I carried the Guru Granth Sahib, not my possessions,” she recalls, now struggling in Tilak Vihar, her heart still in Afghanistan.

In 2021, Baldeep Singh, 24, escaped Kabul as the Taliban advanced. Separated from his family during the chaos, he reached Delhi, selling mobile covers to survive. “The Talibs took our gurdwara, but not our faith,” he says, hoping his parents, smuggled to Pakistan, will join him soon.

These tales of sacrifice and hope resonate deeply, reflecting the Sikh spirit amid adversity.

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