The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (2272 page)

s), which has modified traditional practices and was banned or boycotted by the
Akal Takht
in 1978. In response to Christian missionaries, the
Si
gh
Sabh
was formed. The British recognized with some gratitude Sikh assistance during the Mutiny, and reinforced their spiritual independence. Partly from this encouragement, the
Ak
li
movement emerged, which secured the return of
gurdw
r
s
to Sikh control and remains committed to Sikh autonomy in the Puñj
b (
Kh
list
n
).
The communal nature of the Sikh religion is greatly emphasized by its institutions, with
sev
(community service) being highly valued. Gur
N
nak had established the
dharms
l
as a place of assembly, in distinction from Hindu temples, not least by including the langar as a basis for communal meals. The
dharms
l