4. Turban, Khalsa, and codes of conduct

The turban has become synonymous with Sikhism, despite the fact that many men who identify themselves as Sikh are short-haired, clean shaven, and turbanless. ‘Turban, Khalsa, and codes of conduct’ sets the turban and the sword—the ‘Sikh look’—in historical context. This image of Sikhs came from Guru Gobind Singh’s call for conspicuous loyalty among his followers, the Khalsa, in the turbulent 18th century. Guru Gobind Singh instructed his followers to adopt the ‘Five Ks’. What were the ‘Five Ks’ and how do they relate to Sikhism today? How do Sikhs view issues of warfare, behaviour, martyrdom, and diet? Debates on these issues have shaped modern Sikhism.