Baba Ram Singh sets the Namdhari code
On Vaisakhi in 1857 Baba Ram Singh set a rule of life for the Namdharis, who were also called Kukas. The movement called for a simple life and a boycott of British goods, schools and courts.
Baba Ram Singh left the Sikh army after the first Anglo-Sikh war, returned to Bhaini in Ludhiana district, and spread the teaching of Baba Balak Singh of Hazro. The name Kuka comes from the cries, or kuk, heard during their chanting.
Followers were told to worship one Formless Being, to give up meat, liquor and worship at tombs, and to end female infanticide and dowry. Women took part fully and caste distinctions were not recognised. Twenty-two appointed subas ran the districts, with a private postal service between them. Boycott of government schools, courts and imported cloth came with the code. The government watched closely and confined Baba Ram Singh to his village for some years from 1863.[EoS][EoS]