Labana Sikh

Sikh Labana
Labana/Lubana/Lobana
Baba Makhan Shah Labana Renowned Labana
Location	North America, United Kingdom, Europe, Punjab, and other parts of South Asia
Language	Lobanki, Punjabi and its dialects
Religion	Sikhism

Labana Sikh is a sub-group of the Sikh ethnoreligious group from the Indian subcontinent. In past, Sikh Labanas engaged in traditional profession of transportation but now they are mostly agriculturists. The small population of Labanas resides in Punjab Region. Labana is also written as Lobana, Lubana, Lavana.

Most of Sikh Labanas were converted from Hindu Labanas. Traditionally, Labana is derived from Sanskrit words, where Luv from Lavana(लवण) which means Salt and Vana from Vanij(वणिज) means Trade.

According to Gurmat Parkash, published by SGPC, Lobana means the one who wear Iron Dress, i.e. Military Dress and people belong to this community served in Guru's army.Guru Nanak met many Lobana Traders during his journey and guided the path of truth. Over time, Labanas got influenced with Gurmat philosophy and became Sikhs. They also visit in different cities and preach Sikhism among other people. Slowly they started serving in Guru's armies and many attained martyrdom in different Battles. They continued to serve during Sikh Empire and adopted Sikh way of life in huge numbers during Sikh Rule and Singh Sabha Movement.

In an account of Bhai Bala Janamsakhi, during North Udasi, Nanak met a trader of Salt and guided him to be lowly. Following are some famous Labana people in Sikh History:

The Labanas (along with many other groups) saw the highest conversions into Sikhism during 1881–1891. In 1881, population of Labanas was 48489. 69% were Hindus, 25% were Sikhs and 3% were Muslims. In 1921, the population had grown to 56316 Lubanas. The Sikh Labana population rose to 77%, Hindu Labanas were reduced 15% of the population and Muslim Labanas increased to 7%. In this era, many HIndu Labanas were converted to Sikhs under Singh Sabha Lehar. In Punjab, Labanas started leaving merchant work and shifted to agricultural professions which turned them into a landholding community.