History at a Glance
Sikhism, one of the world’s youngest major religions, was founded in the 15th century in Punjab (modern-day India and Pakistan). It is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the nine Gurus who succeeded him. Sikh history reflects a rich tradition of spiritual awakening, community service, and valiant struggles for justice and equality
Founding and Early Teachings
Founder of Sikhism
Emphasized equality, monotheism, and the rejection of caste and ritualism
Spread the message of divine unity and selfless service during his extensive travels (Udasis)
Naam Japna
Meditating on God’s name.
Kirat Karni
Honest labor and work.
Vand Chakna
Sharing with others, especially the less fortunate.
Development Under the Ten Gurus
- Guru Angad Dev Ji (1504–1552)
- Introduced Gurmukhi script, laying the foundation for Sikh scriptures.
- Guru Amar Das Ji (1479–1574)
- Established the tradition of Langar (community kitchen).
- Advocated gender equality and rejected Sati and purdah systems.
- Guru Ram Das Ji (1534–1581)
- Founded the city of Amritsar, which became a central hub for Sikhism.
- Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606)
- Compiled the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
- Constructed the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib).
- Martyred for refusing to convert to Islam, exemplifying the Sikh stand for religious freedom.
- Guru Hargobind Ji (1595–1644)
- Introduced the concept of Miri-Piri (spiritual and temporal leadership).
- Armed the Sikh community for self-defense.
- Guru Har Rai Ji (1630–1661)
- Advocated for compassion and healing.
- Continued the peaceful propagation of Sikhism.
- Guru Har Krishan Ji (1656–1664)
- Became Guru at the age of five.
- Served humanity during a smallpox epidemic and sacrificed his life helping the sick.
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621–1675)
- Fought against the forced conversion of Hindus by the Mughals.
- Martyred for upholding religious freedom.
- Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708)
- Founded the Khalsa in 1699, instituting the five articles of faith (5 K’s).
- Declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.
Key Historical Events
Creation of the Khalsa (1699)
- Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa, a community of saint-soldiers dedicated to upholding justice and righteousness
Sikh-Mughal Conflicts
- Sikhs fought numerous battles against the Mughal Empire to resist oppression and protect religious freedom
Post-Guru Era (18th Century)
- Sikh leadership transitioned to the Misls (confederacies)
- Sikhs faced brutal persecution under Mughal rulers like Zakariya Khan but emerged stronger through unity and resilience
Rise of the Sikh Empire (1799–1849)
- Under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikhs established a powerful and prosperous empire in Punjab
- The empire was known for its secular policies and military prowess
British Colonization and Singh Sabha Movement (19th–20th Century)
- After the fall of the Sikh Empire, Punjab came under British rule
- The Singh Sabha movement revitalized Sikh identity, emphasizing education and religious reform
