Sikh History
Journey through the rich historical development of Sikhism, from the life of Guru Nanak to the establishment of a global community with a unique spiritual and cultural identity.
Guru Nanak was born in 1469 in the village of Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan) to Hindu parents. From an early age, he showed signs of spiritual wisdom and questioning nature.
Birth and Family
Born to Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta, Guru Nanak was the eldest of two children. His sister, Bibi Nanaki, was his lifelong supporter and first disciple.
Early Education
He learned Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic, and showed great interest in spiritual matters rather than worldly pursuits.
Marriage and Family
Married Sulakhni at age 16, and they had two sons: Sri Chand and Lakhmi Das. However, his spiritual calling was stronger than family life.
Employment
Worked as an accountant for the local Muslim ruler, where he gained experience with different religious communities.
Guru Nanak (1469-1539)
Founder of Sikhism. Established the basic principles and practices. Composed Japji Sahib and other hymns. Appointed Guru Angad as his successor.
Guru Angad (1504-1552)
Developed the Gurmukhi script for writing Punjabi. Established langar tradition. Composed 62 hymns. Appointed Guru Amar Das as successor.
Guru Amar Das (1479-1574)
Established the Manji system for spreading Sikhism. Composed Anand Sahib. Promoted equality for women. Appointed Guru Ram Das as successor.
Guru Ram Das (1534-1581)
Founded Amritsar and began construction of Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). Composed Lavan (wedding hymns). Appointed Guru Arjan as successor.
Guru Arjan (1563-1606)
Compiled the Adi Granth (first version of Guru Granth Sahib). Completed Harmandir Sahib. Martyred by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Appointed Guru Hargobind as successor.
Guru Hargobind (1595-1644)
Introduced the concept of Miri-Piri (temporal and spiritual authority). Built Akal Takht. Established Sikh military tradition. Appointed Guru Har Rai as successor.
Guru Har Rai (1630-1661)
Maintained peace with Mughals while strengthening Sikh community. Established medical clinics. Appointed Guru Har Krishan as successor.
Guru Har Krishan (1656-1664)
Youngest Guru (8 years old). Provided spiritual guidance during smallpox epidemic. Died at age 8. Appointed Guru Tegh Bahadur as successor.
Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675)
Martyred defending religious freedom of Hindus. Composed many hymns. Established Anandpur Sahib. Appointed Guru Gobind Singh as successor.
Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708)
Founded the Khalsa (1699). Established the Five Ks. Compiled final version of Guru Granth Sahib. Declared Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru. Martyred in 1708.
Formation Period (1469-1708)
Foundation
Guru Nanak established the basic principles and practices of Sikhism, emphasizing monotheism, equality, and righteous living.
Institutional Development
Successive Gurus developed institutions like langar, Gurdwaras, and the compilation of sacred texts.
Khalsa Foundation
Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa in 1699, establishing a distinct Sikh identity and military tradition.
Sikh Empire (1799-1849)
Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Unified Sikh misls and established the Sikh Empire, ruling from 1799 to 1839. Known for religious tolerance and military prowess.
Territorial Expansion
Empire extended from the Khyber Pass to the Sutlej River, including present-day Punjab, Kashmir, and parts of Afghanistan.
Cultural Flourishing
Period of great cultural and artistic achievement, including the beautification of Harmandir Sahib with gold.
British Annexation
After the Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845-1849), the Sikh Empire was annexed by the British East India Company.
Modern Period
Colonial Period
Sikhs served in the British Indian Army and contributed significantly to India's independence movement.
Partition
The 1947 partition of India and Pakistan displaced millions of Sikhs, with many migrating to India and other countries.
Global Diaspora
Sikhs have established communities worldwide, particularly in the UK, Canada, USA, and Australia.
Contemporary Challenges
Sikhs continue to face challenges related to identity, discrimination, and maintaining their distinct religious and cultural heritage.
Guru Nanak
Successive Gurus
Khalsa Founded
Sikh Empire
British Rule
Modern Period
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