Origins
- Guru Nanak (15th Century): Founded Sikhism with the message of Ik Onkar (One God), equality, and compassion.
- Scripture: Guru Granth Sahib, first compiled by Guru Arjan.
Conflict with the State
As the movement grew, it faced persecution from Mughal rulers.
- Guru Arjan: Tortured to death by Jahangir.
- Guru Hargobind: Introduced martial training in response.
- Guru Tegh Bahadur (9th Guru):
- Stood up for the rights of Kashmiri Pandits facing forced conversion.
- Executed (beheaded) by Aurangzeb in 1675 at Chandni Chowk (site of Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib).
The Khalsa
- Guru Gobind Singh (10th Guru): Established the Khalsa in 1699.
- Nature: A martial brotherhood committed to justice and defense of the faith.
- Legacy: The Sikhs fought relentless battles against the Mughals. Later, Maharaja Ranjit Singh united the confederacies into a powerful Sikh Empire in the 19th century.
Tip
Values: Sikhism emphasizes Seva (service), truthfulness, and standing against tyranny.