As the sun sets, it casts a warm glow over the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This place is the spiritual heart of Sikhism¹. It fills me with reverence and a deep connection to Sikhism’s history and teachings¹.

Sikhism was born in the Punjab region over 500 years ago. It’s a story of resilience, spirituality, and unity². It’s a tale of standing strong for what’s right and for all people being equal².

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is at the heart of this story. He was born in 1469 in Talvandi, now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan³. His teachings focused on devotion, justice, and rejecting caste-based discrimination³.

His message of unity and compassion reached millions. Sikhism spread quickly, with most Sikhs living in Punjab, India¹.

Over time, Sikhism grew, guided by ten enlightened Gurus³. The tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, made the Khalsa, a community of Sikh warriors¹. They were dedicated to protecting their faith and fighting for justice and equality¹.

Today, Sikhism has its own scripture, code of discipline, and places of worship¹. It also has festivals and life cycle rites, adding to its rich heritage¹.

• Sikhism was founded over 500 years ago by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
• The Sikh religion has 10 Gurus who were followed in the early stages of its development.
• Guru Nanak’s teachings emphasized the oneness of humanity and social justice.
• Guru Gobind Singh formalized the Sikh religion and created the Khalsa, a community of baptized Sikh warriors.
• Sikhs celebrate Guru Nanak’s birthday on the day of the full moon in November.

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion from the Punjab region of India. The word “Sikh” means “disciple” or “learner” in Punjabi⁴. Sikhs believe their tradition is separate from Hinduism, though some scholars think it started within Hinduism⁴. The core beliefs include the oneness of God, no idol worship, and a focus on social justice and equality.

Guru Nanak founded Sikhism in 1469-1539⁵. He was born in Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib, near Lahore⁵. Guru Nanak had a questioning mind and refused the sacred thread, choosing God’s name as his protection⁵.

He left home early and traveled extensively, preaching God’s message⁵. Guru Nanak spent his last years in Kartarpur, working in fields and earning his living⁵. He appointed Bhai Lehna as the next Guru before dying at 70 in 1539⁶.

The Sikh tradition began in the late 15th century in Punjab by Guru Nanak⁴. Sikhs follow Gurmat, the Way of the Guru⁴. Sikhism has 10 human Gurus, with Guru Gobind Singh being the 10th. His spirit is believed to be in Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture⁴.

At first, Sikhism was seen as separate from Hinduism, but some scholars think it started within Hinduism⁴. The Sant tradition, influenced by Kabir, shaped early Sikhism, showing Sikhs are distinct from Hindus⁴. Sants believed devotion to God is key for liberation, but differed on God’s form⁴.

“Sikhism emerged during the early Medieval period and was shaped by the Bhakti movement and the religious conflicts with Muslim rulers during Mughal rule in North India.”⁵

Sikhism was led by ten Gurus, starting with Guru Nanak and ending with Guru Gobind Singh⁷⁸⁹. Each Guru was key in growing the Sikh faith. They built on the teachings of the previous Guru.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji traveled far, spreading messages of equality and truth⁷. Guru Angad Dev Ji introduced the Gurmukhi script, which helped shape Punjabi language⁷. Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji fought against caste rules and strengthened Guru Ka Langar tradition⁷.

Guru Ram Das Sahib Ji founded Amritsar and started the Golden Temple’s construction⁷. Guru Arjan Dev Ji put together the Adi Granth and finished the Golden Temple⁷.

Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji introduced Miri-Piri, combining spiritual and temporal power⁷. Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji kept Sikh warriors but stayed away from war⁷. Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji, just five years old, amazed Brahmin pundits with his wisdom⁷.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji founded Anandpur and fought for Hindu Kashmiri Pandits against Aurangazeb⁸.

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji led from 1675 to 1708 and created the Khalsa in 1699⁸. He baptized five Sikhs from different backgrounds to form the Khalsa. These five, the Panj Pyare, baptized Guru Gobind Singh into the Khalsa, marking the Khalsa’s start⁷.

After Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Guru Granth Sahib was named the eternal Guru⁷. The Guru Granth Sahib is the highest spiritual authority in Sikhism, containing the words of the Sikh Gurus⁸.

“The Sikh religion began in 1469 with Guru Nanak⁹. There were 10 human Gurus until the Guruship was given to the Guru Granth Sahib in 1708⁹.”

The Guru Granth Sahib is the main scripture and eternal living Guru of Sikhism¹⁰. It holds the writings of the ten Sikh Gurus and other respected saints and scholars¹⁰. This sacred text teaches the unity of God, rejects idol worship, and stresses social justice and equality¹⁰.

Sikhism’s core beliefs include monotheism and panentheism, focusing on the unity of all people, selfless service, justice, and honesty¹⁰. It started in times of religious persecution, drawing followers from Hinduism and Islam¹⁰. The Mul Mantar begins with Ik Onkar, showing the one supreme reality¹⁰.

Key Sikh principles include meditation, selfless service, and rejecting ego and material attachments¹⁰. The Khalsa was founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 to protect freedom of conscience and religion¹⁰. Sikhism is a monotheistic and panentheistic religion, believing in one God who is all-encompassing and present in everything¹⁰.

“Sikhism emphasizes the oneness of God and the rejection of idol worship, promoting social justice and equality.”

After the tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, passed away, the Sikhs saw their scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib, as their eternal Guru¹¹. Guru Arjun Dev compiled the Guru Granth Sahib in 1604 AD¹¹. Guru Gobind Singh made it the Guru of the Sikhs, ending the line of living Gurus¹¹. Sikhism rejects idol worship and worships only the Guru Granth Sahib as the Sacred Scripture¹¹.

The Guru Granth Sahib also highlights the Sikh values of Nam Simran (meditation on the divine name), Kirat Karo (honest work), and Vand Chhako (sharing with others)¹⁰.

During the Mughal rule, Sikhism faced many challenges and conflicts. The Sikh community went through both peaceful times and severe persecution by Mughal emperors¹². Under Akbar (1555-1605), the Sikh Gurus were respected, and Guru Ram Das got land to start Amritsar¹².

But, Guru Arjan’s martyrdom in 1606 by Emperor Jahangir changed everything. It led to the Sikhs becoming more militarized¹²¹³.

Later, Gurus like Hargobind and Gobind Singh helped the Sikhs defend their faith against Mughal oppression¹². Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa, a group ready to sacrifice for their religion¹³. The Sikh-Mughal Wars that followed weakened Mughal power in Punjab¹³.

In the 1720s-1760s, Sikhs faced harsh persecution but grew stronger. They used guerrilla tactics to resist¹³. The Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1799 brought a new era of religious tolerance and diversity¹³¹⁴.

But, the Sikh Empire’s decline started with the First Anglo-Sikh War in 1845-1846. Punjab was then annexed by the British after the Second Anglo-Sikh War in 1848-1849¹³¹⁴. Despite these setbacks, the Sikh community has kept growing. The Singh Sabha movement in the late 19th century was key in keeping Sikh identity alive¹⁴.

Sikhism started in the Punjab region of India around 1500 CE¹⁵. At that time, Hinduism and Islam were the main religions. Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru, taught a new faith that would grow over the next centuries.

Under nine Gurus, Sikhism flourished. By the time of Guru Arjan, the fifth Guru, Amritsar became the Sikh capital¹⁵.

During the Mughal rule, Sikhism faced conflicts with the Mughal authorities. They targeted and killed Sikh Gurus and their families for not following their orders. This led to the Sikhs becoming a militarized community.

Gurus like Hargobind and Gobind Singh worked to protect the Sikhs. Despite these challenges, the Sikh Confederacy and the Sikh Empire were known for their religious tolerance. Christians, Muslims, and Hindus held important positions¹⁵.

Sikhism has a rich and complex history¹⁵. It has faced many challenges but has always kept its core values. These values include equality, justice, and community service¹⁶.

The Sikh Empire started in 1799 with Maharaja Ranjit Singh at the helm¹⁷. Born on November 13, 1780, in either Budrukhan or Gujranwala, he became the maharaja of Punjab¹⁷. He ruled from 1801 until his death on June 27, 1839, at 58¹⁷. His kingdom stretched from the Khyber Pass to the Sutlej River, covering a vast area¹⁷.

Ranjit Singh was a devout Sikh who showed religious tolerance¹⁸. He fought his first battle at 10 and became the “Maharaja of Punjab” at 21¹⁸. His rule brought reforms, modernization, and prosperity to the Sikh Empire¹⁸.

The Sikh Empire’s military expanded under Ranjit Singh’s leadership¹⁷. He captured Lahore in July 1799 and became maharaja in 1801¹⁷. He also took Amritsar in 1802, and the Treaty of Amritsar in 1809 set the Sutlej River as his eastern boundary¹⁷.

The Sikh Empire lasted from 1799 to 1849, divided into four provinces¹⁹. It had 4.5 million people in 1831, with Sikhism as the main religion¹⁹. The empire was 520,000 km2 (200,000 sq mi) in 1839 before being annexed by the British in 1849¹⁹.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh revived Sikh culture and arts, including gurdwaras¹⁸. He had up to thirty wives, who played key roles in his military and state affairs¹⁸. His army and government included Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, and Europeans, showing his commitment to tolerance¹⁸.

“Ranjit Singh’s domain extended from the Khyber Pass in the northwest to the Sutlej River in the east, covering a vast area.”¹⁷

The Sikh Empire, under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, saw a remarkable period of Sikh dominance and military achievements¹⁷¹⁸¹⁹.

The relationship between Sikhs and the British Raj in India was complex. It had both good and bad moments. After the Sikhs lost to the British in 1845-46, they started working with the British. Many Sikhs joined the British Army and did well²⁰.

But, things changed for the worse in 1919 with the Amritsar Massacre.

In April 1919, British troops under General E.H. Dyer fired on a peaceful protest in Amritsar. About 400 people died, and 1,000 were hurt²⁰. This event was a major turning point. It made many Indians want freedom even more and hurt Sikh-British relations²⁰.

In 1947, British India split into India and Pakistan²⁰. Sikhs felt they were treated unfairly and chose to stay with India. They wanted their own state but didn’t have enough people to make a difference²⁰.

This decision made Sikhs lose land and rights. They still wanted their own homeland.

In 1966, India divided Punjab into three parts. This included a new Punjab state with a Sikh majority to meet Sikh demands²⁰. But, this didn’t stop Sikh anger at what they saw as unfair treatment²⁰.

“The Amritsar Massacre is widely seen as a turning point, adding enormous strength to the growing movement for Indian independence and severely straining Sikh-British relations.”

The history of Sikhs and the British Raj shows the challenges of different cultures and religions. It also shows the ongoing fight for justice and self-determination²¹²².

The Sikh religion started in the 15th century with Guru Nanak. It has a rich history in the Indian subcontinent²³. Today, about twenty-three million Sikhs live worldwide, mostly in India²³.

This faith has deeply influenced the region²³. Sikhs have shaped history through their military efforts and the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh²³.

Despite facing hardships, the Sikh faith and community have survived²³. Sikhs continue to make a strong impact, both in India and globally²³. Their belief in social justice and equality sets them apart in South Asian spirituality²⁴.

With about 2% of India’s population being Sikh²⁴, they have a big influence, especially in Punjab²³.

The Sikh religion keeps growing, holding onto values like service and community²³. Their history, culture, and spirit show the lasting impact of Sikh religion, Sikh history, Sikh community, and Sikh influence worldwide.

1. Smarthistory – Origins and development of Sikh faith: The Gurus – https://smarthistory.org/origins-and-development-of-sikh-faith-the-gurus/
2. The Origin and Growth of Sikhism – https://www.sikhnet.com/news/origin-and-growth-sikhism
3. Sikhism – https://mlpp.pressbooks.pub/worldreligionsthespiritsearching/chapter/sihkism/
4. Sikhism | History, Doctrines, Practice, & Literature – https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sikhism
5. History of Sikhism – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Sikhism
6. Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People – https://www.sikhs.org/summary.htm
7. Ten Sikh Gurus – SikhiWiki, free Sikh encyclopedia. – https://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Ten_Sikh_Gurus
8. History of Ten Sikh Gurus | Current Affairs – https://www.shankariasparliament.com/current-affairs/history-of-ten-sikh-gurus
9. Sikh gurus – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikh_gurus
10. Sikhism – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism
11. The Sikh Religion: Introduction and Overview – https://www.sikhnet.com/news/sikh-religion-introduction-and-overview-0
12. The Development of the Sikh Community – https://pluralism.org/the-development-of-the-sikh-community
13. The Sikh-Mughal Wars – https://dvnetwork.org/page/the-sikh-mughal-wars
14. Sikhism – 18th & 19th Centuries – https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sikhism/The-18th-and-19th-centuries
15. BBC – Religions – Sikhism: Origins of Sikhism – https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/history/history_1.shtml
16. Who are Sikhs? What is Sikhism? – https://www.sikhnet.com/pages/who-are-sikhs-what-is-sikhism
17. Ranjit Singh | Maharaja, Biography, Family, & History – https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ranjit-Singh-Sikh-maharaja
18. Ranjit Singh – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranjit_Singh
19. Sikh Empire – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikh_Empire
20. Origin Of Sikhism – Sikh Religion – https://www.sikhreligion.net/origin/
21. Sikhs in India – Minority Rights Group – https://minorityrights.org/communities/sikhs/
22. Colonial Rule and the Sikhs: (1849–1919) – https://academic.oup.com/book/3615/chapter/144918917
23. Sikhism | Religious Studies Center – https://rsc.byu.edu/light-truth/sikhism
24. Sikhism – https://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialSciences/ppecorino/PHIL_of_RELIGION_TEXT/CHAPTER_2_RELIGIONS/Sikhism.htm