History of Sikhism

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the late 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia, which is…

By Staff , in Religion , at October 17, 2024 Tags: religion

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Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the late 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia, which is now divided between India and Pakistan. It was established by Guru Nanak (1469–1539) and developed further by the nine subsequent Gurus. Sikhism emphasizes devotion to one God, equality of all people, social justice, and living a truthful, honest life.

Founding of Sikhism and Guru Nanak (1469–1539)
Sikhism was born during a period of religious and social unrest in the Indian subcontinent. At that time, Hinduism and Islam were the dominant religions, but there were tensions between the two, along with issues like caste discrimination, ritualism, and social inequality.

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469 in a village near Lahore (now in Pakistan). He was deeply spiritual from a young age and had a profound revelation around the age of 30 after disappearing for three days in a river. Upon his return, Guru Nanak declared that there is only one God (Waheguru) and that all human beings, regardless of religion or caste, are equal in God’s eyes. His teachings were revolutionary for the time.

Key Teachings of Guru Nanak
One God: Sikhism teaches belief in a single, formless God who is omnipresent and omnipotent. God is referred to as Waheguru, the wondrous Lord.
Equality: Guru Nanak rejected the caste system and promoted the idea of equality among all people, irrespective of religion, caste, gender, or social status.
Service (Seva) and Humility: Sikhs are encouraged to engage in selfless service to others and live a life of humility and kindness.
Honest Living: Sikhs are taught to live truthfully and honestly, earn their livelihood through honest means, and share with those in need.
Rejection of Ritualism: Sikhism rejects empty religious rituals, idol worship, and superstitions. It focuses on an internal connection with God through devotion, prayer, and meditation.
Guru Nanak’s teachings are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism.

The Ten Gurus of Sikhism
After Guru Nanak, nine other Gurus led the Sikh community and shaped its beliefs and practices. Each Guru contributed to the spiritual and social development of Sikhism.

Guru Angad (1504–1552)
Guru Nanak chose Guru Angad as his successor. He is credited with formalizing the Gurmukhi script, in which the Sikh holy scriptures are written. He helped standardize Sikh religious texts and spread Nanak’s teachings further.

Guru Amar Das (1479–1574)
Guru Amar Das promoted social reforms, including abolishing the practice of Sati (the burning of widows) and promoting gender equality. He established the institution of Langar, the communal free kitchen, where all people, regardless of caste or status, could sit together and eat.

Guru Ram Das (1534–1581)
Guru Ram Das is known for founding the city of Amritsar, which later became the spiritual center of Sikhism. He also contributed to the development of Sikh religious hymns.

Guru Arjan (1563–1606)
Guru Arjan was a pivotal figure in Sikh history. He compiled the Adi Granth, the first version of the Sikh holy scripture, which would later become the Guru Granth Sahib. He also oversaw the construction of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. Guru Arjan was martyred under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, marking the beginning of the Sikh community’s militarization in defense of their faith.

Guru Hargobind (1595–1644)
Following Guru Arjan’s martyrdom, Guru Hargobind introduced the concept of Miri and Piri, representing the temporal (worldly) and spiritual realms. He emphasized the importance of both spiritual wisdom and the defense of righteousness, leading Sikhs in the development of a martial tradition.

Guru Har Rai (1630–1661)
Guru Har Rai was known for his compassionate nature and care for the sick. He also maintained the Sikh community’s defensive military tradition but preferred peaceful relations with the Mughal rulers.

Guru Har Krishan (1656–1664)
At the age of just five, Guru Har Krishan became the youngest Guru. He is remembered for his humility and service, especially during a smallpox epidemic in Delhi, where he cared for the afflicted before succumbing to the illness himself.

Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675)
Guru Tegh Bahadur is remembered for standing up against the forced religious conversions of Hindus to Islam under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. He was martyred in 1675 for defending religious freedom, further solidifying the Sikh community’s commitment to standing up against oppression.

Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708)
Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th and last human Guru, is one of the most significant figures in Sikh history. He founded the Khalsa in 1699, a collective body of initiated Sikhs bound by a code of conduct. The Khalsa is committed to upholding righteousness, protecting the oppressed, and defending the faith.

Key contributions of Guru Gobind Singh include:
Creation of the Khalsa: He established the Khalsa on Vaisakhi, marking a turning point where Sikhs became not just a religious community but a militarized one, with a clear identity marked by the Five K’s: Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (comb), Kachera (cotton undergarment), and Kirpan (sword).
Finalizing the Guru Granth Sahib: Guru Gobind Singh declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs after his death, ending the line of human Gurus.

Guru Granth Sahib – The Eternal Guru
The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism and is considered the eternal Guru. It contains the teachings of the Sikh Gurus as well as saints from different religious backgrounds, reflecting the inclusive nature of Sikhism. The scripture is written in Gurmukhi and composed of hymns, poems, and prayers, which focus on devotion to God, moral living, and the rejection of superstitions and empty rituals.

The Khalsa and Sikh Identity
With the formation of the Khalsa under Guru Gobind Singh, Sikhs were given a distinct identity and a martial tradition. Sikhs were expected to live as saint-soldiers, combining spiritual devotion with the willingness to fight for justice. The Khalsa has been central to Sikh identity and continues to play an important role in the community.

Sikhism Under British Rule
In the 18th century, after the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Sikh Empire rose under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780–1839), who established a strong Sikh state in Punjab. However, after the British defeated the Sikh Empire in the Anglo-Sikh Wars, Punjab was annexed by the British in 1849.

Under British colonial rule, Sikhism faced challenges, but the community retained its identity and martial tradition. Many Sikhs served in the British Indian Army, and they played significant roles in various resistance movements, including India’s struggle for independence.

Sikhism Today
Today, Sikhism is the fifth-largest religion in the world, with over 25 million followers, primarily concentrated in Punjab, India. The Sikh diaspora is also substantial, with large communities in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The Golden Temple in Amritsar remains the holiest site for Sikhs, and the practices of Seva (selfless service) and Langar (community kitchen) continue to be integral to Sikh communal life.