Evolution of the Sikh Community and the Khalsa Panth | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Sikhism

Guru Nanak (1469 -1539)

• Guru(leader),
• Shabad(ideology), and
• Sangat(community).
• Nanak critically examined the existing religious beliefs of his time and sought to establish a genuine path to salvation. He rejected:
  • Idol worship,
  • Pilgrimages,
  • Rituals,
  • Caste system.
• He believed in the unity of God and emphasized the importance of having a true Guru for spiritual guidance.
• His principles of conduct and worship included sach(truth), halal(lawful earning), khair(wishing well for others), niyat(right intention), and service of the lord.
• Nanak advocated for universal brotherhood, the equality of men and women, and the emancipation of women, condemning practices like sati pratha.
• He did not promote celibacy or vegetarianism, focusing instead on justice, righteousness, and liberty.
• His verses often revolve around the concepts of sach(truth) and nam(name), with sabad(word), guru(divine precept), and hukam(divine order) being fundamental to divine self-expression.
• Nanak emphasized the importance of kirtan and satsang, introduced the practice of langar(community lunch), and was significantly influenced by sufi thought.
• Despite this influence, he criticized certain sufi practices, advocating for a life of sincerity and devotion to one God.
• Nanak's teachings aimed at unifying Hindus and Muslims, synthesizing key concepts from both religions.

Guru Angad (2nd Sikh Guru, 1539- 52)

• He faced conflict with the Udasis, a sect founded by Nanak's son Sri Chand, which led him to shift from Karlarpur to Khadar.
• During this time, he founded the city of Goindwal.
• Lehana beautified and perfected the Lande Mahajani script, an old script used in Punjab, which eventually evolved into the Gurumukhi script.
• He collected Nanak’s hymns in the Gurumukhi script and composed the Janam Sakhi, a biography of Nanak.
• Lehana also promoted Langar, the practice of communal eating, which is a significant aspect of Sikhism.

Guru Amar Das (Third Guru,1552-1574)

• Composed Anand and Anand Sahib hymns.
• Introduced the Manji System for spiritual leadership and spreading the Guru's message.
• Regularized the practice of Pahle Panghat Pichhe Sangat for inter-dining congregations.
• Initiated the practice of organizing biannual assemblies to promote fraternity among followers.
• Made the position of Guruship hereditary.
• Welcomed by Akbar, who granted him villages.
• Issued proclamations against social evils like Sati, Pardah, and body torture.

Guru Ram Das(Fourth Guru, 1574 – 81)

Jetha:

• Constructed the sacred tank in Amritsar (on the site granted by Akbar in 1577).
• Built the Santokhsar tank.
• Founded Chak Guru or Ramdaspura, which later became known as Amritsar (on land granted by Akbar).
• Initiated the Masand System, which was further developed by the fifth Guru.

A Masand was a representative and tithe collector in Sikhism. He was an officially appointed missionary minister representing the Sikh Guru, who baptized conversions to Sikhism and collected dasvandh (“the tenth” of income) as an offering to the Sikh community and religious establishment.

Guru Arjun Dev (fifth Guru, 1581-1606) 

• Thinker, Poet, Philosopher, Statesman, and Organizer
• Masand System 1/10 of income of Sikhs, settle disputes, and maintain regular administration.
• Constructed Harmandir (Golden Temple) in Amritsar
• Founded Taran Taran
• Adopted aristocratic style and kept high-quality horses from Central Asia
• Wrote Sukhmani (Psalm of Peace)
• Compiled Adi Granth in 1604
• Executed by Jehangir for supporting Khusrau

Facts about Adi Granth:

• Written in verse
• In Punjabi language
• In Gurumukhi script
• Contains hymns of all five gurus with the maximum hymns from Arjun Dev
• Original version known as Kartarpur Bir
• Includes sayings of 16 Bhaktas, both Hindu and Muslim, such as Farid, Kabir, Namdev, Dhanna, Surdas, Pipa, Ramanand, Raidas, Sadhana, etc.
• Contains songs of minstrels like Mardana, Satta, Balwand
• Govind Singh added 115 hymns of Teghbahadur and one of his at Talwandi Sabo(now Damdama Sahib).
• This final version is known as Granth Sahib or Guru Granth.

Guru Hargovind (sixth Guru, 1606-1644): 

• Built Akal Takht in 1609 in front of Harmandir-became the supreme decision-making center of Sikhism.
• Constructed Lohgarh Fort at Amritsar.
• Constructed tank Kaulsar at Amritsar.
• Founded Sri Hargovindpur at Amritsar.
• Imprisoned by Jehangir but later developed close relations with him.
• Fought three wars during the reign of Shahjehan.
• Adopted the title Sachcha Padshah.

Guru Har Rai (Seventh Guru, 1644-61)

• He is known for keeping the large army of Sikh soldiers that the sixth Sikh Guru had gathered, but he avoided military conflict.
• He supported the moderate, Sufi-influenced Dara Shikoh in the struggle for the Mughal Empire throne, rather than the conservative, Sunni-influenced Aurangzeb.

Guru Harkishan (Eighth Guru, 1661-64)

• He was the youngest Guru in Sikhism, becoming Guru at the age of 5.
• He was once summoned by Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor.
• Unfortunately, he died of smallpox before reaching his 8th birthday.

Guru Teghbahadur (Ninth Guru, 1664 – 75) 

• Guru Tegh Bahadur established his centre in Makhowal (Anandpur).
• He was executed by Aurangzeb in Delhi.
• In Delhi, Gurudwara Sisganj was built at the site of his martyrdom.

Guru Govind Singh(Tenth & last Guru,1675-1708) 

• Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, born in 1666 in Patna, Bihar.
• He was the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, and was appointed the Guru at the young age of nine after his father's martyrdom.

Chandi ki Var:

• Written in Punjabi by Guru Gobind Singh.

Bichitra Natak:

• An autobiography by Guru Gobind Singh.

Akal Ustat:

• Composed in Brajabhasa or Hindi, praising the eternal God.

Rudra Awatar:

• A work by Guru Gobind Singh.

Brahma Awatar:

• Another composition by Guru Gobind Singh.

Krishna Awatar:

• A work depicting the life of Lord Krishna.

Chaubis Awatar:

• Detailing the twenty-four incarnations of God.

Ram Awatar:

• Focusing on the life of Lord Rama.

Jap / Japji Sahib:

• A significant Sikh prayer.

Pakhyan Charitra:

• Another composition by Guru Gobind Singh.

Sri Mukhilak Swayyas:

• Written in Brajabhasa or Hindi.

Hikayat:

• Written in Persian, a narrative work.

Zafarnama:

• Also in Persian, a letter of victory containing 111 couplets.
• Written as a reply to Aurangzeb, criticizing his policies.

Dasam Granth:

• Written mostly in Brajbhasa and compiled in the 18th century.
• A collection of various works by Guru Gobind Singh, written in Gurumukhi Script.
• Compiled by Bhai Mani Singh, the Granthi of Harmandir.

Fort Construction:

• Guru Gobind Singh built four forts on the foothills of Anandpur-Kiratpur between 1688 and 1690:
• Fort of Anandgarh
• Fort of Keshgarh
• Fort of Lohgarh
• Fort of Fatehgarh

Battles Against Mughals:

• Fought several battles against the Mughals:
• Battle of Bhangani (1688)
• Battle of Nadaon (1690)

Foundation of Khalsa:

• After the foundation of Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh fought several battles:
• 5 battles at Anandpur
• 2 battles at Chamkaur
• 1 battle at Nirmoh
• 1 battle at Basali
• 1 battle at Muktsar

Formation of Khalsa:

• In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh called a congregation at Anandpur and founded the Khalsa, an organization of Sikh people.
• He selected the Panj Pyare, the five beloved ones, and introduced the Khandel Ka Pahul, a type of baptism.
• Introduced the Amrit Sancar, a ceremony of taking Amrit.
• He also introduced the title Singh and the Five Ks:
• Kesh(Hair)
• Kanga(Comb)
• Kirpan(Sword)
• Kara(Bangle)
• Kachha(Under Garment)

Prohibitions and Reforms:

• Guru Gobind Singh put prohibitions on liquor and tobacco.
• He rejected caste distinctions, promoted fraternity, and followed the Nirguna concept of God.
• Abolished the Masand System and declared that no individual would be a guru.
• Separation of personal and spiritual aspects of guruship, with the personal aspect represented by the Khalsa or Panth and the spiritual aspect by the Holy Granth.

Other informations

• Guru Gobind Singh was on his way to meet Aurangzeb when the Mughal Emperor passed away.

Relationship with Bahadur Shah:

• Guru Gobind Singh had friendly relations with Bahadur Shah.
• He met Bahadur Shah in Agra.

Military Engagement in the Deccan:

• Guru Gobind Singh accompanied the Imperial Army to the Deccan to confront Kam Baksh.
• However, upon reaching Nanded, he separated from the army and decided to settle there.

Encounter with Lachhman Das:

• When Guru Gobind Singh met Lachhman Das, he gave him the name Banda.
• Banda was tasked with the mission of spreading Sikhism and engaging in a war of righteousness, known as Dharma Yudh.

Murder in 1708:

• Banda was murdered in the year 1708.
• He popularized the slogan: "Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa, Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fatah."

Facts about Banda:

• Original Name: Lachhaman Das, also known as Madho Das.
• Banda was a Rajput farmer who renounced his home, earning the title Bairagi.
• He coined the slogan: "Raj Karega Khalsa."
• Banda assumed the position of King by issuing a seal.
• He fought against the Mughals during the reigns of Bahadur Shah, Jehandar Shah, and Farukhsiyar.
• Banda captured and plundered Sirhind.
• He built forts and was eventually captured and killed in 1716 during the reign of Farukhsiyar.

Other Facts about Sikhism:

• The Gurus predominantly belonged to the Khatri mercantile caste, while their followers were mainly rural Jats.
• Other groups within the Sikh panth included Ramgarhia Sikhs from artisan castes and converts to Sikhism from scheduled castes.
• While caste consciousness existed within the Sikh panth, it was not a dominant factor.

Founding of Khalsa

• In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh, the last Sikh Guru, founded the Khalsa, a sect that transformed the Sikh community with a strong moral and military character.
• The Guru called an assembly at Anandpur, where he sought volunteers willing to sacrifice their lives for Dharma.
• When Daya Ram offered himself, the Guru took him into a tent and emerged with a bloodied sword, creating the illusion of a sacrifice. This process was repeated for three more volunteers: Himat Rai, Mohan Chand, and Sahib Chand.
• When the curtains were drawn, all five men were alive; the Guru had actually sacrificed goats.
• The five were named the Panj Piyaras(the five beloved ones) and were baptized with Amrit (water of immortality).
• Guru Gobind Singh then asked to be initiated himself, merging with the Khalsa. From then on, followers were called Singh or Lion, and the Guru took the name Govind Singh.
• Members of the Khalsa were expected to keep the five Ks: Kesh (long hair), Kuchha (undergarment), Kara (iron bracelet), Kirpan (sword), and Kangha (comb).
• The Khalsa rejected the caste system, led a pious life, avoided tobacco and alcohol, and believed in one formless God. Members greeted each other with Wah Guru Ji Da Khalsa, Wah Guru Ji Di Fateh and were expected to protect their religion.
• The creation of the Khalsa was significant as it formed a society free from caste distinctions, allowing members of low castes to join on equal terms.
• It empowered previously oppressed groups to fight against the Mughals on equal footing with Brahmins and Kshatriyas.
• By giving the title Singh and the five Ks, Guru Gobind Singh established a new religion distinct from Hinduism.
• Most importantly, the Khalsa transformed Sikhs into a martial race capable of resisting Mughal rule.
• The Guru's vision was realized during the battles of Anandpur, Chamkaur, and Khidrana, where Sikhs displayed remarkable bravery against superior Mughal forces.
• Following the Khalsa's creation, various Misls emerged, leading to the rise of Ranjit Singh and the establishment of a strong Sikh Empire across Punjab.

Conflict of Sikhs with Mughals

• Guru Nanak is considered the founder of the Sikh movement, but its development is closely tied to the institution of Guruship. The first four gurus focused on meditation and scholarship.
• The fifth guru, Guru Arjun Das,compiled the Sikh scriptures known as the Adi-Granth or Granth Sahib. He also emphasized the guru's role as both a spiritual and worldly leader by adopting an aristocratic lifestyle, building grand structures in Amritsar, and collecting offerings from Sikhs to support the movement.
• Akbar, the Mughal emperor, was impressed by the Sikh gurus and reportedly visited them in Amritsar.
• During the reigns of Jahangir and Shah Jahan, conflicts arose between the Sikh gurus and the Mughal emperors. Guru Arjun was imprisoned and eventually died under Jahangir's orders, accused of aiding the rebel prince Khusrau.
• Guru Har Govind, Arjun's successor, faced imprisonment but later developed a good relationship with Jahangir. He clashed with Shah Jahan over various incidents, including a dispute over a hawk during a hunting trip and objections to Guru Har Govind's plans to build a new city.
• Despite these conflicts, which were deemed inconsequential by historian R.P. Tripathi, the Sikh gurus maintained a significant following and were not subjected to serious persecution.
• Guru Har Govind's lifestyle and the title of sachcha padshah(true sovereign) given to him by followers did not concern the Mughal rulers, as similar titles were given to wealthy Sufi saints.
• There was no significant confrontation between the Sikhs and the Mughal rulers during this period, and Shah Jahan's reign, despite some acts of intolerance, was not marked by systematic persecution of Hindus.

During Aurangzeb

• Aurangzeb, aware of the growing influence of the Sikhs, attempted to engage Ram Rai, the elder son of Guru Har Rai, at his court. However, Guru Har Rai disapproved of Ram Rai and appointed his younger son, Har Kishan, as his successor.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur: After Har Kishan's early death, Guru Tegh Bahadur became the Sikh leader in 1664. Ram Rai contested his claim to the gaddi both before and after Har Kishan's death. Aurangzeb did not intervene and even granted Ram Rai land in Dehra Dun to establish his gurudwara.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur's Travels: To escape Ram Rai's intrigues, Guru Tegh Bahadur traveled to Bihar and served with Raja Ram Singh of Amber in Assam until 1671.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur's Execution: In 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur was brought to Delhi from his headquarters along with five followers. He faced various accusations and was asked to recant his faith, which he refused. As a result, he was beheaded.
• Reasons for Execution: Several reasons have been suggested for Aurangzeb's action. According to a poetic work by Guru Gobind Singh, the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the guru sacrificed his life in defense of Hindu faith after meeting some Brahmins from Kashmir. However, details of this meeting are unclear.
• Another tradition suggests that the guru protested against the oppression of the Governor of Kashmir, Sher Afgan, and the forced conversion of Hindus. However, the Mughal Governor of Kashmir until 1671 was Saif Khan, who was known for his liberal policies.
• Ram Rai's Influence: There is a belief that Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed because Ram Rai and other rivals suggested to Aurangzeb that the guru should demonstrate a miracle to prove his divine powers. However, this seems unlikely as Aurangzeb was away from Delhi during that time.
• Persian Sources: Later Persian sources defended Aurangzeb's action by claiming that Guru Tegh Bahadur extorted money from villagers and posed a threat to law and order. However, these accounts are disputed.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur's Role: Contrary to the allegations, Guru Tegh Bahadur was seen as a champion against injustice and oppression, helping peasants in conflict with local authorities.
• Aurangzeb's Actions: Aurangzeb's actions, including his emphasis on sharia and destruction of temples, heightened religious tensions. His conflict with a distinguished religious leader like Guru Tegh Bahadur had broader repercussions.
• Impact on Sikhs: The execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur forced the Sikhs to retreat to the Punjab hills and led to the Sikh movement evolving into a military brotherhood, significantly influenced by Guru Gobind Singh.
• Formation of the Khalsa: Guru Gobind Singh, known for his organizational skills, founded the Khalsa in 1699. Before this, he established his headquarters at Makhowwal or Anandpur in the Punjab foothills.
• Conflict with Hill Rajas: Initially, local Hindu hill rajas sought to use the guru and his followers in their internal conflicts. However, as the guru gained power, conflicts arose between him and the hill rajas, with the guru often emerging victorious.
• Struggle with Mughal Forces: A significant breach between the guru and the hill rajas occurred in 1704 when the combined forces of several hill rajas attacked the guru at Anandpur. Aurangzeb, concerned about the guru's growing power, supported the hill rajas against him.
• Siege of Anandpur: The Mughal forces besieged Anandpur, but the Sikhs resisted bravely. Eventually, when starvation set in, the guru was forced to open the gates, allegedly on a promise of safe conduct.
• Tragic Losses: During the crossing of a swollen stream, the guru's forces were attacked, leading to the capture and execution of two of the guru's sons at Sirhind. The guru lost two more sons in subsequent battles.
• Retirement and Legacy: After these events, the guru retreated to Talwandi and faced little disturbance. It is uncertain whether the actions against the guru's sons were directly ordered by Aurangzeb. The emperor seemed more inclined to conciliate the guru.
• Invitation to Meet Aurangzeb: Aurangzeb invited Guru Gobind Singh to meet him when the guru informed him of the events. In late 1706, the guru set out for the Deccan, but Aurangzeb died before they could meet.
• Guru Gobind Singh's Legacy: Although Guru Gobind Singh could not withstand Mughal power or establish a separate Sikh state, he laid the groundwork for future Sikh endeavors. His efforts demonstrated how an egalitarian religious movement could evolve into a political and militaristic force, moving towards regional independence.