Why this matters now
Sikhism is tested for Guru Nanak’s teachings, the contributions of successive Gurus (the Adi Granth, the Golden Temple, the Khalsa), and the faith’s evolution from devotion to a militant community.
Guru Nanak and his teachings
Guru Nanak (1469–1539), the first Guru, taught devotion to one formless God (Ik Onkar), the equality of all, honest living (kirat karo), sharing (vand chhako) and remembrance of God (naam japo) — rejecting caste, idolatry and ritual. He founded the institutions of sangat (congregation) and langar (community kitchen). His thought was part of the wider Nirguna Bhakti stream.
The line of Gurus
Key milestones across the ten Gurus: Guru Angad developed the Gurmukhi script; Guru Amar Das strengthened langar; Guru Ram Das founded Amritsar; Guru Arjan compiled the Adi Granth and built the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) — and was martyred; Guru Hargobind introduced miri-piri (temporal + spiritual authority); Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred resisting Mughal persecution.
The Khalsa
The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa in 1699 — a casteless community of initiated Sikhs marked by the five Ks — and ended the line of human Gurus, vesting guruship in the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture) thereafter. Sikhism thus evolved into a distinct, organised religion and martial community.
UPSC angle
Know Guru Nanak’s teachings (Ik Onkar, langar/sangat), the key Gurus (Angad-Gurmukhi, Arjan-Adi Granth/Golden Temple, Hargobind-miri-piri, Tegh Bahadur), and Guru Gobind Singh (Khalsa 1699, Guru Granth Sahib).
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Sikhism?
Guru Nanak (1469–1539), the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
What did Guru Nanak teach?
Devotion to one formless God, the equality of all, honest living, sharing and remembrance of God — rejecting caste and ritual.
What is the Khalsa?
A casteless community of initiated Sikhs founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, identified by the five Ks.
What is the Guru Granth Sahib?
The Sikh holy scripture, declared the eternal Guru by Guru Gobind Singh after the line of human Gurus ended.