History of Sikhism

The History of Sikhism

Origins of Sikhism

Sikhism was founded in the late 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia by **Guru Nanak Dev Ji**, the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Guru Nanak’s teachings emphasized the oneness of God, equality of all people regardless of caste, creed, or gender, and the importance of selfless service (seva). Sikhism grew in response to the prevailing social and religious conditions of the time, offering an inclusive and egalitarian faith.

Guru Nanak’s message was furthered by nine subsequent Gurus, culminating in the establishment of the **Guru Granth Sahib**, the eternal Guru, and the Sikh code of conduct, **Rehat Maryada**.

"There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim. We are all children of the same God." - Guru Nanak

Timeline of Sikhism

1469 CE - Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in the village of Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan). His teachings laid the foundation for the Sikh faith.

1539 CE - Guru Angad Dev Ji Succeeds Guru Nanak

After Guru Nanak’s passing, Guru Angad Dev Ji became the second Sikh Guru. He is known for standardizing the **Gurmukhi script**, which is used to write the Guru Granth Sahib.

1604 CE - Compilation of the Adi Granth

Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru, compiled the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, which later became the Guru Granth Sahib. He also oversaw the construction of the **Golden Temple** in Amritsar.

1699 CE - Establishment of the Khalsa

Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and final Sikh Guru, established the **Khalsa**, a collective body of initiated Sikhs dedicated to defending justice and righteousness.

1708 CE - Guru Granth Sahib Declared Eternal Guru

Before his death, Guru Gobind Singh Ji declared the **Guru Granth Sahib** as the eternal Guru, the final and unchanging scripture of Sikhism.

1849 CE - Sikh Empire Falls to the British

After decades of flourishing under Maharaja **Ranjit Singh**, the Sikh Empire fell to the British in 1849 following two Anglo-Sikh wars. Punjab was annexed into the British Empire.

Modern Day - Sikhism in the World Today

Today, Sikhism is the fifth-largest religion in the world, with over **25 million followers**. Sikh communities thrive worldwide, particularly in India, the UK, Canada, and the US. Sikhs continue to contribute to global society through service, advocacy for justice, and the promotion of equality.