Sikhism101.com FAQ - Sikh History & Personalities
- What was the mission of Guru Nanak?
- What do you know of Guru Angad?
- What do you know of Guru Amardas?
- What do you know of Guru Ramdas?
- What do you know of Guru Arjan?
- What do you know of Guru Har Gobind?
- What do you know of Guru Har Rai?
- What do you know of Guru Harkrishan?
- What do you know of Guru Tegh Bahadur?
- What do you know of Guru Gobind Singh?
- What do you know of Banda Singh?
- What do you know of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
- What do you know of Bhai Vir Singh?
- What do you know of Sikh Paintings?
- Give a brief history of the Golden Temple?
- Give an account of the Singh Sabha Movement?
- What do you know of the Chief Khalsa Diwan?
- What do you know of the Gurdwara Reform Movement?
- What do you know of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee?
- What is the contribution of the Sikhs to the struggle for India's independence?
- What do you know of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, Chandigarh?
- What do you know of Guru Nanak Foundation, New Dehli?
- What do you know of Pingalwara, Amritsar?
- Give an account of the Sikh-residents abroad?
- What do you know of Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale?
- What do you know of Bhai Randheer Singh?
- How many marriages did Guru Gobind Singh Ji have?
- Did the Sikh Gurus go hunting? If so, what was the purpose?
- Who are 'Nihang Singhs'?
- What actually happened on Vaisakhi 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh Ji initiated Amrit at Keshghar Sahib?
- What do you know about the Panj Pyaare of Vaisakhi 1699?
- What do you know of Bhagat Dhanna Ji and the story of God revealing himself through a stone?
- What do you know of Nirmalas?
- What do you know of Udasis?
- What do you know of Bhai Bala and whether he actually existed?
- What do you know of Bhai Mardana?
- What are the historic foundations of a Sikh Identity as supposed to a pluralistc nature known as "Sanatan Sikhi"?
- Did Guru Gobind Singh Ji worship 'Kali Devi' on Hemkunt Parbat where Guru Ji meditated for long time, as claimed by the RSS?
- In Bachittar Natak, the Tenth Guru claims His family ancestry to Lav and Kush (sons of Rama). Does this mean Sikhs are Hindus?
- What was the mission of Guru Nanak?
Guru Nanak was born in Talwandi, a village in Panjab, in 1469 at a critical period of Indian history. Guru Nanak was born to reveal and propagate the Light of Truth in the world and to carry out the Divine Message of awakening the people with Divine Word (Gurbani).
- What do you know of Guru Angad?
Guru Angad (1504-52) previously known as Lehna was a worshipper of the goddess Jawala Mukhi. Once, while going to the shrine of this goddess, he came in contact with Guru Nanak. There was spontaneous conversion. He chose to serve the Guru. He became the Guru's best and obedient follower. After testing him along with others, Guru Nanak nominated him to the Gaddi in 1539.
- What do you know of Guru Amardas?
Guru Amardas (1479-1574) came to the succession by dint of his selfless services, at the age of 73. Guru Angad's son, Dattu, was enraged at this and kicked Guru Amardas. Guru Amardas did not take it ill but rather apologized to him, saying, "Pardon me; my hard bones must have hurt your foot." Thus reflecting the Guru's great humility and wisdom.
- What do you know of Guru Ramdas?
Guru Ramdas (1534-1581) was installed as Guru at the age of 40. He put missionary work on sound basis and sent massands to different parts of north India to propagate the message of Sikhism. He himself was fond of serving his disciples. Sometimes, he would distribute water or pull the fan for the Sangat.
- What do you know of Guru Arjan?
Guru Arjan (1563-1606) was in his teens when he was installed as Guru. He developed Amritsar as a centre of industry and culture for the Sikhs. He requested Mian Mir - a Sufi Muslim divine who believed and followed the Guru - to lay the foundation stone of the Har Mandar (Temple of God). The temple was built on a level lower than the surrounding land, in the middle of a beautiful lake. This is now known as the Golden Temple.
- What do you know of Guru Har Gobind?
Guru Har Gobind (1595-1644) acted as per the advice of his father to maintain an army. His father had been a victim of Mughal tyranny. The Mughal rulers wanted to break the power of the Sikhs. He organized a band of soldiers and trained them in warfare. Some historians call it the beginning of a military theocracy.
- What do you know of Guru Har Rai?
Guru Har Rai (1630-1661) was installed as Guru at the age of 14. He was the grandson of Guru Har Gobind though without his military genius. Guru Har Rai was a man of peace and love. He was fond of serving the Sangat. He urged his followers to meditate on the hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib and to lead a life of self-discipline.
- What do you know of Guru Harkrishan?
Guru Harkrishan(1656-1664) was called upon to assume the responsibilities of leadership of the Sikh community at the tender age of five. He is known as the "Child Guru" and is specially loved and cherished by children and students.
- What do you know of Guru Tegh Bahadur?
Guru Harkrishan had not specifically named the Ninth Guru to the Sikh Sangat. However, by the Guru saying the next Guru is "Baba Bakala", those close to the Guru knew that this meant the grandfather of the Guru who lived in Bakala. No less than 22 imposters who called themselves Guru set themselves up in the village of Bakala. Bhai Makhan Shah, a Lubana went to Bakala to discover the real Guru, there by personal testimony, he discovered Guru Tegh Bahadur and proclaimed him as the Ninth Guru in 1664.
- What do you know of Guru Gobind Singh?
Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) was installed as the Tenth Guru at the age of nine, soon after the martyrdom of his father. He knew that difficult times were ahead, particularly struggle against the Mughal imperialism. He, therefore, made preparations to meet the Mughal challenge, by training his disciples in the art of warfare.
Guru Gobind Singh has four-fold achievements in his credit:
(a) the crushing blow dealt to the Mughal power
(b) the creation of Khalsa Panth
(c) the production of creative and martial literature- What do you know of Banda Singh?
Banda Singh (1670-1716) was born at Rajouri in Jammu State. He was known as Lachman Dev in his childhood. Soon after a hunt, he turned ascetic: A Bairagi, and took the name of Madho Das. He settled down at Nanded. He became a devotee of the Guru in September 1708 and sought his blessings. After receiving Amrit he was given the name "Gurbaksh Singh", however he is popularly known as "Banda Singh". Guru Gobind Singh gave him a sword, five arrows, a flag and a battle drum.
- What do you know of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) was a member of the Sukerchakia misal. From early childhood, he was fond of riding and hunting. Taking advantage of the unsettled conditions in the Panjab, he expelled Chet Singh of Bhangi misal from Lahore and crowned as Maharaja. He captured Amritsar in 1802 and thereafter assumed full sovereignty over petty chiefs of Malwa. He crossed the Sutlej for extension of his dominion but the chiefs of Jind and Kaithal appealed to the British for help against Ranjit Singh.
- What do you know of Bhai Vir Singh?
Bhai Vir Singh (1872-1957) was the most important writer and theologian in Punjabi who expounded Sikh history and philosophy for more than fifty years. He is regarded as the Bhai Gurdas of the twentienth century. His most important works are Guru Nanak Chamatkar, Kalgidhar Chamatkar, Baba Nodh Singh and Meray Saeeyan jeeo.
- What do you know of Sikh Paintings?
The Sikh school of painting is a distinct contribution to Indian art. The School originated in the days of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who was a liberal patron of arts. He also employed artists who decorate and panel the Golden Temple, Amritsar.
- Give a brief history of the Golden Temple?
Guru Ramdas wanted to give the Sikhs a central place of worship. For this reason he founded a township, called after his name in 1577. In 1589, Guru Arjan requested a Muslim divine named Mian Mir, to lay the foundation of the Sikh Temple. This is known as Har Mandar - God's House - popularly called the Golden Temple. The temple is an example of religious emotion exemplified in marble, glass, colour and gold. The shrine is encircled by a beautiful artificial lake: "The pool of nectar - Amritsar".
- Give an account of the Singh Sabha Movement?
The originn or the Singh Sabha Movement lay in the realization by the Sikh leaders of the Eighteen seventies (last century) that Sikhism was dominated by Hindu practices and should be reformed to accord with the ideals of the Sikh Gurus. The movement was also reacting to the proselytizing activities of the Christian missionaries and the Hindu Arya Samaj movement in the Panjab.
- What do you know of the Chief Khalsa Diwan?
The originn or the Singh Sabha Movement lay in the realization by the Sikh leaders of the Eighteen seventies (last century) that Sikhism was dominated by Hindu practices and should be reformed to accord with the ideals of the Sikh Gurus. The movement was also reacting to the proselytizing activities of the Christian missionaries and the Hindu Arya Samaj movement in the Panjab.
- What do you know of the Gurdwara Reform Movement?
Towards the end of the 19th century, the Sikhs felt a need to recapture the glory of the Sikh faith by following its traditions. The Singh Sabha Movement had earlier prepared the ground for a revival of the Sikhism. Many of the old and historical Gurdwaras were under the control of the Mahants - professional priests. They used the offerings and income for their personal use. The aim of the Gurdwaras Reform Movement - Akali Laher was to liberate the Gurdwaras from the arbitrary control of Mahants and to bring them under popular control.
- What do you know of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee?
The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee popularly known as the SGPC- is a statutory body constituted under an Act of the Panjab Legislature passed on 9th July 1925. It is invested with certain duties regarding the administration of Gurdwaras, educational programmes and the propagation of the Sikh faith. Its Dharam Parchaar Committee is specifically meant for the publication of literature on Sikhism. It has produced a number of books and tracts on Sikhism in English and modern Indian languages.
- What is the contribution of the Sikhs to the struggle for India's independence?
The part played by the Sikhs in the overthrow of British rule was significant. Recently it has been established that the first and second Sikh Wars were fought to prevent the British aggression in the Panjab.
- What do you know of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, Chandigarh?
Guru Gobind Singh Foundation was set up in Chandigarh in 1965 in order to organize the 300th Birth-anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh and to implement suitable projects in memory of the Tenth Guru. The Panjab Government gave a seed-grant of Rupees 12 lakhs, and donations were collected from the public both for the celebration in 1966-67 and the establishment of suitable useful institutions. At the initiative of the Foundation, the weapons of Guru Gobind Singh were received from U.K. in Delhi on 1st January 1966, and they were displayed at various places throughout India.
- What do you know of Guru Nanak Foundation, New Dehli?
Guru Nanak Foundation was set up in 1965 to organize the Quincentenary celebrations of the birthday of Guru Nanak scheduled for 1969, and to promote Guru Nanak's teachings. The Government of India gave a special grant to the Foundation for the establishment of Guru Nanak Institute of Comparative Religions and a department of musicology at Dehli. The Foundation has both Sikhs and non-Sikhs on its Governing Body, consisting of 51 members.
The Foundation's activities and achievements are listed below:
- What do you know of Pingalwara, Amritsar?
Pingalwara literally means a home for the crippled. However, this institution caters to the needs of the handicapped, the insane and the terminally sick. It is primarily a rescue-home for the poor, helpless and maimed.
The promoter of the Pingalwara is Bhagat Puran Singh, a selfless and dedicated Sikh. He was born in Lahore and used to do voluntary service at Gurdwara Dera Sahib. He would clear the streets of Lahore and cremate the unclaimed dead. He took care of the destitute and took the sick to the hospital for treatment.
- Give an account of the Sikh-residents abroad?
Early in the twentieth century, many Sikhs migrated to British Columbia (Canada) to improve their economic prospects. However, on account of racial trouble, they had to face severe hardships, most were engaged in lumbering and the timber trade. Some of them migrated to the south in California (USA). They initially worked as farm-labourers and were later allowed to buy land after a great struggle. Wherever they settled, they opened Gurdwaras for the benefit of visitors and new settlers, these also served as community-centres.
- What do you know of Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale?
Giani Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale (Punjabi: ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵਾਲੇ; February 12, 1947–June 6, 1984) was the leader of the Damdami Taksal, a Sikh religious group based in Mehta Chownk, Amritsar District.
- What do you know of Bhai Randheer Singh?
Bhai Randheer Singh Ji (1878-1961) was a freedom fighter, reformer, theologian, and hero of the Lahore conspiracy case, and first prisoner of Gurdwara Reform Movement.
- How many marriages did Guru Gobind Singh Ji have?
Why did Guru Gobind Singh have more than one wife? How many marriages did Guru Gobind Singh have?
- Did the Sikh Gurus go hunting? If so, what was the purpose?
Where ever they went they granted mukti (salvation) to all who were ready to take it. Guru Nanak Sahib Ji on his udasis's (journeys) saved such people like Sujjan Thug - who would invite people to his house and then in the dead of night strangle them, Kaudda Rakhsh, who indulged in cannibal activities and Walli Quandhari the mean fakir who would not let anyone use his well. So, from the very beginning the Guru's have been blessing and granting mukti to those souls whose karmic circle needed breaking, and who can do this ? Only the True Guru.
- Who are 'Nihang Singhs'?
Nihang (also: called Akalis) is a very famous and prestigious armed Sikh order. Early Sikh military history is dominated by the Akali Sikh military order particularly for many famous military victories won while often heavily out-numbered. The Akalis have historically been held in great affection and respect by Sikhs due the pivotal role they have played in Sikh history and Sikh military history in particular. It currently is mostly ceremonial due it being peace time but in times of war for the Sikh religion the Akalis have historically spear-headed the attack on the enemy.
- What actually happened on Vaisakhi 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh Ji initiated Amrit at Keshghar Sahib?
Guru Sahib sent messengers to call all Sikhs to Anandpur Sahib on the day of Vaisakhi in 1699. The reports of the Mughul newspapers and reporters or Emperor Aurangzeb stated that 80,000 Sikhs had gathered at Anandpur Sahib on that day.
- What do you know about the Panj Pyaare of Vaisakhi 1699?
1) BHAI DAYA SINGH JI
Previous name: 'Daya Raam'
Town/City: Lahore (Panjab)
Parents: Bhai Sudhae Ji and Mata Dayaalee Ji
Birth & Death: 1669 - 1708
Previous Caste/ Occupation: Khatri (ਖੱਤਰੀ), shopkeeper.- What do you know of Bhagat Dhanna Ji and the story of God revealing himself through a stone?
Bhagat Dhanna Ji's father's name was Bhai Maahee Ji. His family were a simple farmers who belonged to the Dhuan village, in the MaarvaaR area in Rajasthan. Bhagat Ji was born in 1415.
Bhagat Dhanna Ji obtained a 'Saalgaraam' (small stone idol) from a Brahman, and began doing its pooja (worship). He decorated the idol and prepared food, which he placed before it. However, the idol did not speak, nor did eat or do anything! Disappointed, he returned back to the Brahman and returned the stone idol.
- What do you know of Nirmalas?
'Nirmala' is derived from the Sanskrit 'nirmal', meaning spotless, unsullied, pure, bright, etc. It is the name of a sect primarily engaged in religious study of Sikhism and ancient Hindu texts. The members of the sect are called Nirmalas. The sect of celibates commanded particular strength in the 19th century.
- What do you know of Udasis?
'Udasi' is an ascetic sect founded by Baba Sri Chand (1494-1629), the elder son of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. The word 'Udasi' is derived from the Sanskrit word which means "one who is indifferent to or disregardful of worldly attachments, a stoic, or a mendicant." In Sikh tradition, the term udasi has also been used for each of the four preaching tours of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji; in this sense, udasi meant a prolonged absence from home. Some scholars, including many Udasis, trace the origin of the sect back to the Puraṇic age, but, historically speaking, Baba Sri Chand was the founder.
- What do you know of Bhai Bala and whether he actually existed?
According to popular belief, some believe that Bhai Bala was a life-long companion of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji and was the son of Chandar Bhaan, a Sandhu Jaṭṭ of Talvaṇḍī Rāi Bhoi, now Nankāṇā Sāhib in Pakistan. It is claimed he was 3 years senior in age to Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, and was Guru Sahib's childhood playmate in Talvaṇḍī. From Talvaṇḍī, it is claimed that he accompanied Guru Nanak Sahib Ji to Sultānpur where he stayed with him a considerable period of time before returning to his village. It is claimed that Bhai Bala died in 1544 at Khaḍūr Sāhib.
- What do you know of Bhai Mardana?
MARDĀNĀ, BHĀĪ (1459-1534), Gurū Nānak's long-time companion throughout his extensive journeys across the country and abroad, was born the son of a Muslim Mirāsī (a caste of hereditary minstrels and genealogists) couple, Badrā and Lakkho, of Talvaṇdī Rāi Bhoe, now Nankāṇā Sāhib, in Sheikhūpurā district of Pakistan. Gurū Nānak and Bhāī Mardānā grew up in the same village.
- What are the historic foundations of a Sikh Identity as supposed to a pluralistc nature known as "Sanatan Sikhi"?
I. Introduction
The issue of defining Sikh Identity has been a topic of much debate in modern Sikh scholarship. Clearly, Sikhs today form a unique and distinct community with a separate identity, but has this always been the case? Many scholars argue that different Sikh identities existed within the Panth until the latter part of the 19th century and all made an equally legitimate claim to being "Sikh".
- Did Guru Gobind Singh Ji worship 'Kali Devi' on Hemkunt Parbat where Guru Ji meditated for long time, as claimed by the RSS?
The truth is that Guru Ji never ever worshipped any idols of Hinduism. Guru Ji always worshipped one God and taught Sikhs to do the same. RSS is not using Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s lines accurately. RSS is saying this:
“Mahan Kaal Kalka Aaradhi”
Kalka is name of Hindu Goddess Kali Devi but Guru Ji never said anything like this. Guru Ji’s original lines are these:
“Mahan Kaal, Kaal Ka Aaradhi”
- In Bachittar Natak, the Tenth Guru claims His family ancestry to Lav and Kush (sons of Rama). Does this mean Sikhs are Hindus?
This argument does not hold any ground when we evaluate it with some rationality. Many Sikhs take an easy approach and reject the authority of Bachittar Natak but this way we will have to reject everything we don’t like or don’t agree with. I do not want to discuss authenticity or validity of Dasam Granth here but our objective is to see if Guru Ji’s lineage really makes Him a Hindu.
a) Family background has nothing to do with religion. Religion is not inherent.
