Sikhism

Sikhism
source
Name	Sikhism
Founder	Guru Nanak
Founded date	15th century
Founded place	Punjab (Indian subcontinent)
Scripture	Guru Granth Sahib
Theology	Monotheism
Language	Sant Bhasha, Punjabi
Headquarters	Akal Takht
Area	Worldwide, with majority in Punjab, India
Number of followers	c. 25–30 million

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent during the 15th century. It was founded by Guru Nanak and developed through the teachings of ten successive Sikh gurus. The faith emphasizes devotion to one God, truthful living, equality of all human beings, and selfless service, with its spiritual authority vested in the sacred scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Beliefs and practices

Central to the faith is the belief in one formless, timeless God, referred to as Ik Onkar. The core teachings are encapsulated in the Mul Mantar and emphasize the importance of meditating on God's name, earning an honest living, and sharing with others. Key practices include daily prayers, such as the Japji Sahib, and the observance of the Five Ks, which are articles of faith. The community kitchen, known as langar, serves free meals to all visitors regardless of background, embodying the principles of equality and service. Major life cycle rituals include the Anand Karaj for marriage and the Amrit Sanskar initiation ceremony for joining the Khalsa.

History

The religion emerged in the context of the religious and social landscape of medieval India, with Guru Nanak undertaking extensive journeys, or Udasis, to spread his message. The subsequent gurus, including Guru Angad and Guru Amar Das, established important centers and institutions. The martyrdom of Guru Arjan under the Mughal Empire marked a turning point, leading to a more martial tradition under Guru Hargobind. The formation of the Khalsa in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh created a distinct community identity. Following the gurus, the Sikh Empire was established under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, ruling from Lahore until its annexation by the British East India Company after the Anglo-Sikh Wars. The 20th century saw the Punjab Suba movement and the traumatic events of Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Scripture

The primary and eternal spiritual guide is the Guru Granth Sahib, a voluminous text compiled by the fifth guru, Guru Arjan, and later finalized by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh. It is written predominantly in the Gurmukhi script and contains the compositions of the Sikh gurus, as well as hymns from saints of other traditions, such as Bhagat Kabir and Bhagat Namdev. The Dasam Granth, a separate compilation largely attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, is also held in high esteem and includes texts like the Jaap Sahib and narratives of Durga. The daily liturgical prayers are found in the Nitnem.

Gurus and lineage

The lineage of the ten human gurus spans from 1469 to 1708. It begins with Guru Nanak and proceeds through Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan, Guru Hargobind, Guru Har Rai, Guru Har Krishan, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and concludes with Guru Gobind Singh. Before his death, Guru Gobind Singh declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal guru, ending the line of human gurus. The temporal authority was vested in the collective body of the Khalsa and the institution of the Akal Takht.

Sikh identity and community

A baptized Sikh, known as an Amritdhari, is bound to wear the Five Ks: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (a wooden comb), Kara (a steel bracelet), Kachera (cotton undergarments), and Kirpan (a ceremonial sword). The community, or sangat, gathers for worship at a gurdwara, with prominent sites including the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar and the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. The highest temporal seat of authority is the Akal Takht in Amritsar. Major festivals celebrate historical events and gurus, such as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, Vaisakhi, and the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Demographics

Numbering approximately 25–30 million worldwide, Sikhs constitute a majority in the state of Punjab, India. Significant diaspora communities exist in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Australia. In the UK, cities like Southall and Leicester have prominent populations, while in Canada, Brampton and Surrey are major centers. The community is represented politically by parties such as the Shiromani Akali Dal in India and has contributed significantly to global culture, academia, and military service, including in the British Indian Army and contemporary armed forces.