Sikhism

Sikhism
This picture has been taken by Oleg Yunakov. Contact e-mail: yunakovgmail.com. I · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Sikhism
Founder	Guru Nanak
Founded date	late 15th century
Founded place	Punjab
Scripture	Guru Granth Sahib
Followers	millions
Practices	Amrit Sanskar, Langar, Gurdwara

Sikhism Sikhism is a monotheistic tradition originating in the late 15th century in the Punjab region, founded by Guru Nanak and consolidated by successive leaders such as Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan Dev, and Guru Gobind Singh. It emerged amid interactions with Islam and Hinduism and developed institutions like the Khalsa and the Gurdwara that shaped social and political life across Mughal Empire, Sikh Confederacy, and modern India and Pakistan. Sikh communities have global diasporas in United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia, and Malaysia.

Introduction

The faith teaches devotion to one formless creator and stresses truthful living, equality, and community service as articulated by the Gurus and enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib. Central symbols include the Five Ks introduced by Guru Gobind Singh and the ritual of dastār wearing among initiated Sikhs. Key institutions include the Gurdwara, the communal kitchen called Langar, and the code of conduct known as Rehat Maryada.

History

Origins trace to the life of Guru Nanak (1469–1539) in places such as Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur, and Tarn Taran. The succession of Gurus established communities across Punjab, confronting regional powers like the Lodi dynasty and the Mughal Empire. Under Guru Arjan Dev, Sikhs compiled the early scriptures and built the Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar, which later became a focal point during conflicts with Emperor Jahangir and Emperor Aurangzeb. Persecutions led to militarization under Guru Hargobind and the formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib. The 18th century saw leaders such as Banda Singh Bahadur and the rise of misls including Dal Khalsa culminating in the establishment of the Sikh Empire under Ranjit Singh with capitals at Lahore and Amritsar. Colonial encounters with the East India Company and later the British Raj reshaped Sikh institutions, leading to reform movements like the Singh Sabha Movement and political organizations such as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and parties like the Shiromani Akali Dal. Post-1947 events—Partition and the Operation Blue Star intervention at the Harmandir Sahib—have deeply affected Sikh history and memory.

Beliefs and Theology

Doctrinal foundations derive from the Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib, which emphasizes one formless creator (Ik Onkar) and the principles of Naam (divine remembrance), Seva (selfless service), and Sangat (holy congregation). The tradition rejects caste-based hierarchy and idolatry, affirming social equality across groups like Khatri, Jat, Brahmin, and Dalit communities. Concepts of Karma and Samsara appear interpreted alongside teachings on grace and devotion as taught by Gurus including Guru Nanak and Guru Arjan Dev. Theologically influential texts and commentators include works by Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Nand Lal, and modern scholars in institutions such as Panjab University and Khalsa College, Amritsar.

Practices and Institutions

Ritual life centers on gatherings at the Gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is read, hymns (Kirtan) by composers like Bhagat Kabir, Bhai Mardana, and Bhai Gurdas are sung, and communal meals (Langar) are served. Initiation into the Khalsa through Amrit Sanskar establishes the Five Ks: Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, and Kirpan. The Rehat Maryada codifies daily practices, ethical standards, and rites of passage overseen in part by bodies like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and local sangat committees. Military-societal structures historically included the Akali movement and the Nihang order; modern institutions encompass educational centers such as The Sikh University initiatives and humanitarian NGOs like Sikh Relief organizations.

Sacred Texts and Literature

The primary scripture is the Guru Granth Sahib, a living text compiled by Guru Arjan Dev and incorporating hymns by Gurus and Bhagats such as Guru Nanak, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan Dev, Bhai Gurdas, Kabir, Namdev, Jaidev, and Bhagat Ravidas. The Dasam Granth, attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, contains writings like the Jaap Sahib and Zafarnama. Hagiographies and historical chronicles include the Janamsakhis, works by Suka Bhai, and later interpretations by authors associated with the Singh Sabha Movement and scholars at Oxford University, Harvard University, and University of California, Berkeley who study Sikh scripture, poetry, and law.

Culture and Demographics

Sikh cultural expressions manifest in music, martial arts (Gatka), festivals such as Vaisakhi, Gurpurab, and commemorations like Baisakhi, with major pilgrimage sites including Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar and Hemkund Sahib. Demographically, large populations reside in Punjab, with significant minorities in Haryana, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh, and global diasporas centered in London, Birmingham, Toronto, Vancouver, New York City, San Francisco, Melbourne, Auckland, and Kuala Lumpur. Social institutions include gurdwara management boards, educational trusts such as Khalsa College, Amritsar, and political entities like the Shiromani Akali Dal.

Contemporary Issues and Global Diaspora

Contemporary debates involve identity markers like the dastār and kirpan in legal contexts in countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States with court cases before bodies like the Supreme Court of Canada and national legislatures. Political movements range from advocacy by groups such as the Sikh Federation (UK) to electoral participation via parties like the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab politics. Security incidents and responses have included inquiries after Operation Blue Star, legal cases in Indian courts, reconciliation efforts, and transnational activism surrounding remembrance of events like the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Diaspora communities maintain institutions such as the World Sikh Organization and cultural centers in cities like Leamington Spa, Slough, Middlesbrough, and Surrey while engaging with multicultural policies in states like Ontario and California.

Category:Religions