Sikh Gurus: 10 leaders, one message
Info Nuggets
Unlock Exclusive Insights with The Tribune Premium
Take your experience further with Premium access. Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only Benefits
Advertisement
10 Sikh Gurus, their key contributions, Banis, institutions founded and high-probability facts for Punjab Civil Services prep
1. Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539)
• Founder of Sikhism
• Banis: Japji Sahib, Asa Di Vaar, Sidh Gosht
• Key places: Nankana Sahib (birthplace), Kartarpur Sahib (established first sangat)
• Major contributions: Concept of Ik Onkar, Langar tradition, extensive Udasis (travels)
• Kartarpur Corridor & Pakistan pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib often in news.
2. Guru Angad Dev (1504-1552)
• Key contributions: Standardised Gurmukhi script, started wrestling akharas for physical fitness
• Places: Khadur Sahib (important centre during his guruship)
• Promoted education and literacy.
3. Guru Amar Das (1479-1574)
• Banis: Anand Sahib, various hymns in Guru Granth Sahib
• Key contributions: Institutionalised Langar, established Manji system for administration
• Social reforms: Opposed sati, purdah, caste discrimination
• Places: Goindwal Sahib (Baoli Sahib – famous stepwell)
4. Guru Ram Das (1534-1581)
• Banis: Laavan (used in Sikh marriage ceremony), about 638 hymns
• Key contributions: Founded Amritsar, began construction of Amrit Sarovar
• Institutions: Strengthened Manji system
• Started the tradition of kirtan singing in structured format.
5. Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606)
• Banis: Sukhmani Sahib, many shabads
• Key contributions: Compiled Adi Granth (1604), built Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
• Places: Tarn Taran Sahib (built large sarovar)
• First Sikh martyr; executed under Jahangir — key GS fact.
6. Guru Hargobind Sahib (1595-1644)
• Key contributions: Introduced concept of Miri-Piri (temporal spiritual authority)
• Established Akal Takht (seat of temporal power)
• Built Sikh military tradition; kept two swords
• Places: Kiratpur Sahib (new Sikh centre)
7. Guru Har Rai (1630-1661)
• Key contributions: Expanded Sikh military but maintained non-aggression
• Known for compassion and medical aid (helped cure Dara Shikoh)
• Places: Continued development of Kiratpur Sahib
8. Guru Har Krishan (1656-1664)
• Key contributions: Known as Bala Pir (child saint)
• Helped people during smallpox/ cholera epidemic in Delhi
• Associated with Bangla Sahib (site linked to his humanitarian service)
• Youngest Sikh Guru (5 years old) — often asked in exams.
9. Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675)
• Banis: Salok Mahalla 9, Shabads in Guru Granth Sahib
• Key contributions: Martyred to protect Kashmiri Pandits’ religious freedom
• Known as Hind-di-Chaadar
• Places: Founded Anandpur Sahib; associated with Patiala, Assam, Bihar
• Executed at Delhi by Aurangzeb (important factual point).
10. Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708)
• Banis: Jaap Sahib, Akal Ustat, Chaupai Sahib, Zafarnama (letter to Aurangzeb)
• Key contributions: Founded Khalsa Panth (1699); introduced 5 Ks (Kachh, kangha, kes, kirpan and kada)
• Declared Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru
• Places: Anandpur Sahib, Paonta Sahib (wrote major works here), Nanded (where he passed away)
• Created Nihang tradition and reorganised Sikh martial forces.
Advertisement
Advertisement