A sacred compilation: Diverse contributors to Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib: Compilation facts, contributors, structure, unique features and linked facts about Dasam Granth — all highly relevant for Punjab Civil Services.
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Basic structure & composition
• Total pages (Angs): 1,430
• Total hymns (Shabads): Rs 5,894
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• Language spectrum: Sant bhasha, Punjabi, Braj, Persian, Sanskrit, Marathi, Sindhi, etc.
Gurus who contributed to Guru Granth Sahib
1. Guru Nanak Dev
• Japji Sahib
• Asa Di Vaar
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• Sidh Gosht
• Major shabads across various ragas.
2. Guru Angad Dev
• Standardised Gurmukhi which became the script of the Holy Book.
3. Guru Amar Das
• Anand Sahib (full)
• Many shabads on social reform, equality and spiritual discipline.
4. Guru Ram Das
• Laavan (Sikh marriage hymns)
• Rs 638 hymns
• Focus on humility, devotion and service.
5. Guru Arjan Dev
• Largest contributor among Gurus
• Sukhmani Sahib
• Composed shabads across 30 ragas
• Compiler of Adi Granth (1604).
6. Guru Tegh Bahadur
• Saloks
• Shabads emphasising detachment and courage.
7. Guru Gobind Singh
• No bani included in Guru Granth Sahib
• His compositions are in Dasam Granth
Other major contributors (Bhagats, Saints & Bards)
Total contributors: 36 (approx.)
Bhagat contributors (15 major)
• Kabir – Largest Bhagat contributor; dohas & shabads on universalism.
• Ravidas – Egalitarian message; 40 hymns.
• Namdev – Devotion-focused hymns; 60 hymns.
• Sheikh Farid (Baba Farid, Sufic poet) – Oldest verses in Guru Granth Sahib.
• Jaidev – Sanskrit poet; contributed hymns in classical style.
• Surdas – Devotional bhakti poet; one shabad included.
Bhatts (11 Bards)
Other saints
• Bhikhan
• Dhanna
• Pipa
• Sadhna
• Beni
• Sain
• Trilochan
(All represent diverse castes, regions & religions → important exam point)
Compilation & installation facts
Compilation of Adi Granth (1604)
• Compiled by: Guru Arjan Dev
• Scribe: Bhai Gurdas (first scribe)
• Place of compilation: Ramsar Sahib, Amritsar (on banks of Ramsar Sarovar)
First installation
• Year: 1604
• Place: Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
• First Granthi: Baba Buddha
Final form: Guru Granth Sahib (1708)
• Guru Gobind Singh added Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s bani at Dam Dama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo.
• Declared the scripture as the Eternal Guru at Nanded (1708).
• From then, the Sikh Guru tradition became Granth Panth.
Raga System
• Composed in 31 primary ragas several minor ones
Important: Bani of Guru Gobind Singh NOT in Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Gobind Singh’s compositions:
• Jaap Sahib
• Akal Ustat
• Bachittar Natak
• Chaupai Sahib
• Zafarnama (letter to Aurangzeb)
• Tav-Prasad Savaiye
• Benti Chaupai
These form major portions of Dasam Granth and daily Nitnem of Sikhs.
Dasam Granth – Key facts (exam-focused)
• Attributed to: Guru Gobind Singh
• Compilation: 1711 (posthumously organised by Bhai Mani Singh)
• Languages: Braj, Sanskrit, Persian, Punjabi
Key places associated with Guru Granth Sahib
• Ramsar Sahib, Amritsar: Compilation site of Adi Granth
• Harmandir Sahib: First installation
• Akal Takht Sahib: Temporal seat established by Guru Hargobind
• Dam Dama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo): Revision and addition of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s bani
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