Guru Nanak (1469–1539) was the founder and first Guru of Sikhism. His teachings emphasized devotion to one God, equality, and community service.

The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded as the eternal Guru. Compiled by Guru Arjan in 1604, it contains hymns from Sikh Gurus and selected saints.

The Five Ks are five articles of faith that baptized Sikhs are expected to wear at all times. They include Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (comb), Kachera (underwear), and Kirpan (ceremonial sword).

Punjab is a region in northwestern India and eastern Pakistan that is the birthplace of Sikhism. The city of Amritsar in Punjab houses the Golden Temple, Sikhism's holiest shrine.

The Sikh Empire (1799–1849) was a major power in the Indian subcontinent founded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It unified much of Punjab and promoted religious tolerance.

Langar is the community kitchen in Sikh gurdwaras where free meals are served to all visitors regardless of background. It was instituted by Guru Amar Das in the 16th century as a practice of equality.

Guru Arjan (1563–1606) was the fifth Sikh Guru who compiled the Guru Granth Sahib. He was martyred by the Mughal authorities, an event that shaped Sikh identity.

The caste system is a hierarchical social stratification historically prevalent in South Asia. Sikhism explicitly rejects caste distinctions, promoting equality among all people.

Medieval Indian History

Sikhism

Religion originating in Punjab, India

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Overview

Sikhism, also known as Sikhi, is an Indian religion and philosophy that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent around the end of the 15th century CE. It is one of the most recently founded major religions and is followed by 25–30 million adherents, known as Sikhs.

Source: Wikipedia — Sikhism (CC BY-SA)

Key concepts

How Sikhism connects to the ideas, people and events around it.

Guru Nanak
← founded
Guru Nanak (1469–1539) was the founder and first Guru of Sikhism. His teachings emphasized devotion to one God, equality, and community service.
Guru Granth Sahib
← holy scripture
The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded as the eternal Guru. Compiled by Guru Arjan in 1604, it contains hymns from Sikh Gurus and selected saints.
Five Ks
← observance
The Five Ks are five articles of faith that baptized Sikhs are expected to wear at all times. They include Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (comb), Kachera (underwear), and Kirpan (ceremonial sword).
Punjab
← origin region
Punjab is a region in northwestern India and eastern Pakistan that is the birthplace of Sikhism. The city of Amritsar in Punjab houses the Golden Temple, Sikhism's holiest shrine.
Sikh Empire
← historical state
The Sikh Empire (1799–1849) was a major power in the Indian subcontinent founded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It unified much of Punjab and promoted religious tolerance.
Langar
← community service
Langar is the community kitchen in Sikh gurdwaras where free meals are served to all visitors regardless of background. It was instituted by Guru Amar Das in the 16th century as a practice of equality.
Guru Arjan
← martyrdom
Guru Arjan (1563–1606) was the fifth Sikh Guru who compiled the Guru Granth Sahib. He was martyred by the Mughal authorities, an event that shaped Sikh identity.
Caste
← rejected
The caste system is a hierarchical social stratification historically prevalent in South Asia. Sikhism explicitly rejects caste distinctions, promoting equality among all people.

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What is Sikhism?

What are the key concepts related to Sikhism?

The main concepts connected to Sikhism include Guru Nanak, Guru Granth Sahib, Five Ks, Punjab, Sikh Empire, Langar, Guru Arjan, Caste. Each is linked on the map above with its own summary.

Which exams cover Sikhism?

Sikhism is part of Medieval Indian History, which appears in the syllabus of UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS, SSC GD and 41 more exams.