2. The Sikh Gurus & Sikhism

Three things Sikhs believed could abolish Untouchability

Langar (Community kitchen), Pangat (Eating), Sangat (Decision making).

Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539)

Born in Nankana Sahib (1469). Founded Sikh faith, started "Guru Ka Langar". Contemporary to Babur. Belonged to Nirguna sect and Khatri community.

Guru Angad Dev (1539-1552)

Created Gurmukhi script. Compiled writings of Nanak Dev. Started Mall Akhara (wrestling arena).

Guru Amardas Sahib (1552-1574)

Introduced Anand Karaj marriage ceremony. Established Manji and Piri system. Contemporary to Akbar. Opposed Sati/Purdah.

Guru Ram Das (1574-1581)

Founded the city of Amritsar (holy city of Sikhs).

Guru Arjan Dev (1581-1606)

Compiled Adi Granth. Started/completed Golden Temple (requested Muslim Sufi Mian Mir to lay cornerstone). Executed by Jahangir for sheltering Khusrau (hailed as Shaheedan-de-Sartaj).

Gold plating of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)

Done by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Guru Har Gobind Sahib (1606-1644)

"Soldier Saint" (first to take up arms). Waged wars against Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Established Akal Takht. AKA "True Badshah".

Guru Har Rai Sahib (1644-1661)

Gave shelter to Dara Shikoh. Avoided conflict with Aurangzeb and devoted efforts to missionary work.

Guru Har Krishan Sahib (1661-1664)

Youngest Guru (age 5). Summoned to Delhi by Aurangzeb on anti-Islamic blasphemy charges. Death due to Smallpox.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib (1665-1675)

Established town of Anandpur. Killed by Aurangzeb in 1675 for resisting forceful conversion of Hindu Kashmiri Pandits.

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib (1675-1708)

Established Khalsa Panth on 13 April 1699 (Vaisakhi). Last Guru in human form. Assassinated by two Afghans sent by Wazir Khan.

Banda Bahadur

Succeeded Guru Gobind Singh (not a Sikh Guru). Killed by Farrukhsiyar.

Guru Granth Sahib

Also known as Adi Granth. Written in Gurmukhi script. Considered the supreme spiritual authority and head of the Sikh religion.