Sikhism originated in northern India in the 15th century through the teachings of Guru Nanak, who criticized aspects of both Hinduism and Islam. He taught that there is one God and all people are equal in God's eyes. The religion was further developed and scriptures were added by nine subsequent gurus over two centuries. Sikhism's holy book is the Guru Granth Sahib, and places of worship are called gurdwaras. Devout Sikhs follow the five Ks, including uncut hair and carrying a small sword. Sikhism faced opposition from Mughal rulers due to its challenges to Islamic practices.

1. SIKHISM
Unit IV: 1450-1750

2. Origins of Sikhism
• Sikhism was born in the Punjab area of
South Asia, which now falls into the
present day states of India and Pakistan.
• The main religions of the area at the time
were Hinduism and Islam.
• The Sikh faith began around 1500 CE,
when Guru Nanak began teaching a faith
that was quite distinct from Hinduism and
Islam.
• Guru Nanak was born into a Hindu
family. Later he said that there is only one
God. He criticized Hindu and Muslim
religious sectarianism and their focus on
rituals.
• The believers of this religion are called
Sikhs, which means disciples.
• Sikhism was born in the Punjab area of
South Asia, which now falls into the
present day states of India and Pakistan.
• The main religions of the area at the time
were Hinduism and Islam.
• The Sikh faith began around 1500 CE,
when Guru Nanak began teaching a faith
that was quite distinct from Hinduism and
Islam.
• Guru Nanak was born into a Hindu
family. Later he said that there is only one
God. He criticized Hindu and Muslim
religious sectarianism and their focus on
rituals.
• The believers of this religion are called
Sikhs, which means disciples.
After disappearing for three days,
Nanak returned saying he had been
taken to God’s court and became a
Prophet.
"There is neither Hindu nor
Muslim, so whose path shall I
follow? I shall follow God's path.
"There is neither Hindu nor
Muslim, so whose path shall I
follow? I shall follow God's path.

3. Beliefs of Sikhism
Stands for casteless
society and preaches
that all people stand
equal.
Stands for casteless
society and preaches
that all people stand
equal.
Muslim InfluenceMuslim Influence Hindu InfluenceHindu Influence Challenges to
Islam/Hindu practices
Challenges to
Islam/Hindu practices
There is only one God.There is only one God.
Everyone is equal
before God.
Everyone is equal
before God.
Empty religious rituals
and superstitions
have no value.
Empty religious rituals
and superstitions
have no value.
Sikhs believe that
human beings spend
their time in a cycle of
birth, life, and rebirth.
Sikhs believe that
human beings spend
their time in a cycle of
birth, life, and rebirth.
To escape cycle of
life, need total
knowledge of and
union with God.
To escape cycle of
life, need total
knowledge of and
union with God.
Belief in Karma set by
previous life.
Belief in Karma set by
previous life.
Truth is the highest of
all virtues, but higher
still is truthful living.
Truth is the highest of
all virtues, but higher
still is truthful living.
Sikhs must give to the
poor and care for the
sick.
Sikhs must give to the
poor and care for the
sick.
Sikhs should earn
their living by honest
means and hard work.
Sikhs should earn
their living by honest
means and hard work.

4. The Ten Gurus
# Name Born Guruship
Period of
Guruship (yrs)
1. Guru Nanak 1469 1469 to 1539 70
2. Guru Angad 1504 1539 to 1552 13
3. Guru Amar Das 1479 1552 to 1574 22
4. Guru Ram Das 1534 1574 to 1581 7
5. Guru Arjan 1563 1581 to 1606 25
6. Guru Hargobind 1595 1606 to 1644 38
7. Guru Har Rai 1630 1644 to 1661 17
8. Guru Har Krishan 1656 1661 to 1664 3
9. Guru Tegh Bahadur 1621 1665 to 1675 10
10. Guru Gobind Singh 1666 1675 to 1708 33
11. Sri Guru Granth Sahib 1604? 1708 - forever Eternity
Sikhism was established by ten Gurus, teachers or masters, over the period
from 1469 to 1708. Guru Nanak Dev was the first Guru and Guru Gobind
Singh the final Guru in human form. When Guru Gobind Singh left this world,
he made the Sri Guru Granth Sahib the ultimate and final Sikh Guru.

5. Holy Book: The Guru Granth Sahib
The Holy Book Of Sikhism
is Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Gobind Singh
declared before his
departure to the heavenly
abode that this Holy
Granth would be the
spiritual guide for Sikhs.
The Holy Book Of Sikhism
is Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Gobind Singh
declared before his
departure to the heavenly
abode that this Holy
Granth would be the
spiritual guide for Sikhs.

6. Gurdwara
Gurdwara means the gateway through which the
Guru could be reached. Any place where the Guru
Granth Sahib is installed and treated with due
respect can be referred to as a Gurdwara, whether it
is a room in ones house of a separate building.
Gurdwara means the gateway through which the
Guru could be reached. Any place where the Guru
Granth Sahib is installed and treated with due
respect can be referred to as a Gurdwara, whether it
is a room in ones house of a separate building.
Three main functions are carried out in all public
Gurdwaras. One is Kirtan which is the singing of
hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, another is Katha
which is reading of the Guru Granth Sahib and
explanations. The third main function which is
carried out at every Gurdwara is the Langar, free
community kitchen for all visitors of all religions.
Three main functions are carried out in all public
Gurdwaras. One is Kirtan which is the singing of
hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, another is Katha
which is reading of the Guru Granth Sahib and
explanations. The third main function which is
carried out at every Gurdwara is the Langar, free
community kitchen for all visitors of all religions.

7. Langar – Community Meal

8. The Five K’s There are five religious signs that are the
mark of a devout Sikh. The names of all five
begin with the letter ‘K’ which is why they are
often referred to as the five ‘Ks’.
Kesh (hair) - Sikhs believe that the course of nature
should not be disturbed as far as possible which is
why they refrain from cutting their hair.
Kanga (comb) - A wooden comb is necessary to
keep long hair tidy and this is why Sikhs are
supposed to carry a kanga at all times.
Kara (steel bangle) - The steel bangle is regarded
as a symbol of strength and is worn on the right
wrist by both men and women.
Kirpan (dagger) - The kirpan is a small sword and
is a symbol of self-defense and the fight against evil
and injustice.
Kachha - The kachha is a pair of shorts made to a
specific design. It formed part of the military uniform
in Guru Gobind Singh’s day.
There are five religious signs that are the
mark of a devout Sikh. The names of all five
begin with the letter ‘K’ which is why they are
often referred to as the five ‘Ks’.
Kesh (hair) - Sikhs believe that the course of nature
should not be disturbed as far as possible which is
why they refrain from cutting their hair.
Kanga (comb) - A wooden comb is necessary to
keep long hair tidy and this is why Sikhs are
supposed to carry a kanga at all times.
Kara (steel bangle) - The steel bangle is regarded
as a symbol of strength and is worn on the right
wrist by both men and women.
Kirpan (dagger) - The kirpan is a small sword and
is a symbol of self-defense and the fight against evil
and injustice.
Kachha - The kachha is a pair of shorts made to a
specific design. It formed part of the military uniform
in Guru Gobind Singh’s day.

9. Comparison to Lutheranism
1. All people with faith were equal.
2. All Church teachings should be based
on the Bible (the Truth)
3. Only through faith alone could you
find salvation, not rituals.
4. Became a threat to the Catholic
Church and challenged the power of
the Pope.
1. Everyone is equal before God
2. Truth is the highest of all virtues and
the way to salvation.
3. Religious rituals and superstitions
have no value.
3. Became a threat to the Mughal State
who wanted to purify Islam
Both events led to major wars that divided and weakened their
respective regions!
Both events led to major wars that divided and weakened their
respective regions!