History of Punjab and Sikh Gurus

Overview

The history of Punjab and the Sikh Gurus forms a crucial component of the PSTET Paper II Social Studies section. This topic carries significant weightage as it tests candidates on regional history that directly connects to the cultural identity of Punjab. Questions typically cover the lives and teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus, the establishment and expansion of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the Anglo-Sikh Wars that led to British annexation.

For exam success, you must master three interconnected threads: the spiritual and social reforms initiated by the Gurus (1469–1708), the political consolidation under the Misls and Ranjit Singh (1761–1839), and the military conflicts with the British (1845–1849). The examiners frequently test chronological sequences, key battles, treaties, and the contributions of individual Gurus. Understanding cause-and-effect relationships—why Sikhism evolved from a peaceful reform movement to a martial tradition—is essential for answering analytical questions.

Key Concepts

• **Guru Nanak's foundational philosophy**: Rejected caste distinctions and ritualism; emphasised Ik Onkar (one God), honest living (Kirat Karo), sharing with others (Vand Chakko), and remembering God (Naam Japna). Established the first Sikh community at Kartarpur.

• **Institution-building by successive Gurus**: Guru Angad developed Gurmukhi script; Guru Amar Das introduced the Langar system formally and divided the community into 22 Manjis for administration; Guru Ram Das founded Amritsar; Guru Arjan compiled the Adi Granth and built Harmandir Sahib.

• **Transformation to martial tradition**: Began with Guru Hargobind (Miri-Piri concept—spiritual and temporal authority); intensified after the martyrdoms of Guru Arjan (1606) and Guru Tegh Bahadur (1675).

• **Khalsa Panth**: Created by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib. The Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, Kirpan) became identity markers. Guruship was vested in Guru Granth Sahib after 1708.

• **Misl period (1761–1799)**: After Ahmad Shah Abdali's invasions weakened Mughal control, 12 Sikh Misls (confederacies) controlled Punjab. This decentralised system preceded Ranjit Singh's unification.

• **Sikh Empire under Ranjit Singh**: Unified the Misls, captured Lahore (1799), and built a powerful, secular state. His modernised army included the famous Fauj-i-Khas trained by European officers.

• **Anglo-Sikh Wars**: Two wars (1845–46, 1848–49) resulted from British expansionism and internal Sikh court intrigues after Ranjit Singh's death. Punjab was annexed in 1849.

Key Facts

| Guru | Period | Key Contribution | |------|--------|------------------| | Guru Nanak Dev | 1469–1539 | Founded Sikhism; travelled (Udasis) to spread teachings | | Guru Angad Dev | 1539–1552 | Developed Gurmukhi script; promoted physical fitness (Mall Akhara) | | Guru Amar Das | 1552–1574 | Institutionalised Langar; opposed Sati; created Manji system | | Guru Ram Das | 1574–1581 | Founded Amritsar (then Ramdaspur); composed Laavan (wedding hymn) | | Guru Arjan Dev | 1581–1606 | Compiled Adi Granth; built Harmandir Sahib; first Sikh martyr | | Guru Hargobind | 1606–1644 | Wore two swords (Miri-Piri); built Akal Takht; militarised Sikhs | | Guru Har Rai | 1644–1661 | Maintained army but avoided conflict; promoted herbal medicine | | Guru Har Krishan | 1661–1664 | Youngest Guru; served during Delhi plague epidemic | | Guru Tegh Bahadur | 1664–1675 | Martyred for protecting Kashmiri Pandits' religious freedom | | Guru Gobind Singh | 1675–1708 | Created Khalsa; composed Dasam Granth; declared Guru Granth Sahib as eternal Guru |

**Ranjit Singh's Empire (1799–1839)**:

• Capital: Lahore
• Territory: From Sutlej to Khyber Pass, including Kashmir
• Army: Over 80,000 soldiers; artillery modernised with French officers (Allard, Ventura)
• Kohinoor diamond was in his possession
• Treaty of Amritsar (1809) with British fixed Sutlej as boundary

**Anglo-Sikh Wars**:

• First War (1845–46): Battles at Mudki, Ferozeshah, Aliwal, Sobraon. Treaty of Lahore (1846)—Sikhs lost territory between Sutlej and Beas; paid indemnity; Kashmir sold to Gulab Singh.
• Second War (1848–49): Battles at Ramnagar, Chillianwala, Gujarat. Punjab annexed on 29 March 1849 by Lord Dalhousie.

Worked Examples

**Example 1**: Arrange in chronological order: (i) Creation of Khalsa (ii) Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (iii) Compilation of Adi Granth (iv) Battle of Gujarat

**Solution**:

• Compilation of Adi Granth → 1604 (Guru Arjan)
• Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur → 1675
• Creation of Khalsa → 1699 (Guru Gobind Singh)
• Battle of Gujarat → 1849 (Second Anglo-Sikh War)

Answer: (iii) → (ii) → (i) → (iv)

**Example 2**: Which treaty ended the First Anglo-Sikh War and what were its major terms?

**Solution**: The Treaty of Lahore (1846) ended the First Anglo-Sikh War. Major terms: 1. Sikhs surrendered Jalandhar Doab (territory between Sutlej and Beas) 2. War indemnity of 1.5 crore rupees (Kashmir given to Gulab Singh in lieu of 75 lakh rupees) 3. Sikh army reduced 4. British Resident stationed at Lahore 5. Dalip Singh recognised as Maharaja under a Regency Council

**Example 3**: Why did Guru Hargobind adopt the Miri-Piri doctrine?

**Solution**: Following the martyrdom of his father Guru Arjan Dev by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1606, Guru Hargobind recognised that spiritual authority alone could not protect the community. He adopted two swords—Miri (temporal/political power) and Piri (spiritual authority)—symbolising that the Guru would be both a saint and a soldier. He built the Akal Takht facing Harmandir Sahib, representing the seat of temporal authority, and maintained a standing army. This marked the beginning of Sikhism's martial tradition.

Common Mistakes

• **Confusing Guru sequence**: Students mix up Guru Har Rai, Guru Har Krishan, and Guru Tegh Bahadur. Remember: Har Rai → Har Krishan → Tegh Bahadur. Har Krishan was the youngest (aged 5 at succession) and died at 8.

• **Misattributing the Adi Granth compilation**: The Adi Granth was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev (fifth Guru), not Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Gobind Singh elevated it to Guru Granth Sahib and declared it the eternal Guru.

• **Confusing the two Anglo-Sikh Wars**: The First War ended with the Treaty of Lahore (1846)—Punjab remained nominally independent. The Second War ended with complete annexation (1849). Don't mix up the treaties or outcomes.

• **Assuming Ranjit Singh fought the British**: Ranjit Singh maintained peaceful relations with the British throughout his reign. The wars occurred after his death (1839) due to court instability and British expansionism.

• **Forgetting the Misls**: Students jump from Guru Gobind Singh directly to Ranjit Singh. The Misl period (1761–1799) is the crucial link—Ranjit Singh was chief of the Sukerchakia Misl before unifying Punjab.

Quick Reference

• **Ten Gurus span**: 1469 (Guru Nanak's birth) to 1708 (Guru Gobind Singh's death)
• **Khalsa created**: Baisakhi 1699, Anandpur Sahib
• **Five Ks**: Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, Kirpan
• **Ranjit Singh's reign**: 1799–1839; capital Lahore; Treaty of Amritsar 1809
• **Punjab annexed**: 29 March 1849 by Lord Dalhousie after Second Anglo-Sikh War
• **Key martyrdoms**: Guru Arjan (1606, Jahangir), Guru Tegh Bahadur (1675, Aurangzeb)