Topic
The Compilation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji
How the Word of the Gurus and of saints from many backgrounds was gathered, arranged by raag, and finally recognised as the eternal Guru.
Sikh History
Ten Gurus. One Light. An eternal Guru.
From Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth in 1469 to Guruship passing to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in 1708 — the lives, institutions and events that shaped the Sikh path, told with care for evidence.
The Ten Gurus
One Light, ten lamps
Sikhs understand the ten Gurus as one divine Light (jot) passing from one Guru to the next.
1Guru Nanak Dev Jiਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦੇਵ ਜੀFounder of the Sikh path; passed the Guruship to Guru Angad Dev Ji in 15392Guru Angad Dev Jiਗੁਰੂ ਅੰਗਦ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ1539–15523Guru Amar Das Jiਗੁਰੂ ਅਮਰਦਾਸ ਜੀ1552–1574 (became Guru at about 73)4Guru Ram Das Jiਗੁਰੂ ਰਾਮਦਾਸ ਜੀ1574–15815Guru Arjan Dev Jiਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜਨ ਦੇਵ ਜੀ1581–16066Guru Hargobind Sahib Jiਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ1606–16447Guru Har Rai Jiਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ ਜੀ1644–16618Guru Har Krishan Jiਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਸ਼ਨ ਜੀ1661–1664 (became Guru at about five)9Guru Tegh Bahadur Jiਗੁਰੂ ਤੇਗ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਜੀ1664–167510Guru Gobind Singh Jiਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ1675–1708
Institutions
The Five Takhts
The seats of Sikh authority — history, contacts and pilgrim stay.
Sikh Lives
Women, martyrs and companions
19 life stories told for families.
Topics
Institutions, events and places
Topic
The Creation of the Khalsa (1699)
On Vaisakhi 1699 at Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji brought into being the Khalsa — a community of initiated Sikhs committed to the Guru, to discipline and to justice.
Topic
Sikh Institutions: Sangat, Pangat, Gurdwara, Akal Takht
How the Gurus built lasting institutions around the Word, shared food and collective decision-making — and how those institutions have changed over five centuries.
Topic
Historic Sikh Places
A guide to the places where the Gurus were born, lived, taught and gave their lives — and to the five Takhts, the seats of Sikh authority.
Topic
How Sikh Practices Developed
Nitnem, Ardas, the rehat and the Gurpurabs grew over centuries — some rooted directly in Gurbani, some shaped by the Panth's history. Here is how, and how we know.
Topic
Sikh Contributions to Society
From the langar to disaster relief, from military service to farming and the diaspora — how Sikh values have shaped service to others, told honestly.
After 1708
The Panth guided by the Guru Granth
From Banda Singh Bahadur and the Misls to the Sikh Empire, reform movements, the twentieth century and the worldwide Sikh community.
After 1708
Banda Singh Bahadur and the First Sikh Rule (1708–1716)
How an ascetic from the hills met Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Nanded, led the Khalsa into Punjab, and established the first Sikh rule before his martyrdom in Delhi.
After 1708
The Misls, the Dal Khalsa and the Ghallugharas (18th century)
How the Khalsa survived decades of persecution and invasion by organising into misls, meeting as the Sarbat Khalsa, and rebuilding after two great catastrophes.
After 1708
Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Sikh Empire (1799–1849)
From the capture of Lahore to the annexation of Punjab: the rise of a Sikh-led state, its court and army, and the wars that ended it.
After 1708
The Singh Sabha Movement and Gurdwara Reform (1873–1925)
How Sikhs responded to colonial rule with education, print and renewal — and then with a largely non-violent movement to bring historic gurdwaras under Panthic control.
After 1708
Sikhs in the Twentieth Century: Wars, Partition and Punjab
Service in two World Wars, the Komagata Maru and Jallianwala Bagh, the upheaval of Partition, and the creation of a Punjabi-speaking state.
After 1708
1984: Operation Blue Star and the Anti-Sikh Violence
A sober account of the army operation at Harmandir Sahib in June 1984 and the killings of Sikhs that followed the assassination of the Prime Minister in November.
After 1708
The Sikh Diaspora
How Sikhs travelled from Punjab to East Africa, South-East Asia, Britain, North America, Australia and beyond — and built gurdwaras, communities and new lives wherever they settled.
After 1708
Sikh Scriptures and Literature
From Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the living Guru, to the Dasam Granth, the Vaaran of Bhai Gurdas, the poetry of Bhai Nand Lal, janamsakhis, rehatnamas and the Sikh Rehat Maryada — what each is, and the authority each carries.
Sikh Lives
Women, martyrs and companions of the Gurus
19 life stories — Mata Gujri Ji, Mai Bhago Ji, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, the Sahibzade, Bhai Mati Das Ji, Baba Deep Singh Ji, Bhai Gurdas Ji and more.
Women in Sikh history
Mata Gujri Ji
Wife of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Women in Sikh history
Mata Sahib Kaur Ji
Honoured as the Mother of the Khalsa
Women in Sikh history
Mai Bhago Ji
The woman who led forty Sikhs back to the Guru
Martyr
Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai Dayala Ji
Three companions of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji who gave their lives in Delhi
Martyr
Baba Deep Singh Ji
Scholar-warrior who gave his life for the sanctity of the Harmandir Sahib
Companion
Bhai Gurdas Ji
Scribe of the Adi Granth and poet of the Vaaran
Timeline · 1469–1708
The Guru period at a glance
Evidence and tradition, clearly marked. Historical record events are supported by contemporary or near-contemporary evidence or broad scholarly agreement. Traditional account events come from janamsakhis, sakhis and oral tradition — cherished by Sikhs, and shown here as tradition. Dates are conventional years; exact dates vary between calendars and sources.
- 1469
Birth at Talwandi Historical record
- 1479
Birth at Basarke Historical record
- c. 1500
The Vein river experience Traditional account
- c. 1500–1520s
Years of travel Historical record
- 1504
Birth of Bhai Lehna Historical record
- c. 1521
Babur's invasion Historical record
- c. 1530s
Meeting Guru Nanak Dev Ji Traditional account
- 1534
Birth in Lahore Historical record
- 1539
Guruship to Guru Angad Historical record
- Before 1539
Tests of devotion Traditional account
- 1539
Becomes the second Guru Historical record
- 1539–1552
Khadur becomes the centre Historical record
- 1540s
Visit of Humayun Traditional account
- c. 1540
Comes to Guru Angad Dev Ji Traditional account
- 1550s
Goindwal and its baoli Historical record
- c. 1550s
Marriage to Bibi Bhani Ji Historical record
- 1552
Guruship to Guru Amar Das Historical record
- 1552
Becomes the third Guru Historical record
- 1560s
Akbar eats in the langar Traditional account
- 1563
Birth at Goindwal Historical record
- 1570s
Ramdaspur and the sarovar Historical record
- 1574
Guruship to Guru Ram Das Historical record
- 1574
Becomes the fourth Guru Historical record
- 1581
Guruship to Guru Arjan Dev Ji Historical record
- 1581
Becomes the fifth Guru Historical record
- 1588
Foundation of Harmandir Sahib Traditional account
- 1590
Founding of Tarn Taran Historical record
- 1595
Birth at Guru ki Wadali Historical record
- 1604
The Adi Granth installed Historical record
- 1606
Martyrdom in Lahore Historical record
- 1606
Peace under torture Traditional account
- 1606
Becomes the sixth Guru Historical record
- c. 1606
The Akal Takht Historical record
- c. 1610s
Detention at Gwalior Historical record
- 1621
Birth in Amritsar Historical record
- 1628–1635
Battles with Mughal forces Historical record
- 1630
Birth at Kiratpur Historical record
- 1635
Battle of Kartarpur Traditional account
- 1644
Passing at Kiratpur Historical record
- 1644
Becomes the seventh Guru Historical record
- 1656
Birth at Kiratpur Historical record
- c. 1658
Dara Shikoh Traditional account
- c. 1660
Ram Rai at Delhi Historical record
- 1661
Guruship to Guru Har Krishan Historical record
- 1661
Becomes the eighth Guru Historical record
- 1664
Chhajju at Panjokhra Traditional account
- 1664
In Delhi during the epidemic Historical record
- 1664
"Baba Bakale" and passing Historical record
- 1664
Recognised at Bakala Traditional account
- 1665
Founding of Chak Nanki Historical record
- 1666
Birth of Gobind Rai at Patna Historical record
- 1666
Birth at Patna Historical record
- 1675
The Kashmiri Pandits Traditional account
- 1675
Martyrdom in Delhi Historical record
- 1675
Becomes the tenth Guru Historical record
- 1688
Battle of Bhangani Historical record
- 1699
Creation of the Khalsa Historical record
- 1704–05
Chamkaur and Sirhind Historical record
- 1706
Damdama Sahib Historical record
- 1708
Guruship to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Historical record
- Youth
The true bargain (Sacha Sauda) Traditional account
- Travels
The Mecca episode Traditional account
- Youth
Selling boiled grams Traditional account
- At release
Freeing the fifty-two princes Traditional account
- Childhood
The scattered flowers Traditional account
Timeline · 1708 to today
- 1604
Guru Arjan Dev Ji completes the Adi Granth, with Bhai Gurdas Ji as scribe. Historical record
- c. 1670
Birth of Lachhman Dev, later known as Madho Das and then Banda Singh Bahadur; his early life is known mainly from tradition. Traditional account
- c. 1706
Guru Gobind Singh Ji prepares the Damdama Sahib recension of the Granth. Traditional account
- 1708
Meeting with Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Nanded; Banda Singh is sent to Punjab with companions and hukamnamas. Traditional account
- 1708
Guru Gobind Singh Ji vests Guruship in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at Nanded. Historical record
- 1709
Capture of Samana and other towns in the Sirhind region. Historical record
- 1710
Victory at Chappar Chiri and capture of Sirhind; Lohgarh becomes the Sikh base and coins are issued in the Gurus' name. Historical record
- 1710
Emperor Bahadur Shah's campaign reaches Lohgarh; Banda Singh withdraws to the hills. Historical record
- 1715
Long siege at Gurdas Nangal ends with the capture of Banda Singh and his companions. Historical record
- 1716
Execution of Banda Singh Bahadur and many Sikh companions in Delhi. Historical record
- 1733
The Mughal administration offers a jagir and the title of Nawab; it is conferred on Kapur Singh. Historical record
- 1733
Date of the B40 janamsakhi manuscript, one of the dated janamsakhi texts. Historical record
- 1734
Most often given year for the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji in Lahore (some sources give a later date). Historical record
- c. 1734
The Khalsa is organised into the Budha Dal and the Taruna Dal under Nawab Kapur Singh. Traditional account
- 1745
Martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh Ji in Lahore. Historical record
- 1746
The Chhota Ghallughara: Sikh bands suffer heavy losses near Kahnuwan and in the retreat that follows. Historical record
- 1748
The Sarbat Khalsa at Amritsar forms the Dal Khalsa under Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. Historical record
- 1762
The Vadda Ghallughara near Kup–Rahira; later that year Harmandir Sahib is blown up by Ahmad Shah Abdali's forces. Historical record
- 1764–1765
The Sikhs capture Sirhind and then Lahore, where coins are struck in the name of the Gurus. Historical record
- 1780
Birth of Ranjit Singh at Gujranwala into the family leading the Sukerchakia misl. Historical record
- 1783
A Sikh force under Baghel Singh reaches Delhi; several historic gurdwaras there are associated with this time. Historical record
- 1799
Ranjit Singh takes Lahore. Historical record
- 1801
Ranjit Singh is proclaimed Maharaja. Historical record
- 1809
Treaty of Amritsar with the East India Company fixes the Sutlej as the boundary of their spheres. Historical record
- 1818–1819
Multan and Kashmir come under the Sikh kingdom. Historical record
- 1839
Death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Lahore; a period of unstable succession follows. Historical record
- 1841
Rattan Singh Bhangu completes the Prachin Panth Prakash. Historical record
- 1843
Bhai Santokh Singh completes the Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth. Historical record
- 1845–1846
First Anglo-Sikh War; the Treaty of Lahore follows the battle of Sobraon. Historical record
- 1848–1849
Second Anglo-Sikh War; after the battle of Gujrat, Punjab is annexed on 29 March 1849. Historical record
- 1873
The first Singh Sabha is founded in Amritsar. Historical record
- 1879
The Lahore Singh Sabha is established, becoming the centre of the Tat Khalsa view. Historical record
- 1890s
Punjabi workers, many of them Sikhs, help build the Uganda Railway; East African Sikh communities take root. Historical record
- 1892
Khalsa College, Amritsar, is founded. Historical record
- 1902
The Chief Khalsa Diwan is formed to coordinate Sikh reform and education. Historical record
- 1908
The Khalsa Diwan Society opens a gurdwara in Vancouver, Canada. Historical record
- 1909
The Anand Marriage Act gives legal recognition to the Anand Karaj. Historical record
- 1911
The first gurdwara in London opens. Historical record
- 1912
A gurdwara is established at Stockton, California — the first in the United States. Historical record
- 1914
The Komagata Maru is refused at Vancouver; passengers are fired upon at Budge Budge on its return. Historical record
- 1914–1918
Sikh soldiers serve in France, Flanders, Gallipoli, Mesopotamia, East Africa and elsewhere. Historical record
- 1919
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar on Vaisakhi day. Historical record
- 1920
The SGPC and the Shiromani Akali Dal are formed. Historical record
- 1921
Many reforming Sikhs are killed at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib. Historical record
- 1922
The Guru ka Bagh morcha draws wide attention to the non-violent Akali struggle. Historical record
- 1925
The Sikh Gurdwaras Act gives the SGPC legal responsibility for many historic gurdwaras. Historical record
- 1939–1945
Sikh soldiers serve in North and East Africa, Italy, Malaya and Burma during the Second World War. Historical record
- 1945
The SGPC approves the Sikh Rehat Maryada. Historical record
- 1947
Partition divides Punjab; many historic Sikh places are left in Pakistan amid mass migration and violence. Historical record
- 1957
Dalip Singh Saund takes his seat as the first Asian American member of the US Congress. Historical record
- 1966
The Punjab Reorganisation Act creates a Punjabi-speaking Punjab state from 1 November. Historical record
- 1968
A gurdwara opens at Woolgoolga, New South Wales, widely regarded as the first in Australia. Historical record
- 1972
Asians are expelled from Uganda; many East African Sikhs resettle in Britain. Historical record
- 1982
The Akali Dal launches the Dharam Yudh Morcha, a mass agitation on Punjab's demands. Historical record
- 1983
Mandla v Dowell Lee: the House of Lords recognises Sikhs as an ethnic group under British race relations law. Historical record
- June 1984
Operation Blue Star at the Harmandir Sahib complex; the Akal Takht is badly damaged and the Sikh Reference Library destroyed by fire. Historical record
- 31 October 1984
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards. Historical record
- November 1984
Sikhs are killed and Sikh homes, businesses and gurdwaras attacked in Delhi and other cities. Historical record
- 1985
The Misra Commission is appointed to inquire into the November violence. Historical record
- 2005
The Justice Nanavati Commission report is presented; the Prime Minister apologises in Parliament. Historical record
- 2012
Attack on the gurdwara at Oak Creek, Wisconsin; Sikhs respond with vigils and outreach. Historical record
- 2016
The Prime Minister of Canada formally apologises in Parliament for the Komagata Maru episode. Historical record
- 2019
The Kartarpur Corridor opens, allowing pilgrims from India to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. Historical record
- Every year
Sikhs gather in June and November to remember those who died. Historical record
- Early 17th century
Bhai Gurdas Ji composes his Vaaran and Kabitt Savaiye. Historical record
- 18th century
The Dasam Granth is compiled; tradition associates the work with Bhai Mani Singh Ji. Traditional account