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Overview
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in Punjab by Guru Nanak, who lived from 1469 to 1539, and developed by nine later Gurus. It teaches one God, the equality of all people, honest work, sharing with others and service. Sikhs number roughly 25 to 30 million worldwide, most of them in India. The tradition matters for its practical ethic, its scripture the Guru Granth Sahib, and institutions such as the langar, the community kitchen open to all.
Context
Guru Nanak was born in a Punjab shaped by Hindu and Muslim traditions, under the Lodi sultanate and then the Mughal empire. The devotional currents of the bhakti and sant poets and of Sufism formed part of this setting. Later Sikh history includes conflict with Mughal authorities and the creation of a Sikh state under Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century.
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Curator's notes
- Why it matters
- One God, equality, service (seva), honest work
- Use in training and coaching
- Langar as a model of service and equality
- What to read
- Guru Granth Sahib
- Tradition
- Sikhism
- Origin (approx.)
- 15th century (Guru Nanak), Punjab
- Core ideas
- One God, equality, service (seva), honest work
- Key texts
- Guru Granth Sahib
- Influence and connections
- Langar as a model of service and equality
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