SYLLABUS
GS-1: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
Context: On 24th November 2025, the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur was observed.
About the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
- Early Life and Family Background:
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was born on April 1, 1621, at Guru Ke Mehal in Amritsar, as the youngest child of Guru Hargobind Ji.
- He was originally named Tyag Mal, meaning one capable of great sacrifice.
- Baba Buddha was entrusted with overseeing his upbringing and overall development.
- His character was shaped by Guru Hargobind Ji’s doctrine of Miri and Piri and the calm, spiritual nature of his mother.
- His son, Guru Gobind Singh, later became the tenth Sikh Guru.
- Spiritual Identity and Guruship
- Tyag Mal was given the title “Tegh Bahadur”, meaning Mighty of the Sword, by Guru Hargobind Ji for his remarkable bravery in the Battle of Kartarpur.
- He later became the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, known as Guru Tegh Bahadur.
- He was deeply committed to spreading Guru Nanak’s message, travelling to sacred places across northern and eastern India.
- The Guru made the ultimate sacrifice for the religious freedom of the Kashmiri Pandits, refusing to convert to Islam under the tyranny of the Mughal Empire.
- Founding of Anandpur Sahib
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji felt spiritually drawn to the serene surroundings near Makhowal, located in the Shivalik foothills.
- In 1672, he purchased land from the Raja of Bilaspur and established the settlement, Chak Nanaki.
- This place was later renamed Anandpur, meaning the city of eternal bliss, in recognition of its spiritual and natural tranquillity.
- Teachings and Contributions: He composed 116 shabads and 15 ragas, which are preserved in the Adi Granth.
- Martyrdom
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was executed in Delhi on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the year 1675.
- The sites of his execution and cremation are marked by Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi.
- His martyrdom is observed as Shaheedi Divas, traditionally commemorated on November 24, the historic day marking the sacrifice of the ninth Sikh Guru.
Sikhism
- Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent by Guru Nanak in the late 15th century.
- It emphasizes equality, truthful living, and devotion to one God, while rejecting superstitions and blind rituals.
- Sikhs believe in a single, all-encompassing God, whom they refer to as Waheguru, and follow the teachings of ten human Gurus, with the final, living Guru being the sacred scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.