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. 

Sources:
News on Air
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Thestates Man