The Rise of Sikhism in India Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Rise of Sikhism in India - Essay Example The foundation of the Sikh religion was based on the existence of the ten gurus, starting with the pioneer guru who was the founder and the overall seer of the religion. Guru Nanak was born in the mid-15th century in a village close to the present day Pakistan in a predominantly Hindu family. His fascination with religion and the development of a spiritual personality pushed him out of his ancestral village to the areas of Punjab where he established his family. Though established by an individual from with a Hindu religion roots, Sikhism lacked any connection with the Hindu religion and culture and was developed solely by guru Nanak and led by other ten gurus after the death of the founder2. During the founding years of the religion, Nanak used the message of collectivism and unity to bring his believers together and strengthen his religion by attracting more followers. ‘Ek Ong kar’, we are one and we were all created by one merciful creator’ was one of the common messages that the founder used to attract his followers and ensure the development of unity of purpose among the people3. The followers of the religion were known as the Sikhs and were strictly taught to worship none other than God the almighty who is the creator of heaven and earth. They would also bow to the Gurus because they were believed to have direct contact with God and to also live in the light if His ways. As a result, the gurus were believed to have the power to lead the people from the dark ways into the ways of the God. The establishment of the Sikh religion as it is known today did not occur without enduring suffering, threats, intimidation and execution of the followers. It is believed that the initial founders of the cult and some gurus were executed in an attempt to curtail the spread of the cult to other parts of India, a move that was viewed to threaten the dominance of the Hindu religion. However, the British colonial rule in India revered the