Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Syllabus: Person in News (Prelims)
Source: News On Air
Context:
Indian Railways will mark the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with special trains, cultural events, and heritage programmes.
Life and Role
- Ninth Guru of Sikhism (1621–1675), also known as Hind Di Chadar (Protector of India).
- Martyred in Delhi in 1675 for resisting Mughal attempts at forced religious conversions.
- Remembered for his defence of freedom of conscience and human rights.
Early Years
- Born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar, youngest son of Guru Hargobind Ji.
- Trained in scriptures, martial arts, music, and meditation.
- Fought in battles with his father, shaping his values of courage and service.
- Later lived in Bakala (Punjab), devoted to meditation, simplicity, and spiritual guidance.
Major Contributions
Defender of Faith
- Strongly opposed forced conversions of Kashmiri Pandits under Mughal rule.
- Sacrificed his life to safeguard the right to practice one’s own religion.
Teachings
- Stressed inner strength over material wealth.
- Preached compassion, humility, and equality of all human beings.
Community Leadership
- Established towns such as Anandpur Sahib, which became a Sikh spiritual and military hub.
- Strengthened Sikh institutions and contributed hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib.
Historical Importance
- Seen as a symbol of justice, tolerance, and courage.
- His martyrdom paved the way for the Sikh community’s militarisation under his son, Guru Gobind Singh.
- Today, he is honoured nationwide as a defender of religious freedom and human dignity.
