Why in the news?

  • November 24 marks the death anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Guru Tegh Bahadur

  • Who is he?
    • Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675) was the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, known as the “Protector of Humanity” (Hind di Chadar).
    • Born Tyaga Mal in Amritsar, Punjab in 1621, he was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru. He learned Gurmukhi, archery, swordsmanship, and horse riding. 
    • He played a significant role in promoting Sikh values of courage, sacrifice, and religious tolerance.
  • Key Contributions:
    • Religious Leadership
      • Advocated for spiritual enlightenment and moral conduct.
      • Composed 115 hymns included in the Guru Granth Sahib, emphasizing inner peace and devotion to God.
    • Social Reform
      • Stood against caste-based discrimination and superstitions.
      • Encouraged equality and selfless service to humanity.
    • Advocacy for Religious Freedom
      • Opposed forced religious conversions under the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
      • Supported the Kashmiri Pandits who sought his help to preserve their religious freedom.
  • Death: Martyred in 1675 at the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi by Aurangzeb for upholding the right to religious freedom.

Source: The Hindu