Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, extends greetings on the Prakash Purb of ninth Guru of Sikhism, 'Hind di Chadar' Guru Teg Bahadur Ji
Key Points
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah extends greetings on the Prakash Purb of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, celebrating his contributions to religious freedom. This event is significant for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies Papers 1 and 2, as it highlights historical and cultural aspects of India. Last Updated: 08-04-2026
Key Facts About Guru Teg Bahadur Ji
- Prakash Purab: Celebrates the birth anniversary of Sikh Gurus, known as the "Festival of Light."
- Born as Tyag Mal on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar, son of Guru Hargobind.
- Earned the title 'Tegh Bahadur' for valor in the Battle of Kartarpur in 1634.
- Succeeded Guru Harkrishan as the ninth Sikh Guru.
- Advocated the doctrine of 'Ik Onkar' and principles of 'nirbhau' and 'nirvair'.
- Founded Chak Nanaki, now known as Anandpur Sahib.
- Composed hymns in 15 Raags, including 59 Shabads and 57 Shaloks.
- Executed in 1675 for defending religious freedom, leading to the creation of the Khalsa.
Guru Teg Bahadur Ji's Legacy and Impact
Guru Teg Bahadur Ji's legacy is pivotal in India's socio-religious history, embodying the fight for religious freedom. His martyrdom under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's rule highlighted the struggle against religious persecution, aligning with India's broader goals of secularism and religious tolerance. His sacrifice inspired the militarization of the Sikh community, significantly impacting India's socio-political landscape.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 1: Indian culture, salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
- GS Paper 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
- Prelims: Facts about Sikh Gurus, their contributions, and historical events.
- Mains: Analyze the impact of religious leaders on India's socio-political fabric.
- Essay Paper: Themes on religious freedom and cultural heritage.
FAQ Section
- What is Prakash Purab? Prakash Purab, or Prakash Utsav, is the celebration of the birth anniversary of Sikh Gurus, symbolizing the "Festival of Light."
- Why is Guru Teg Bahadur Ji important? Guru Teg Bahadur Ji is revered for his supreme sacrifice to protect religious freedom during Mughal rule, earning him the title "Hind di Chadar."
- What are the key features of Guru Teg Bahadur Ji's philosophy? His philosophy centered on the unity of God ('Ik Onkar'), fearlessness ('nirbhau'), and absence of enmity ('nirvair').
Detailed Coverage
- Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah extends greetings on Prakash Purb.
- Guru Teg Bahadur Ji is the ninth Guru of Sikhism.
- Known as 'Hind di Chadar', he symbolizes protection of faith.
- Prakash Purab translates to 'Festival of Light'.
- Born as Tyag Mal on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar.
- Son of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind.
- Earned the title 'Tegh Bahadur' for valor in battle.
- Advocated 'Ik Onkar' and principles of fearlessness.
- Traveled across Northern and Eastern India to spread Sikhism.
- Founded Chak Nanaki, later known as Anandpur Sahib.
- Composed hymns in 15 Raags, included in Guru Granth Sahib.
- Martyrdom in 1675 for defending religious freedom.
- Executed under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
- His martyrdom sites are Gurudwara Sis Ganj and Gurudwara Rakab Ganj.
- His legacy influenced Guru Gobind Singh to militarize the Sikh community.
- Commemoration highlights his contributions and sacrifices.