State PCS - JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKAS)

• 24 Nov 2025

Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day

Why in News?

The President of India paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on the occasion of his 350th Martyrdom Day on 24th November 2025.

• He was executed by Aurangzeb on 24th November 1675, for defending Kashmiri Pandits against forced religious conversion, and the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi's Chandni Chowk marks the site of his execution.

Key Points

• Early Life: Born in the year 1621 in Amritsar, Guru Tegh Bahadur was initially known as Tyagmal due to his ascetic nature. Trained in religious philosophy and martial skills, he was awarded the title “Tegh Bahadur” for his bravery in battle.
• Contribution: He became the 9th Sikh Guru in 1664 after Guru Harkishan. In 1665, he founded Anandpur Sahib and contributed more than 700 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, focusing on equality, justice, and devotion.
• Legacy: He opposed forced religious conversions during Aurangzeb’s reign and encouraged fearlessness (Nirbhau) and compassion (Nirvair) among his followers.
  • He is revered for defending freedom of religion and conscience earning him the title “Hind-di Chadar” (Shield of India).

Ten Gurus of Sikhism
Guru Nanak Dev (1469–1539)	• First Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism. • Initiated ‘Guru ka Langar’ • Contemporary of Babur • Kartarpur Corridor was inaugurated on his 550th birth anniversary
Guru Angad (1504–1552)	• Invented the Gurmukhi script • Popularized the practice of ‘Guru ka Langar’
Guru Amar Das (1479–1574)	• Introduced the Anand Karaj marriage ceremony• Abolished sati and purdah practices among Sikhs• Contemporary of Akbar
Guru Ram Das (1534–1581)	• Founded Amritsar in 1577 • Began the extraction and construction of the Holy Tank (Sarovar) at the site of the Golden Temple.
Guru Arjan Dev (1563–1606)	• Compiled the Adi Granth in 1604• Completed the Golden Temple’s construction• Known as ‘Shaheeden-de-Sartaj’• Executed by Jahangir for helping Prince Khusrau
Guru Hargobind (1594–1644)	• Transformed Sikhs into a martial community• Known as the “Soldier Saint”• Established the Akal Takht in Amritsar
Guru Har Rai (1630–1661)	• Peace-loving Guru• Dedicated his life to missionary work and maintaining the Sikh army. Met with Dara Shikoh (Aurangzeb’s brother).
Guru Harkishan (1656–1664)	• Youngest Sikh Guru, became Guru at age 5• Summoned by Aurangzeb
Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675)	• Founded Anandpur Sahib• Opposed forced conversions under Aurangzeb• Martyred in 1675 for defending Kashmiri Pandits
Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708)	• Founded the Khalsa in 1699• Introduced the initiation ceremony “Pahul”• Last human Sikh Guru  and the Five Ks• Declared Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru