The Sikhs

In the mid 15th century, in the region of Punjab Guru Nanak founded Sikhism, the youngest major religion in the world, which is just over 500 years old. During this time period, the two largest religions in the region were Hinduism and Islam. Guru Nanak travelled all over the asia to aid and educate numerous people from all walks of life on his teachings on the equality of all men and women no matter what their religion, race or gender. He taught us to defend the weak and never give in to the oppressor under any circumstances.

Throughout his journies, Guru Nanak came across many people and spread the name of God. Before his passing Guruship (spiritual and temporal Authority) was passed on to Guru Angad Sahib and later onto Guru Amar Das Sahib. The Forth Guru Ram Sahib, and Fifth Guru Arjandev Sahib, whose lifetime was spent keeping oppressors of humanity at bay, later he was tortured to death at the hands of Moguls for his unwillingness to convert to Islam.

In the 17th century the sixth, Guru Hargobind Sahib introduced sovereignty into Sikhism through Gatka. The martial art of Gatka was implemented into the training of the Sikh armies to fight against future threat to the people of any region. Gatka is a martial art which for the Sikhs at least has its origins in Punjab, which is now located in Northwest of India.

Click on the links below for more information about Sikhism, the religion behind Gatka.

www.sikhnet.com
www.srigurugranthsahib.org