Background edit
Sikh Mughal Relations edit
Guru Nanak was born in the year 1469, in the town of Rāi Bhoi Kī Talvaṇḍī in the Punjab region.[1] He was the founder of Sikhism, and was the first Sikh Guru.[1] From a young age, Guru Nanak was well versed in the scripture and teachings of both Hinduism and Islam.[2] Guru Nanak also advocated the idea of a one God.[1] Guru Nanak criticized aspects of the caste system, and believed that anyone, regardless of their caste and gender, could escape the cycle of reincarnation.[3] Guru Nanak would also extensively travel throughout South Asia, the Middle east, Tibet, and China, where he engaged in religious dialogues with Hindu and Muslim religious leaders.[1] Guru Nanak also witnessed the invasions of Babur, and described the cruelty and suffering that occurred during his invasions. The Babarvani (Meaning Babur's command or sway) goes into detail of how every member of society, regardless of their caste, creed, and social standing, suffered because of the invasions.[4]It is believed that Guru Nanak, along with his companion, Bhai Mardana, were captured by the Mughal Emperor Babur after the sacking of Saidpur.[1] According to the Janamsakhis, after being captured by the Mughals, Babur was impressed by the holy nature of the Sikh Guru, and decided to release him from captivity. Guru Nanak however told Babur to release all of the people that were taken as captives after the sacking of Saidpur, to which Babur agreed. Despite this, Babur's memoirs and other writings make no mention of him meeting Guru Nanak, however Harbans Singh states that a possibility of a meeting between the two cannot be ruled out.[5]`Guru Nanak would appoint Guru Angad as the Second Guru, and Guru Nanak himself would pass away in the year 1539.[6] Humayun would succeed his father, Babur, as the new Mughal emperor in the year 1530.[7]Humayun would face a series of defeats at the hands of Sher Shah Suri.[7]According to Sikh chroniclers, Humayun would have an encounter with Guru Angad. Humayun out of impatience attempted to draw his sword against the guru, however the Guru remarked that he should instead used his energy to fight his opponents. Remorseful, Humayun asked the Guru for forgiveness.[7]Humayun was able to regain Delhi and Agra,but he would soon die in the year 1556.[7]
Citations edit
- ^ a b c d e Singh 2011, p. 165-170 Cite error: The named reference "FOOTNOTESingh2011165-170" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ Gandhi 1978, p. 80-83.
- ^ Eaton 2019, p. 264-269.
- ^ Singh 1995, p. 238-240.
- ^ Singh 1995, p. 241-243.
- ^ Singh 2011, p. 182.
- ^ a b c d Singh 2011, pp. 294–295.
References edit
- Singh, Harbans (2011). The Encyclopedia of Sikhism Volume III M-R (3rd ed.). Punjabi University,Patiala. ISBN 81-7380-349-8.
- Gandhi, Surjit Singh (1978). History of the Sikh Gurus: A Comprehensive Study. Gur Das Kapur. p. 80-83.
- Eaton, Richard M. (2019-07-25). India in the Persianate Age: 1000-1765. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-0-14-196655-7.
- Singh, Harbans (1995). The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism: A-D. Punjabi University. ISBN 978-81-7380-100-6.