The Sikh National Center Gurdwara in Houston, its golden domes lit under an evening sky

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ, ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫ਼ਤਹਿ

Serving Greater Houston’s Sangat.Committed to the Sikh Panth Nationwide.

Join kirtan, share langar and take part in seva at the Sikh National Center Gurdwara. Everyone is welcome.

Dr. Hardam Singh Azad, Chairman of the Board

A message from our Chairman

“Our beautiful institution’s name carries a promise. As a Gurdwara, Sikh National Center is home to the sangat of Greater Houston. As a National Center, it stands for Sikhs across America, advancing Sikh civic life, education and advocacy, and raising the next generation of Sikh leaders. Every time you join us for kirtan, langar or seva, you help keep that promise.”

Dr. Hardam Singh AzadChairman of the Board, Sikh National Center

Langar · Paath · Weddings · Ceremonies

Book your event at SNC

Langar, Akhand Paath, Anand Karaj and every other seva are booked through the Gurdwara office. Online booking is coming soon.

You will soon be able to book your programs online at SNC!

Until then, the Gurdwara office will gladly book your seva and answer any questions.

Call(281) 894-8484

Emailinfo@sikhnationalcenter.org

See services and suggested bheta →

See what's coming up at SNC

Events & announcements

Happening at SNC

See all

Can't make it in person? Watch live from the Darbar Hall

Begin your day with the Guru's word

Daily Hukamnama

Today's Hukamnama

ਅੱਜ ਦਾ ਹੁਕਮਨਾਮਾ

TodayNanakshahi date

The vaak taken each morning at the Sikh National Center, the same Hukamnama shown on the screens in the Darbar Hall and shared on WhatsApp.

View full size

Today's Hukamnama from the Sikh National Center

Join the sangat this week

Programs

This week at Sikh National Center

Full program & protocol

Discover Sikh National Center

Sikh National Center

Twenty years of seva, built by the sangat

Houston's Sikh community incorporated SNC in 2003 and broke ground in 2006. The Gurdwara's grand opening was on April 26, 2025, with a domed Darbar Hall, a bright lobby and space for the next generation.

2003SNC founded

37,500 ft²Gurdwara building

2025Grand opening

Our history

Grand OpeningApril 26, 2025

Planning your first visit?

First visit?

Everyone is welcome

Four simple customs to keep when you enter the Guru's court.

Dress modestly

Modest, formal clothes show respect for the Guru's court.

Remove your shoes

Shoes and socks stay outside the Darbar Hall.

Cover your head

Head coverings are available at the entrance.

Wash your hands

Clean hands and feet before entering the hall.

Address7500 N Sam Houston Pkwy W, Houston, TX 77064

Phone(281) 894-8484

DirectionsOpen in Google Maps

Help keep the langar going

Your Dasvandh keeps the langar going

Every gift, large or small, keeps Gurdwara Sahib open every day, the langar served and the classes running for the next generation. SNC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so your gift is tax-deductible.

$750sponsors a Wednesday langar

$2,100sponsors a Sunday langar

Monthlysteady support the Gurdwara can plan on

Donate now

$51 $101 $251 $501

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Visit & Programs

Gurdwara Sahib is open every day. Everyone is welcome to join the sangat.

Weekly program

Visiting Sikh National Center

First time at the Sikh National Center? Keep these four customs when you enter the Guru's court.

Dress modestly

Coming into the Gurdwara, you join the Sadh Sangat in the Guru's royal court. Modest, formal clothes show respect.

Remove your shoes

Shoes and socks come off before entering. It keeps the Gurdwara clean and leaves the outside world behind.

Cover your head

A head covering honors the seat of our spiritual awareness. Coverings are available at the entrance.

Wash your hands

Clean hands and feet before entering the Darbar Hall.

Services and suggested bheta

Download the full guide (PDF)

Book these through the Gurdwara office: (281) 894-8484 or info@sikhnationalcenter.org. Online booking is coming soon. Amounts are minimums; the sangat may always give more by their sharda. The Gurdwara Management Committee may review and adjust them.

Quick referenceServices & Bheta Guide, October 2026

Religious ceremonies & services

Service	At SNC	Residence*	Additional bhetas / notes
Akhand / Sehaj Paath	$500	$600	Paathees: $750
Marriage Ceremony	$2,100	$500	Bhai Sahibs (entire ceremony): $200
Engagement / Dastaar / Gur Charni Lagna / Kirtan & Katha	$300	$400	Kirtan & Katha: Family Shardha
Sukhmani Sahib / Asa-De-Vaar Sahib Paath	$250	$350	Paathees at residence: $100
Funeral Services	Family Shardha	—	At Gurdwara or funeral home; Paath / Langar separately
Sehaj Paath Bhog	$101	—	At SNC, on days other than Sunday
Nishan Sahib Cholla Sewa	$750	—	April or November
Romalla	Family Shardha	—	Available through Bhai Sahib on duty

Langar Sewa Two payment options where shown

Occasion	Bheta	Alternative
Sunday	$2,100	$500 + 100% of groceries
Wednesday	$750	$250 + 100% of groceries
Other days (per day)	$500	$250 + 100% of groceries
Akhand Paath Sahib + Sunday Langar (Fri.–Sun.)	$3,100	$1,000 + 100% of groceries
Private function (5 Langar items)	$10 / person	Minimum $500 per event

* Residence pricing applies within 15 miles of SNC and includes $100 for van usage and fuel. Minimum bhetas may be increased according to the family's Shardha.

Service details

01Langar Sewa

Bhetas: see the Langar Sewa table above.

For SNC catering for weddings at SNC, contact the Langar Committee. Langri Bhai Sahib is a capable chef.
Families are respectfully requested to help clean the kitchen, utensils and Langar Hall after the service as Gurdwara sewa. See also 10, Cleaning.

02Akhand / Sehaj Paath

SNC Bheta for service at SNC: $500
SNC Bheta for service at a residence within 15 miles: $600 (includes $100 for van usage and fuel)
Bheta for Paathees: $750
Kirtan & Katha: Family Shardha
Langar: See 01, Langar Sewa

Rules for Akhand Paath

Akhand Paath will be held in the second hall / Akhand Paath room.
Prepare a Paathees list with schedule and phone numbers. One or two family members shall remain in the Akhand Paath Hall and/or on SNC premises during the night.
Maintain a Paath log / record for the Paathees.

03Marriage Ceremony

Marriage Ceremony at SNC: $2,100
Ceremony at a residence within 15 miles: $500 (includes $100 for van usage and fuel)
Bheta for all Bhai Sahibs for the entire ceremony: $200

Booking payments: $500 non-refundable deposit at booking; remaining $1,600 due one month before the ceremony.

SNC's Kirtan and Katha Jatha will perform the ceremony. An outside Kirtan Jatha may also sing Shabads.
Live streaming is available on request. Janitorial service cleans before the ceremony. The facility offers spacious accommodations, paved parking and access from a major highway.
For catering by SNC, contact the GMC Langar Committee. Langri Bhai Sahib is a capable chef.
For outside catering: $300 kitchen use fee; $150 kitchen cleaning fee or clean the kitchen and utensils. Bring all grocery and non-grocery supplies; do not use SNC inventories.

04Engagement / Dastaar / Gur Charni Lagna / Kirtan & Katha

At SNC: $300 Bheta
At residence (within 15 miles): $400 (incl. $100 van / fuel)
Kirtan & Katha: Family Shardha
Langar: See 01

05Sukhmani Sahib / Asa-De-Vaar Sahib Paath

At SNC: $250 Bheta
At residence (within 15 miles): $350 (incl. $100 van / fuel)
Paathees at residence: $100 Bheta
Kirtan & Katha: Family Shardha
Langar: See 01

06Funeral Services

At Gurdwara / funeral home: Family Shardha
Kirtan & Katha: Family Shardha
Other services: See the relevant Paath and Langar sections

07Sehaj Paath Bhog

At SNC: $101, for days other than Sunday

08Nishan Sahib Cholla Sewa

Bheta: $750 in April (Khalsa Divas) or November (Guru Nanak Sahib)

09Romalla

Bheta: Family Shardha
Payment: Golak, or Treasurer / Bhai Sahib for a receipt
Selection: Contact the Bhai Sahib on duty

10Cleaning

The catering company or family providing Langar Sewa shall clean the kitchen, utensils, Langar Hall and tables at the end of service. Alternatively, the family may pay SNC $150 for cleaning.

11Kitchen for Personal Use

Use fee: $100 for up to 2 hours per day; $150 for 2+ hours per day
Cleaning: $100 fee, or clean the kitchen and utensils

Kitchen hours

Monday & Thursday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (morning cleaning)
Tuesday & Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: Not available (Langar Sewa)

Kitchen availability may be restricted on other days due to SNC programs.

General policies & arrangements

The Gurdwara Management Committee (GMC) may review and adjust Bhetas and fees. Listed Bhetas are minimums; Sangat may give more according to Shardha.
Five (5) Piyaras shall accompany Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) for Paath at a residence.
Contact the GMC secretary or a committee member for services. Rates for Paaths, Kirtan, Katha and functions beyond 15 miles from SNC must be discussed and agreed beforehand.
Janitorial service cleans bathrooms Monday and Thursday, and the kitchen on Monday.

We are grateful for your Sewa.

Address7500 N Sam Houston Pkwy W, Houston, TX 77064

Phone(281) 894-8484

DirectionsOpen in Google Maps

Back to home

Who We Are

Sikhs in America, our faith and identity, and what Sikhs believe.

Sikhs in America

The Sikh religion is a relatively young religion that was founded over 500 years ago in the Punjab region, which is now in Pakistan. In 1947, after Pakistan separated from India, the Sikhs moved to India. There are more than 25 million Sikhs around the world, which makes Sikhism the world’s fifth-largest religion. Sikhs first came to the United States in the late 1800s, and there are an estimated 500,000 Sikhs living in America today.

Sikhs participate in every aspect of American life and are very patriotic and committed to the United States. There are more than 50,000 Sikhs living in the state of Texas. Sikhs have a distinctive physical appearance: wearing turbans, not cutting their hair or beards, and wearing steel bracelets as a symbol of strength and the eternal nature of God.

Faith & Identity

Since the formative moments of the tradition, Sikhs have maintained a physical identity that makes them stand out in public. This identity includes five articles of faith — kesh (unshorn hair), kanga (small comb), kara (steel bracelet), kirpan (religious article resembling a knife) and kachera (soldier-shorts) — and distinguishes someone who has formally committed to the values of the faith by accepting initiation.

Perhaps the most visible aspect of the Sikh identity is the turban, which can be worn by men and women alike. For a Sikh, wearing a turban asserts a public commitment to maintaining the values and ethics of the tradition, including service, compassion and honesty.

Who are Sikhs

The founder of the Sikh tradition, Guru Nanak, was born in the region of Punjab, now in Pakistan, in 1469 CE. He lived a life of spirituality, service and honesty, and the disciples who began to follow his teachings came to be known as Sikhs. The Sikh community grew under the guidance of ten saints, also called “Gurus,” the last of whom, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, passed away in 1708 CE. Sikhs now treat the scriptural text known as the Guru Granth Sahib as a living Guru. The Sikh scriptures were compiled by the fifth saint, Guru Arjan, and contain praise of God in poetry.

Sikhism is monotheistic, worshiping the same God as other mainstream world religions. Sikhism preaches tolerance and absolute equality of all people without regard to gender, race, caste or creed. Sikhism emphatically denounces superstitions and blind rituals. The core values of Sikhism include hard work, spiritual living, humility, community service, standing up for justice and human rights, and defending the defenseless.

Beliefs

The Sikh worldview centers on the idea of oneness. Sikhs believe that people of all faiths worship one Divine Being who created this world and lives within it. The notion of divine presence leads to the belief that the Divine is equally present in all people, and that, therefore, every human being is equal in the eyes of God. The Sikh saints, the “Gurus,” preached that you do not need any middle person, like clergy or priests, so each person can connect with the Creator directly. The Sikh religion teaches you to have the Saint and Soldier spirit equally. It also gives women equal rights.

The fundamental beliefs of Sikhism, articulated in the sacred scripture Guru Granth Sahib, include faith and meditation on the name of the one Creator, divine unity and equality of all humankind, engaging in selfless service, striving for justice for the benefit and prosperity of all, and honest conduct and livelihood.

Sikh National Center’s story

Watch: Sikh National Center Houston Gurdwara introduction

Back to Who We Are

Sikh Questions & Answers

502 questions about the Gurus, Sikh history, Gurbani and Sikh life. Tap a question to see its answer.

A Sikh in a blue dastar speaking into a microphone at a sangat gathering

Find a question

Search the questions502 questions

1Name the ten Gurus of the Sikhs in the right order

Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469 – 1539)
Guru Angad Dev Ji (1504 – 1552)
Guru Amardas Ji (1479 – 1574)
Guru Ramdas Ji (1534 – 1581)
Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563 – 1606)
Guru Hargobind Ji (1595 – 1644)
Guru Har Rai Ji (1630 – 1661)
Guru Harkrishan Ji (1656 – 1664)
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621 – 1675)
Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666 – 1708)

2Name the present Guru of the Sikhs

Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Guru Panth Khalsa

3Who were the four Sahebzadas?

They were the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

4Name the four Sahebzadas

Baba Ajit Singh Ji (1687 – 1704)
Baba Jujhar Singh Ji (1689 – 1704)
Baba Zorawar Singh Ji (1696 – 1704)
Baba Fateh Singh Ji (1698 – 1704)

5Who was the eldest Sahebzada?

Baba Ajit Singh Ji

6Who was the youngest Sahebzada?

Baba Fateh Singh Ji

7Name the Sahebzadas who were bricked alive.

Baba Fateh Singh Ji
Baba Zorawar Singh Ji

8Name the Sahebzadas who achieved martyrdom in the battlefield of Chamkaur.

Baba Ajit Singh Ji
Baba Jujhar Singh Ji

9When & where was the Khalsa Panth created?

It was created on the day of Vaisakhi of the year 1699 at Kesgarh Saheb by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

10What name did Guru Gobind Singh Ji give to the newly created Sikh Community?

Khalsa Panth

11Name the first ‘Panj Pyaras’ (The five beloved ones)

Bhai Daya Singh Ji
Bhai Dharam Singh Ji
Bhai Himmat Singh Ji
Bhai Mohkkam Singh Ji
Bhai Saheb Singh Ji

12Name the five ‘K’s that every Sikh must always possess

Kes (unshorn hair)
Kangha (comb)
Kirpan (knife / sword)
Kaccha (short breeches)
Kara (wrist band / bangle)

13Who is the spiritual father of all Sikhs (Khalsas)?

Guru Gobind Singh Ji

14Who is the spiritual mother of all Sikhs (Khalsas)?

Mata Saheb Kaur Ji

15What is the native place of all Sikhs (Khalsas)?

Anandpur Saheb

16What is the Sikh Salutation?

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

17What is the Sikh Jaikara?

Jo Boley So Nihaal
Sat Sri Akaal

18What is the literal meaning of the word ‘Sikh’?

Disciple

19What is the literal meaning of the word ‘Singh’?

Lion

20What is the literal meaning of the word ‘Kaur’?

Princess

21Name the five prayers that comprise ‘NITNEM’ the daily prayer of the Sikhs (according to the SGPC Rehat Maryada)

Morning (Dawn – Amrit Wela)

Japji Saheb
Jaap Saheb
Sawaiye

Evening (Dusk)

Rehras Saheb which comprises Sodar, Choupai Saheb, Six (first 5 and 40th) Pauris of Anand Saheb, Mundawani, and Salok Mahala 2, the concluding hymn of Guru Granth Saheb.

Night (Before sleeping)

(Kirtan) Sohaila

22Which of the ‘Baanis’ of ‘Nitnem’ are not included in Guru Granth Saheb, but are taken from the ‘Dasham Granth’?

Jaap Saheb
Sawaye
Choupai Saheb (included in Rehras Saheb)

23What are the four main apostate acts (‘Kuraihats’) prohibited for a Sikh?

Shaving or cutting of hair
Eating Kuttha meat
Adultery
Use of tobacco or any other intoxicant.

24Name the ‘Five Takhts’ of the Sikhs

Akal Takht, Amritsar
Harmandir Saheb, Patna (also known as Patna Saheb)
Kesgarh Saheb, Anandpur
Hazur Saheb, Nander
Damdama Saheb, Talwandi Sabo (Bhatinda)

25Which Guru started the formal teaching of the ‘Gurmukhi’ script?

Guru Angad Dev Ji

26Which Guru formalised the concept of the shared meal into ‘Guru-Ka-Langar’?

Guru Amardas Ji

27Who was the most long-lived Guru?

Guru Amardas Ji.

28Who got the tank excavated (dug out) in Amritsar?

Guru Ramdas Ji

29Who built Harmandir Saheb (The Golden Temple) and gave a central place of worship to the Sikhs?

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

30Who first placed the sheets of copper gilt on Harmandir Saheb?

Maharaja Ranjit Singh

31Who first compiled the Guru Granth Saheb (The Adi Granth, then known as Pothi Saheb)?

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

32When was the first compilation of Guru Granth Saheb installed in Harmandir Saheb?

1604 A.D.

33Who was appointed the first Granthi of Guru Granth Saheb?

Baba Buddha Ji

34Where is the original copy of Guru Granth Saheb placed?

At Kartarpur

35How many pages does the standard printed volume of Guru Granth Saheb contain?

1430 Pages

36Guru Granth Saheb contains the compositions of how many Gurus?

Six Gurus: First Five Gurus & the Ninth Guru.

37When did Guru Granth Saheb get ‘Guru Gaddi’ (Guruship)?

October 3, 1708 A.D.

38Which Guru was seated on a red-hot iron plate and burning hot sand put on his body?

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

39Which Guru is entitled ‘Shahidaan De Sirtaj’?

Guru Arjan Dev Ji because he was the Pioneer and Champion of Martyrdom in Sikh History.

40Which Guru is related to ‘MIRI-PIRI’?

Guru Hargobind Ji

41Which Guru was beheaded?

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

42Which Guru is entitled ‘Hind Di Chadar’?

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is entitled ‘Hind Di Chadar’ because he died to protect the Hindu faith.

43What is ‘SIMARAN’?

Contemplation of the Almighty God

44What is the ceremony of Sikh marriage called?

Anand Karaj

45How many ‘Lawans’ are recited during the Sikh marriage?

Four

46How much of his income must every Sikh contribute for religious purposes?

One-Tenth (called Daswandh)

47When was Guru Nanak Dev Ji born & where?

April 15, 1469 A.D. in Talwandi (now in Pakistan – Nankana Saheb)

48Name the parents of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Father: Mehta Kalu Ji
Mother: Mata Tripta Ji

49Who were Bebe Nanaki & Bhai Jai Ram?

Bebe Nanaki was Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s older sister & Bhai Jai Ram was her husband.

50Name the wife of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Mata Sulakhani Ji

51Name the sons of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Baba Sri Chand Ji
Baba Lakhmi Das Ji.

52Which Guru established the first Gurdwara (Sangat)? Where & when?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Kartarpur in 1521 A.D.

53What were Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s travels called?

Udaasis

54Name the Muslim who accompanied Guru Nanak Dev Ji with a rebeck (a musical instrument invented by himself).

Bhai Mardana Ji.

55Where are the descendants of Mardana found?

In Ramdas, the city of Baba Buddha, and are called Rababies or the people of Rebeck.

56During his travels, Guru Nanak Dev Ji went to Sayyadpur (now called Eminabad) and stayed at a carpenter’s house (considered of low caste according to the Hindu caste system). Name the carpenter.

Bhai Laalo

57Who was the (high caste) local official there whose feast Guru Nanak Dev Ji rejected?

Malik Bhaago

58Where was the first missionary center (Manji) established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji?

The first ‘Manji’ was established at Bhai Laalo’s house to spread Sikhism in Northern Punjab

59What was the abode of the Jogis (Yogis) of Gorakhnath clan called?

Gorakhmata (later became known as Nanakmata)

60Name the mountains where Guru Nanak Dev Ji met the renowned ‘Sidhas’.

Kailash Parbat (also called Sumer Parbat)

61Name the composition in Guru Granth Saheb Ji that records the dialogues Guru Nanak Dev Ji had with the ‘Sidhas’.

Sidh Ghosht

62Name the so called cannibal that Guru Nanak Dev Ji met during his travel through the wilderness of Assam.

Kauda Rakhshash

63During his travels, whom did Guru Nanak Dev Ji meet at Sangladeep (Ceylon)?

Raja Shiv Nabh

64Who was the founder of the Mughal dynasty in India?

Babar

65Name the reigning Mughal ruler during Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s time.

Babar

66What are the four hymns by Guru Nanak alluding to the invasions by Babar (1483- 1530 A.D.) collectively known as in Sikh literature?

Babarvani (Guru Nanak described the atrocities of Babar and his men in Punjab)

67Where was Guru Nanak taken captive during Babar’s invasion?

Sayyadpur, now called Eminabad, in Gujranwala district of Pakistan

68Where did Guru Nanak Dev Ji meet Vali Kandhari?

Hasan Abdal

69Name the Gurdwara, now in Pakistan, which stands at the place where Vali Kandhari’s ego was broken.

Panja Saheb

70When and where did Guru Nanak Dev Ji become ‘Joti Jot’ (immersed in the Eternal Light)?

In 1539 at Kartarpur

71How old was Guru Nanak Dev Ji when he passed away and transferred the ‘Divine Light’ over to Guru Angad Dev Ji?

Seventy Years

72In which year was Guru Angad Dev Ji born?

In 1504 A.D.

73What was the original name of Guru Angad Dev Ji?

Bhai Lehna

74Name the father of Bhai Lehna Ji.

Bhai Pheru

75Who was Mata Kheevi Ji?

She was the wife of Guru Angad Dev Ji.
She is the only woman in Sikh History whose name has been mentioned in Guru Granth Saheb Ji.

76Name the children of Guru Angad Dev Ji.

2 sons: Bhai Datu and Bhai Dasu
1 daughter: Bibi Amro

77In what year was Guru Angad Dev Ji appointed as Guru?

1539 A.D.

78Where did Guru Angad Dev Ji stay during the years that Guru Amardas Ji served him?

Khadur Saheb

79Who was Humayun, and why was he visiting Guru Angad Dev Ji?

Humayun was Babar’s son. Having been defeated by Sher Shah, he was fleeing India via Lahore and hearing the repute of Guru Angad Dev Ji, came to meet him at Khadur for his blessings, with a good number of presents

80When did Guru Angad Dev Ji become ‘Joti Jot’ (immersed in the Eternal Light)?

In 1552 A.D.

81When was Guru Amardas Ji born?

In 1479 A.D.

82Name the parents of Guru Amardas Ji.

Bhai Tej Bhan and Mata Lakhmi (or Mata Bhakt Devi as per some historians)

83Name the wife of Guru Amardas Ji.

Bibi Mansa Devi

84Name the children of Guru Amardas Ji.

2 sons: Baba Mohan and Baba Mohri
2 daughters: Bibi Dani and Bibi Bhani

85Who was Bibi Amro Ji?

She was the daughter of Guru Angad Dev Ji and daughter-in-law of the brother of Guru Amardas Ji.

86How old was Guru Amardas Ji when he met Guru Angad Dev Ji?

61 years old

87For how many years did Guru Amardas Ji serve Guru Angad Dev Ji?

12 Years

88What was the name of the river that Guru Amardas Ji walked to to get water for Guru Angad Dev Ji’s bath?

River Beas

89When was Guru Amardas Ji appointed as Guru?

1552 A.D.

90Name the eldest son of Guru Angad Dev Ji who struck Guru Amardas Ji with his foot when Guru Ji was seated on Gurgaddi (Guru’s seat).

Bhai Datu

91Which city was founded by Guru Amardas Ji, where he settled down after being appointed as Guru?

Goindwal

92What is a baoli?

A well with steps proceeding down to the water level.

93When was the Baoli (well) with 84 steps completed by Guru Amardas Ji in Goindval?

In 1559 A.D.

94Who established the system of preachers called ‘masands’?

Guru Amardas Ji

95In which year did Emperor Akbar visit Guru Amardas Ji?

1567 A.D.

96Why did Guru Amardas Ji refuse Emperor Akbar’s offering of village revenues for the Guru-ka-langar?

This Community Kitchen must be community supported and depend only on the offerings of the devout.

97What did one have to do before he was allowed to attend discourse of Guru Amardas Ji?

They had to partake Guru-ka-langar

98What were the three special days declared by Guru Amardas Ji when all the Sikhs were to congregate from far and near at the Guru’s place to hear His words?

Baisakhi (April 13), Maghi (1st day of Magha, mid January) and Diwali (festival of lights in October/November)

99Guru Amardas Ji opposed the practice of Purdah. What is Purdah?

Wearing of veil by women

100Guru Amardas Ji opposed the practice of Sati. What is Sati?

The practice of burning the widow on her husbands funeral pyre is called Sati. When the husband died, the wife either voluntarily burnt herself on the pyre of her husband or was thrown into the fire without her consent. In popular term the woman who did perform this act was called Sati (truthful).

101How many missionaries (‘masands’) did Guru Amardas Ji train and sent out to various places? Out of these, how many were women?

Guru Amardas Ji trained and sent out 146 missionaries, out of which 52 were women. (Note: At one time, the country of Afghanistan and Kashmir were under the jurisdiction of women masands.)

102In which year did Guru Amardas Ji become ‘Joti Jot’ (immersed in the Eternal Light)?

In 1574 A.D.

103In which year was Guru Ramdas Ji born?

In 1534 A.D.

104Name the parents of Guru Ramdas Ji.

Hari Das and Anup Devi (some historians list Daya Kaur as the mother)

105What was Guru Ramdas Ji’s wife’s name?

Bibi Bhani Ji. (Daughter of Guru Amardas Ji.)

106What was the original name of Guru Ramdas Ji?

Bhai Jetha

107Name the three sons of Guru Ramdas Ji.

Prithi Chand (eldest)
Mahadeo
Arjan Mal (later became Guru Arjan Dev Ji)

108When and where did Guru Ramdas Ji become ‘Joti Jot’ (immersed in the Eternal Light)?

In 1581 A.D. at Goindval.

109In which year was Guru Arjan Dev Ji born?

In 1563 A.D.

110What was Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s wife’s name?

Mata Ganga Ji

111Name the only son of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

Hargobind

112Name the son of Prithi Chand.

Meharban.

113In which year was the first construction of Harmandir Saheb (Golden Temple) completed?

1589 A.D.

114Which guru taught obedience to Satta and Balwand when they struck work?

Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

115Who was Bhai Gurdas?

He was the nephew (son of younger brother) of Guru Amardas Ji. He was one of the most learned Sikhs and his writings are still respected by Sikhs. The copy of Guru Granth Saheb at Kartarpur is written in his hand.

116How was Bhai Gurdas Ji a relative of Guru Arjan Dev Ji?

Bhai Gurdas Ji was the cousin brother of Bibi Bhaani Ji, who was the daughter of Guru Amardass Ji, wife of Guru Ramdas Ji, and mother of Guru Arjan Dev Ji

117Which Guru initiated Bhai Gurdas Ji into Sikhism?

Guru Ramdas Ji

118Whom did Guru Arjan Dev Ji dictate the Adi Granth to?

Bhai Gurdas Ji

119In which year did Bhai Gurdas die?

1629 A.D.

120When did Akbar die?

October 17, 1605 A.D.

121Under the rule of which Mughal Emperor was Guru Arjan Dev Ji made to sit on a red-hot iron plate?

Jehangir

122Where & when did Guru Arjan Dev Ji achieve martyrdom?

In Lahore on May 25, 1606 A.D.

123Name the Gurdwara, now in Pakistan, that stands at the place where Guru Arjan Dev Ji was martyred.

Dehra Saheb

124In which year was Guru Hargobind Ji born?

In 1595 A.D.

125Name the wifes of Guru Hargobind Ji.

Bibi Damodri, Bibi Mahadevi, and Bibi Nanaki

126How many sons did Guru Hargobind Ji have? Name them.

He had Five Sons. They were:

Baba Gurditta (Born of Bibi Damodri) (Father of Guru Harrai)
Baba Suraj Mal (Born of Bibi Mahadevi)
Baba Ani Rai (Born of Bibi Nanaki)
Baba Atal Rai (Born of Bibi Nanaki)
(Guru) Tegh Bahadur (Born of Bibi Nanaki)

127Name the daughter of Guru Hargobind Ji.

Bibi Viro (Born of Bibi Damodri)

128How high is the tower of Baba Atal (built in memory of Baba Atal in Amritsar)?

It is 9 storeys high.

129Where was Guru Hargobind Ji sent as a state prisoner?

Fort of Gwalior.

130How many princes who were already imprisoned in the Fort of Gwalior got freed along with Guru Hargobind Ji?

52.

131Guru Hargobind Ji donned the sword as a twin symbol of two powers. Name them.

Miri (Temporal Power) & Piri (Spiritual Power).

132Name the fortification that Guru Hargobind Ji put up in Amritsar.

Lohgarh.

133What is the literal meaning of Akal Takht?

Throne of the Almighty.

134Who built the Akal Takht (then called Akal Bunga)?

Guru Hargobind Ji

135When did Guru Hargobind Ji build Akal Takht (Akal Bunga) in Amritsar?

In 1609 A.D.

136Why did Guru Hargobind Saheb Ji build the Akaal Takht directly across from Harmandar Saheb?

To represent the unity of spiritual and secular (military) affairs. Akaal Takhat (miri) was complimentary to Harmandar Saheb (piri).

137When did Jehangir die?

October 28, 1627 A.D.

138In which year was the first battle between Emperor Shah Jahan and Guru Hargobind Saheb Ji fought?

The battle took place in 1634 A.D. The Emperor sent an army of 7000 cavalry under the command of his general Mukhlis Khan to capture the Guru. In the ensuing battle the Gurus forces emerged victorious after the Guru killed Mukhlis Khan in single combat with his sword. This battle marked a turning point as the Sikhs now turned militant under mughal persecution.

139How many battles did Guru Hargobind Saheb Ji fight against the attacking Mughal armies of Shah Jahan?

Six battles (He won all the battles)

140Who were the two masands of Kaabul who were bringing two choice steeds (horses) of high pedigree to Guru Hargobind Saheb Ji?

Bakht Mal and Tara Chand

141Name the reigning Mughal rulers during Guru Hargobind Ji’s time.

Jehangir and Shah Jahan

142Name the person who recovered the Kabul horses from the Mughals.

Bhai Bidhi Chand. (The horses belonged to a Sikh who was bringing them from Kabul as an offering for Guru Hargobind Ji, but they were seized on the way by the Mughals. Bidhi Chand recovered the first horse disguised as a hay-seller, and the second disguised as an astrologer.)

143What were the names of two horses that Bidhi Chand rescued from the stables of the governor of Lahore?

Dilbaag and Gulbaag

144Who recited the correct pronunciation (‘Shudh Paath’) of Japji Saheb to Guru Hargobind Ji?

Bhai Gopala Ji

145How many Gurus did Baba Budha Ji serve?

Six

146How old was Baba Budha Ji when he passed away in 1631?

125 years old

147In which year did Guru Hargobind Ji become ‘Joti Jot’ (immersed in the Eternal Light)?

In 1644 A.D.

148In which year and where was Guru Har Rai Ji born?

In 1630 A.D. at Kiratpur.

149Name the father of Guru Har Rai Ji.

Baba Gurditta Ji.

150Name the brother of Guru Har Rai Ji.

Dhir Mal.

151Name the wife of Guru Har Rai Ji.

Krishan Kaur

152How many sons did Guru Harrai have? Name them.

He had Two sons. They were:

Ram Rai
(Guru) Harkrishan

153Who was punished (excommunicated from the community) for misinterpreting Gurbani and displaying miracles before Aurangzeb?

Ram Rai, son of Guru Harrai Ji.

154In which year did Guru Har Rai Ji become ‘Joti Jot’ (immersed in the Eternal Light)?

1661 A.D.

155In which year was Guru Harkrishan Ji born?

1656 A.D.

156How old was Guru Harkrishan Ji when he received the Guruship?

5 (five) years old

157Which Gurdwara stands at the place of Mirza Raja Jai Singh’s bungalow where Guru Harkrishan Ji stayed when he came to Delhi?

Gurdwara Bangla Saheb.

158In which year did Guru Harkrishan Ji become ‘Joti Jot’ (immersed in the Eternal Light)?

1664 A.D.

159How old was Guru Harkrishan Ji when he became ‘Joti Jot’?

8 (eight) years old

160Which Gurdwara stands at the place where Guru Harkrishan Ji’s body was cremated after he became ‘Joti Jot’?

Gurdwara Bala Saheb.

161What were the last words of Guru Harkrishan Ji announcing the next Guru?

“Baba Bakale”, which meant that his successor is his grand uncle and would be found at village of Bakala

162How many members of the Sodhi family gathered at the village of Bakala claiming that they were the Guru and successor as named by Guru Harkrishan Ji?

About 22 (twenty two)

163Who found out the true Guru in Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and proclaimed him to the world, thus exposing the fake pretenders?

Bhai Makhan Shah

164In which year and where was Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji born?

In 1621 A.D. at Amritsar.

165What was Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s wife’s name?

Mata Gujri Ji

166How many children did Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji have? Name them.

One son. Gobind Rai later became Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

167Who denied Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji entry to the Golden Temple?

The Sodhi Mahants

168At Kamrup (Assam), which two forces made a compromise brought about by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji?

The forces of Raja Ram Singh (a Rajput General of Aurangzeb who led an expedition against Assam) and Ahom King (the local King)

169Where did Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji get a huge mound built in memory of Guru Nanak’s visit to that place?

Dhubri

170Which Mughal Emperor ordered Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to be beheaded at Chandni Chowk, Delhi?

Aurangzeb

171Who were the other three martyred along with Guru Tegh Bahadur by order of Aurangzeb?

Bhai Mati Das
Bhai Sati Das
Bhai Dayala

172How were these three martyred?

Bhai Mati Das: Sawn into two halves
Bhai Sati Das: Burnt in cotton wrapped around his body
Bhai Dayala: Boiled in hot water

173Name the leader of the delegation of 500 Kashmiri brahmins that came to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for help.

Pandit Kirpa Ram (later became the Sanskrit teacher of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and eventually became a Khalsa and died fighting in the battle of Chamkaur.)

174How old was Gobind Rai (Guru Gobind Singh) then?

9 (nine) years old

175Where & when did Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji achieve martyrdom?

In Delhi on November 11, 1675 A.D.

176Which Gurdwara stands at the place where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was beheaded?

Gurdwara Sis Ganj, Chandni Chowk, Delhi

177Who cremated Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s body after he was beheaded?

Bhai Lakhi Shah.

178Which Gurdwara stands at the place where the body of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was cremated after he was beheaded?

Gurdwara Rakab Ganj, Delhi

179Who took Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s head to Anandpur?

Bhai Jaita Ji.

180Which Gurdwara stands at the place where Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s head was cremated?

Gurdwara Sis Ganj, Anandpur

181Who built Gurdwara Rakab Ganj and Gurdwara Sis Ganj in Delhi?

Sardar Baghel Singh in 1790 A.D.

182When was Guru Gobind Singh Ji born & where?

December 22, 1666 A.D. in Patna.

183In what year did Bhai Nandlaal Goyaa go to Anandpur Saheb to pay homage to Guru Gobind Singh Ji?

1682

184Who were the poems of Bhai Nandlaal Goyaa about?

Guru Gobind Singh Ji

185Which was the first battle fought between Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the hill chiefs?

The Battle of Bhangani was fought in 1687 between Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the hill chiefs led by Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur. The hill chiefs received a crushing defeat at the hands of the Guru.

186In which battle did Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Pathans leave him at a very critical point?

Battle of Bhangani

187How many sons did Peer Budhu Shah have? How many of them died in the battle of Bhangani?

He had four sons, two of which died in battle

188What did Guru Gobind Singh Ji give Peer Budhu Shah in remembrance of services rendered in the battle at Bhangaani?

A kanga with some of his broken hair, a kirpan (sword) and a turban

189At the battle of Anandpur, who cut off the head of Raja Kesari Chand?

Bhai Ude Singh

190What was the name of the Sikh who drove a spear into the elephant’s head at the battle of Anandpur?

Bhai Bachittar Singh

191Where did Raja Gummand Chand die?

Battle of Anandpur Saheb

192In the battle of Anandpur Saheb, who gave water to all dying soldiers irrespective of whether they were Sikhs or Muslims?

Bhai Kanhaiya (later became Kanhaiya Singh)

193When and where did Guru Gobind Singh Ji separate from his mother and two younger sons before going to the fort of Chamkaur?

December 20, 1704, at Sirsa river

194Who betrayed Mata Gujri Ji and the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji to the Nawab of Sirhind?

Gangu Brahmin

195Where were Mata Gujri Ji and the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji kept after being imprisoned?

Saman Burj (tower), Sirhind

196From which fort did the Panj Pyare (5 chosen ones) order Guru Gobind Singh Ji to leave for his safety?

Fort of Chamkaur

197Name the two Pathans who helped Guru Gobind Singh Ji march through the Mughal camp.

Nabi Khaan and Gani Khaan

198Who were the ‘Chaali Mukte’ i.e. the forty freed ones referred to in the Sikh ‘Ardas’?

They were those forty Sikhs who first denied Guru Gobind Singh Ji to be their Guru and later on got martyred for his sake fighting near the lake of Khidrana, also called Isharsar, on 29 December, 1705 after realising their mistake. Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed them as Chali Mukte, the Forty Immortals. After them Khidrana became Muktsar – the Pool of Liberation.(NOTE: Some writers also refer the forty Sikhs who got killed in the fort of Chamkaur (‘Chamkaur Di Gari’) while facing an army of one million as the ‘Chaali Mukte’)

199Name the leader of the ‘Chaali’ (40) Mukte who fought for Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Muktsar.

Bhai Maha Singh Ji.

200Who was Mai Bhago Ji?

Mai Bhago Ji led the forty Sikhs (Chaali Muktey) back to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. She had also suffered injury in the battle. Guru Gobind Singh Ji took her in his care and there after she stayed on with Guru Gobind Singh Ji as one of his bodyguard, in male attire. After the death of Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Nanded in 1708, she retired further south. She settled down at Jinvara, 11 km from Bidar in Karnataka where, immersed in meditation, she lived to attain a ripe old age. Her hut in Jinvara has now been converted into Gurdwara Tap Asthan Mai Bhago.

201Who was once boasting about his bravery to Guru Gobind Singh Ji?

Bhai Dalla

202Name the Gurdwara that stands at the place where the younger Sahebzadas were bricked alive.

Fatehgarh Saheb (Fort of Victory)

203When did Guru Gobind Singh Ji receive the news of the martyrdom of the younger Sahebzadas?

While he was in Lakhi Jungle (forest)

204What was his prophecy there?

On hearing the news, he pulled a shrub from its roots with his arrow and said: “thus will this tyrannous rule be destroyed, root and branch.”

205What is the significance of Patna Saheb (one of the 5 Takhts)?

It is the birth place of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

206Who built Harmandir Saheb, Patna (Patna Saheb)?

Maharaja Ranjit Singh

207What is the significance of Kesgarh Saheb (one of the 5 Takhts)?

Khalsa Panth was created here on Vaisakhi of 1699 A.D. by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

208What is the meaning of the word “Khalsa”?

“Khalsa” is a technical term which in the days of Mughal administration meant inalienable lands or revenues directly looked after or administered by the government of the king. Guru Gobind Singh applied this word specifically to those of the Sikhs whom he had baptized as Singhs/Kaurs. To them he gave the name of Khalsa, ‘his own’. (Note that it is not correct to translate the word Khalsa as ‘pure’. The word for pure is ‘khalis’. The word ‘Khalsa’ has, however, been derived from ‘khalis’.)

209What is the significance of Damdama Saheb (one of the 5 Takhts)?

Guru Gobind Singh Ji got the full Paath of Guru Granth Saheb written here.
It was called ‘Guru Ki Kashi’ by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

210What does ‘Damdama’ mean?

Resting place.

211Whom did Guru Gobind Singh Ji dictate the Guru Granth Saheb to?

Bhai Mani Singh Ji

212Who wrote the ‘Zaffarnama’?

Guru Gobind Singh Ji wrote this ‘Letter of Victory’ in Persian to Aurangzeb.

213When did Aurangzeb die?

March 3, 1707 A.D.

214Who was the eldest son of Aurangzeb and why didn’t he become the next Emperor?

Muhammad Sultan died before Aurangzeb on December 14, 1676.

215Name the third son of Aurangzeb who proclaimed himself the Emperor of India after the death of Aurangzeb.

Muhammad Azam

216Name the second son of Aurangzeb who was the heir-apparent and who begged Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s assistance against his brother, Muhammad Azam.

Prince Muhammad Muazzam (later became Emperor Muhammad Muazzam Bahadur Shah)

217In which battle did Guru Gobind Singh Ji lend a helping hand to Muhammad Muazzam?

Battle of Jajau (June 18, 1707)

218In which year did Guru Gobind Singh Ji become ‘Joti Jot’ (immersed in the Eternal Light)?

In 1708 A.D.

219What is the significance of Hazur Saheb (one of the 5 Takhts)?

Guru Gobind Singh Ji became ‘Joti Jot’ (immersed in the Eternal Light) here in 1708 A.D.

220Who built Hazur Saheb?

Maharaja Ranjit Singh

221On the banks of which river is Hazur Saheb situated?

River Godavari

222What was the relationship between Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb?

Jehangir was Akbar’s son, Shah Jahan’s father and Aurangzeb’s grandfather.
(Akbar –>Jehangir –>Shah Jahan –>Aurangzeb)

223Name the cities founded by the Gurus.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Kartarpur
Guru Angad Dev Ji: Khadur Saheb
Guru Amardas Ji: Goindval Saheb
Guru Ramdas Ji: Amritsar
Guru Arjan Dev Ji: Tarn Taran, Kartarpur (Jullunder), Sri Hargobindpur
Guru Hargobind Ji: Kiratpur, Mehrey
Guru Har Rai Ji: Bagat and Chiryaghar of Kiratpur
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: Anandpur (originally known as Chak Nanaki)
Guru Gobind Singh Ji: Paonta Saheb, Guru Ka Lahore

224Name the six forts of Anandpur.

Anandgarh
Lohgarh
Fatehgarh
Holgarh
Kesgarh
Nirmohgarh

225Name the five cardinal vices.

Kam (Lust, fornication)
Krodh (Anger, wrath)
Lobh (Greed, hoarding)
Moh (Worldly attachment)
Ahankar (Conceit, egoism, pride)

226What are the virtuous counterparts of these five vices?

Self Control of Kam
Forgiveness of Krodh
Contentment of Lobh
Love of God of Moh
Humility of Ahankar

227Name Ten historic Gurdwaras in Pakistan.

Bal Leela
Chhevin Patshai
Dehra Saheb
Kyara Saheb
Maal Ji Saheb
Nankana Saheb
Panja Saheb
Pati Saheb
Sacha Soda
Tambu Saheb

228Name the five ‘sarovars’ of Amritsar.

Amritsar
Kolsar
Santokhsar
Bibeksar
Ramsar

229Where has the starting ‘Pauri’ of ‘Ardas’ i.e. from ‘Sri Bhagauti Ji Sahay …to… Sab thain hoe sahay’ taken from?

It is the first ‘Pauri’ of ‘Bhagauti Ki Vaar’ (or ‘Chandi Ki Vaar’) taken from the ‘Dasham Granth’.

230Referring to the daily Sikh ‘Ardas’ where the various Sikh martyrs are remembered, write the type of martyrdom that the following Sikhs underwent:

Bhai Mati Das: Sawn into two pieces (Aariyaan naal cheere gaye)
Bhai Mani Singh: Body was cut at each joint (Band band kataye)
Bhai Taru Singh: His hair was scrapped off his scalp (Khopariaan utarwaiyaan)
Bhai Shahbaz Singh: He and his father (Subeg Singh) were crushed on the wheel. (Charakhariyaan te chare)

231Write the inter-family relationships of the Gurus after Guru Amardas.

Guru Ramdas Ji was the son-in-law of Guru Amardas Ji
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the son of Guru Ramdas Ji
Guru Hargobind Ji was the son of Guru Arjan Dev Ji
Guru Harrai Ji was the grandson of Guru Hargobind Ji
Guru Harkrishan Ji was the son of Guru Harrai Ji
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was the son of Guru Hargobind Ji
Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the son of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

232When was Banda Singh Bahadur born?

October 27, 1670 A.D.

233What was his name in childhood?

Lachhman Das

234What does “Bairagi” mean?

One who gives up worldly life; a sect of Vaishanavs.

235Name the Bairagi who captivated the heart of Lachhman Das and made him his disciple.

Janaki Prasad

236What was Lachhman Das named by the Bairagis?

Madho Das Bairagi

237Name the old Yogi that Madho Das met in Nasik and learnt ‘Tantric Science’ (secrets of yoga and occultism) from.

Aughar Nath

238When and where did Guru Gobind Singh Ji meet Madho Das?

Autumn of 1708 in Nanded

239What did Guru Gobind Singh Ji name Madho Das after administering Amrit (Pahul) to him?

Banda Singh

240What does ‘Banda’ mean?

Slave

241Who stabbed Guru Gobind Singh Ji?

A pathan from Sirhind (sent by Wazir Khan)

242What title was given to Banda Singh by Guru Gobind Singh Ji before he left for Punjab?

Banda Singh ‘Bahadur’

243Who were the five ‘Punj Pyare’ appointed to assist Banda Singh?

Bhai Binod Singh
Bhai Kahan Singh (son of Bhai Binod Singh)
Bhai Baaj Singh
Bhai Daya Singh
Bhai Ram Singh (Brother of Bhai Baaj Singh)

244What were the emblems of temporal authority bestowed upon Banda Singh before his departure to Punjab?

A Nishan sahib (Flag) and a Nagara (Drum)

245Whom did Guru Gobind Singh Ji nominate as the first Jathedar (commander of the forces) of the Khalsa Panth?

Banda Singh Bahadur

246Which was the first town that Banda Singh’s army attacked?

Sonepat

247Why did Banda Singh Bahadur’s army attack Samana?

It was the residence of Sayyed Jalal-ud-din, the executioner of Guru Teg Bahadur, and of Shashal Beg and Bashal Beg, the executioners of the younger Sahibzadas at Sirhind.

248When was Samana conquered?

November 26, 1709 A.D.

249Name the ruler of Sadhaura who had tortured to death the great Muslim Saint, Sayyed Buddhu Shah, because he had helped Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the battle of Bhangani.

Osman Khan

250Who abolished the Zamindaari (absentee landlord) system?

Banda Singh Bahadur

251When did Banda Singh Bahadur attack Sirhind, where the Nawab had ordered the live-burial of the younger Sahebzadas?

On May 12, 1710 A.D. (The battle was fought at Chhappar Chiri, 20 kms from Sarhind.)

252What did Wazir Khan do, and who killed him?

Wazir Khan ordered the murder of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Fateh Singh killed him in the Battle of Chappar-Chiri.

253Name the Sikh woman who had been carried away by Sher Muhammed Khan of Maler Kotla and buried in a grave after she had committed suicide to save her honor.

Bibi Anup Kaur (Banda Singh’s forces dug the grave to perform her last religious rites)

254Whom did Banda Singh appoint as Governor of Sirhind after conquering Sirhind?

Baaj Singh

255Whom did Banda Singh appoint as Governor of Samana?

Fateh Singh

256What did Banda Singh Bahadur name the Fort of Mukhlispur after repairing it?

Lohgarh meaning Iron Fort. (For all intents and purposes, it became the capital of the Sikh territories.)

257After assuming royal authority at Lohgarh, what did Banda Singh Bahadur do?

He struck coins in the name of the Guru.
He introduced an Official Seal for his state documents and letters patent.
He introduced his own Sammat or regnal year from the date of his conquest of Sirhind.
He totally abolished the Zamindari (Landlord) System of the Mughals which had reduced the cultivators to the position of slaves.

258What did Banda Singh Bahadur’s Official Seal read?

Deg o teg o fateh o nusrat bedirang
Yaft az Nanak Guru Gobind Singh

(The Kettle and the Sword, Victory and ready Patronage have been obtained from Guru Nanak – Guru Gobind Singh)

259What doDegh, Tegh, and Fateh mean?

Degh means Kettle (symbol of charity or of the means to feed the poor)
Tegh means Sword (symbol of power to protect the weak and helpless)
Fateh means Victory

260What was the green banner raised by the Mullas of Lahore?

The Mullas raised a green banner, called the Haidri Flag, and proclaimed a crusade (jehad) against the Sikhs.

261What was the new war-cry that Banda Singh Bahadur introduced?

‘Fateh Darshan’ meaning Victory to the Presence. (It was later rejected by the Khalsa since it came to be used for and to replace the old Sikh Salutation of ‘Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh’.)

262Name the Sikh who sacrificed his life when he disguised himself in the garments of Banda Singh Bahadur and seated himself in his place, so that Banda Singh could escape from the fort of Lohgarh and retreat to the hills of Nahan.

Bhai Gulab Singh (on December 10, 1710)

263When did Emperor Bahadur Shah die?

February 18, 1712

264Who ascended the throne for just 10 months after the death of Bahadur Shah?

Jahander Shah

265Who defeated Jahander Shah to take over the throne of Delhi?

Farrukh Siyar

266When were the Sikhs forced to evacuate Sadhaura and Lohgarh and take refuge in the Jammu hills?

October, 1713 A.D.

267What was Banda Singh Bahadur’s second wife’s name?

Sahib Kaur. (He had by her a son, named Ranjit Singh – not the same as Maharaja Ranjit Singh)

268Who was the Governor of Lahore who made the forces of Banda Singh retreat to Gurdas Nangal in April, 1715 A.D.?

Abd-us-Samad Khan (father of Zakhriya Khan)

269What was the Sikh Enclosure at Gurdas Nangal called?

Fortress (Garhi) of Gurdaspur

270After eight long months in the Fortress of Gurdaspur, who had a difference in opinion with Banda Singh? What was the difference in opinion? What happened as a result of this difference in opinion?

Binod Singh had a difference in opinion with Banda Singh. Apparently, he proposed evacuating the enclosure and following their old tactics of cutting through the enemy’s lines for a place of safety. Banda Singh was not in favor of it. Binod Singh, as per decision reached by his son Kahan Singh, left the enclosure.

271When was the Fortress of Gurdaspur captured by the Mughals?

December 7, 1715 A.D.

272Why were the bodies of Sikhs ripped opened?

The bodies of Sikhs were ripped opened in search of gold coins supposed to have been swallowed by them.

273Where were Banda Singh and his companions taken from Gurdas Nangal?

They were taken to lahore by Abdus Samad Khan and then despatched to Delhi under the charge of his son, Zakhriya Khan.

274What was the name of the Sikh who broke the chains around his hands and feet when Emperor Farrukh Siyar taunted him and his fellow Sikhs?

Baaj Singh

275How many soldiers did Baaj Singh kill after breaking through the chains around his hands and feet?

He killed seven soldiers

276When was Banda Singh Bahadur executed?

June 9, 1716

277Name the son of Banda Singh Bahadur from his first wife. What was his fate?

Ajai Singh. The executioner hacked the 4 year old child to pieces joint by joint with a long knife, dragged out his quivering heart and thrust it into the mouth of his father, Banda Singh Bahadur.

278How was Banda Singh Bahadur executed?

His eyes were first removed by the point of a butcher’s knife. His left foot and then his two hands were severed from the body. His flesh was then torn with red-hot pincers, and finally he was decapitated and hacked to pieces limb by limb.

279What is meant by ‘Chardi Kala’?

Exalted Spirit

280Who were the Bandeis?

A division of Sikhs that apotheosized Banda Singh Bahadur and believed that he had inherited the succession of Guruship from Guru Gobind Singh Ji. They claimed that they should have an equal share in the management of the Gurdwaras and other affairs of the Panth.

281What was the group of staunch followers of Guru Gobind Singh Ji called?

Tat Khalsa

282Whom did Mata Sundri in Delhi send to Amritsar to resolve the dispute between the Bandeis and Tat Khalsa?

Bhai Mani Singh and Kirpal Singh. Bhai Mani Singh was appointed Granthi (Head Priest) of Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar in 1721.

283When was Zakhrya Khan appointed as Governor of Lahore?

In 1726 A.D. when his father, Abdus Samad Khan was transferred to Multan.

284How many men did Tara Singh Vaan have with him to face the Mughal army sent by Zakhrya Khan?

22 men. All got martyred fighting the Mughal army in 1726 A.D.

285In what year was the title of ‘Nawab’ and a ‘Jagir’ presented to the Sikhs by the Mughal authorities?

1733 A.D.

286What was the name of the Sikh Government Contractor who was entrusted with the task of negotiation of the Nawabship and Jagir by Zakhrya Khan?

Subeg Singh. He was allowed to sit among the Khalsa assembly at Akal Takht, Amritsar, only after he had gone through the ceremony of exculpation, called ‘tankhah’, for having been a co-operator with the government.

287Who was given the title of Nawab?

Kapur Singh of Faizullapur

288On what conditions did Kapur Singh accept Nawabship, when a Jagir was offered to the Sikhs by the Lahore Governor in an attempt to buy peace with the Sikhs?

Under the conditions that (1) he should be permitted to continue to serve in Guru-ka-langar and (2) to look after the horses and (3) that five Sikhs should touch with sacred feet the Royal Command, both in order to reject it with contempt and also to sanctify it for acceptance

289What were the two divisions of the Dal Khalsa?

Buddha Dal (the army of the veterans) and Taruna Dal (the army of the young). The Buddha Dal was entrusted with the task of looking after the holy places, preaching the Gurus word and inducting converts into the Khalsa Panth by holding Baptismal ceremonies. The Taruna Dal was the more active division and its function was to fight in times of emergencies.

290Who led the Buddha Dal?

Nawab Kapoor Singh

291Who was the head of the Taruna Dal, stationed at Amritsar?

Charat Singh Sukarchakia

292Who supervised both the Budha Dal and Taruna Dal?

Nawab Kapur Singh

293Name the 15 year old boy who was beheaded in 1734 for using disrespectful language for Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Mohammed.

Haqiqat Rai

294When did Diwan Darbara Singh die?

July, 1734 A.D.

295When was the Jagir presented to the Sikhs confiscated?

1735 A.D.

296When did Bhai Mani Singh apply to the Governor of Lahore for permission to hold the Diwali festival in the temple of Amritsar? What was the condition of the permission?

1738 A.D. Bhai Mani Singh was to pay Rs.5000 after the fair, which was to last 10 days.

297Why couldn’t Bhai Mani Singh pay the amount of Rs.5000?

Bhai Mani Singh hoped that he would be able to pay the sum out of the offerings to be made by the Khalsa attending the fair. The Governor, however, tricked him by sending a force under Diwan Lakhpat Rai to Amritsar on the day of the fair and scaring the Sikhs away.

298How was Bhai Mani Singh martyred?

His body was cut to pieces limb by limb.

299Which famous Sikh martyr was one of the 52 ‘Darbari kavis’ (poets) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji?

Bhai Mani Singh Ji

300How many immediate family members of Bhai Mani Singh got martyred for Sikh Panth?

21 (Twenty One): 11 brothers and 10 sons.

301As a result of the renewed persecutions, where did the Sikhs retreat to?

Most of the Sikhs left the plains and sought shelter in the Shivalik hills, Lakhi Jungle and the sandy deserts of Rajputana.

302In what year did the Sikhs attack Nadir Shah on his way back to Persia and relieved him of much of his booty?

1739 A.D.

303What was Nadir Shah’s prophecy about Sikhs?

Nadir Shah told Zakhriya Khan that “The time is not far when these people (Sikhs) would raise their heads and become the rulers of this country.”

304What were the rewards offered by Zakhrya Khan for the capture and destruction of Sikhs?

Ten Rupees paid to anyone giving information which lead to the arrest of a Sikh.
Fifty Rupees paid to anyone bringing the head of a Sikh.

305What was Massa Ranghar known to have done during the persecution of the Sikhs in Zakhriya Khan’s period?

Brought in cartloads of heads of Sikhs

306What did Massa Ranghar do when he was appointed the chief of Amritsar by the Mughal governor?

He held charge of Golden Temple and banned Sikhs from visiting it. He had turned the holy precincts into a stable and the inmost sanctuary into a nautchhouse where he used to smoke and drink and enjoy dance of public women. He also started abusing Hindus and Sikhs of Amritsar.

307Who were the two Sikhs who killed Massa Ranghar?

Bhai Mehtab Singh and Bhai Sukha Singh

308How did they kill Massa Ranghar?

In August 1740, they reached Amritsar. Disguising themselves as Mohammedans and filling two bags with well rounded brick-bats, they entered the precincts of the temple under the pretext of paying their land-revenue. While Sukha singh watched the entrance, Mehtab Singh fell on the tyrant like lightening and cut off his head.

309Where did Mehtab Singh and Sukha Singh take the head of Massa Ranghar?

Budha Jorh in Deserts of Rajasthan.

310How was Mehtab Singh martyred?

Publicly broken on the wheel.

311What was the name of the road that Bhai Bota Singh and Bhai Gurja Singh blocked and charged tolls to travellers using it?

Grand Trunk Road near Sarai Nurdin

312What were the tolls charged by Bota Singh and Garja Singh?

One Anna (6.25 Paise) per cart and one Paisa per donkey-load.

313What was the fate of Bota Singh and Garja Singh?

Since no one reported them to the Mughals and paid their tolls without complaining, Bota Singh himself wrote to the Governor of Lahore announcing himself and the tax he was levying on travellers. Zakhriya Khan sent a detachment of 100 horses to arrest him. Bota Singh and Garja Singh refused to surrender and died fighting.

314When did Bhai Taru Singh achieve martyrdom?

June, 1745 A.D.

315Why and how was he martyred?

He cultivated fields and whatever was produced, he offered to his Sikh brethren in exile. This was considered treason and he was reported by Harbhagat of Jandiala and executed. His hair was scrapped of his scalp.

316When did Zakhriya Khan die?

June, 1745 A.D.

317Who was the successor of Zakhriya Khan?

His son, Yahiya Khan.

318Why and how were Subeg Singh and Shahbaz Singh martyred?

Subeg Singh, who had contracts with government, was martyred under suspicion that he was supplying info to Sikhs. His 15 year old son, Shahbaz Singh was martyred because he refused to convert to Islam under the wishes of this Qazi at the Mohammedan school he studied at.
Subeg Singh and Shahbaz Singh were put on a wheel with slashing knives arranged around it and turned on it.

319What was Diwan Lakhpat Rai’s brother’s name?

Jaspat Rai, Faujdar of Eminabad.

320When Jaspat Rai attacked the Sikhs visiting Eminabad, who killed him?

Nirbhau Singh got onto the elephant of Jaspat Rai and cut off his head.

321What does Ghalughaara mean in English?

Holocaust

322In what year did the ‘Chhota Ghalughaara’ (First Holocaust) occur?

1746

323In the ‘Chhota Ghalughaara’, what were the names of the Nawab and the Hindu Diwaan who led the sudden Mughal attack on the Sikhs as they crossed the Raavi River?

Yahiya Khaan and Lakhpat Rai (Lakhpat was Hindu Diwaan)

324How many Sikhs were killed in the ‘Chhota Ghalughaara’?

At least 7000 were killed and 3000 brought as prisoners to Lahore, where they were beheaded at the ‘Nakhas’, after being subjected to indignities and torture.

325When did Yahiya Khan lose power?

Yahiya Khan was ousted by his younger brother, Shah Nawaz Khan, the Governor of Multan, in March 1747. Lakhpat Rai was also thrown in prison.

326When was Nadir Shah assasinated?

June 8, 1747 A.D.

327Who ascended the throne of Afganistan after the assasination of Nadir Shah?

Ahmed Shah Durrani (also known as Ahmed Shah Abdali)

328Whom did Shah Nawaz Khan invite to invade India?

Ahmed Shah Durrani, ruler of Kabul.

329When did Ahmed Shah Durrani establish his control over Lahore?

January 12, 1748 A.D.

330Who defeated Ahmed Shah Durrani?

The Mughals defeated Ahmed Shah Durrani in the battle of Manupur, near Sirhind, in the middle of March, 1748.

331After his defeat, when Ahmed Shah Durrani left Sirhind, who attacked the Durranis, looting and plundering considerable wealth and horses from the Durranis?

Sardar Charat Singh Sukarchakia

332Who became the new Governor of Lahore and Multan?

Mir Mannu, on April 11, 1748 A.D.

333When was Jassa Singh Ahluwalia born?

May 3, 1718 A.D.

334What was Jassa Singh’s father’s name?

Badar Singh

335How old was Jassa Singh Ahluwalia when his father died?

5 years old

336Who was entreated to take care of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia when his father died?

Mata Sundri Ji

337How long did Jassa Singh and his mother serve Mata Sundri in Delhi?

For a period of about 7 years.

338Whom did Jassa Singh Ahluwalia’s mother leave him with (as his god-father)?

Sardar Kapur Singh. Jassa Singh became famous as his adopted son.

339Who lead the attack on Salabat Khan to liberate Amritsar from under his control in March 1748?

Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. He chopped off the head of Salabat Khan in the battle.

340Name the twelve Sikh Misls (regiments).

Ahluwalia (led by Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia)
Bhangi (led by Sardar Hari Singh Bhangi.) Also called Dhillon Sardars.
Dalewalia (led by Gulab Singh Dalewalia)
Faizalpuria (led by Nawab Kapoor Singh Virk)
Kanaihya (led by Jai Singh Kanaihya)
Karor Singhia (led by Karora Singh Dhaliwal)
Nakai (led by Hari Singh Nakai)
Nishanwala (led by Dasaundha Singh)
Ramgarhia (led by Nand Singh Sanghania)
Sukerchakia (led by Nodh Singh.) Ranjit Singh’s Misl.
Shaheed (drew their name from Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed)
Phulkian (led by Ala Singh)

341What were these Misls collectively called?

Dal Khalsa

342Who was the founder of the Dal Khalsa?

Nawab Kapur Singh

343When was Jassa Singh chosen the Supreme Commander of the Dal Khalsa?

March 29, 1748 A.D.

344What is a ‘Rauni’?

Rauni is a thick boundary wall or enclosure. It is not a fortress or a fort, but is a minor shelter.

345What was the name of the Rauni built in Amritsar in April, 1748?

Ram Rauni, after the name of the fourth Guru, Guru Ramdas. The enclosure was built on a piece of land near Ramsar.

346In what year and who did Nawab Kapur Singh appoint as the new Jathedar of the Khalsa Panth?

Jassa Singh Ahluwalia in 1753.

347Who laid the foundation stone of Harmandar Saheb when it was rebuilt by the Taruna Dal?

Jassa Singh Ahluwalia

348Name the Sikh warrior who was awarded the title Sultan-ul-Quam (King of the Khalsa Panth).

Jassa Singh Ahluwalia when he defeated the ruler of Lahore in 1761

349When did Jassa Singh Ahluwalia occupy Kapurthala?

In 1778, Jassa Singh occupied Kapurthala and assumed the title of king. He also issued coins.

350When Adeena Beg failed in his negotiations with Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, who refused to accept a share in political power or to have an independent state, whom did he manage to net in to serve under him?

Jassa Singh Ramgharia, his 3 brothers and some associates.

351When was Ram Rauni seized and for how long?

The Ram Rauni was seized in October, 1748 by Adeena Beg and Jassa Singh Ramgharia and the seize went on for 3 months from October-December, 1748.

352What did Jassa Singh Ramgharia decide to do?

He decided to desert the royal army and join his brethren Singhs.

353When did Ahmed Shah Durrani (Abdali) invade India for the second time?

December, 1748 A.D., nine months after his first invasion in March, 1748.

354Who made an offering of Rs.11000 for the service of the holy tank at Harmandir Saheb?

Diwan Koura Mal made this offering. The holy tank which had been filled up by the orders of Lakhpat Rai in Yahiya Khan’s time, was dug up and cleaned.

355When did Ahmed Shah Durrani (Abdali) invade India for the third time?

January, 1752 A.D.

356When was Diwan Koura Mal killed?

March 1752 A.D. He was killed by a shot fired by an agent of Adeena Beg during the defeat of Mir Mannu at the hands of the Durranis.

357When was the persecution of Sikhs by Mir Mannu renewed?

March 1752 A.D.

358How did Mir Mannu treat Sikh women?

He tortured them in order to force them to abandon their religion. He ordered the children and babies of imprisoned Sikh women to be speared alive, or cut up into pieces and made into necklaces to be put around the mother’s neck.

359How many years did this slaughter of Sikh children go on for?

Four years

360During the persecution of Sikhs by Mir Mannu what price was paid for the severed head of a Sikh?

Rs. 80 (equivalent to one year’s pay)

361During the persecution of Sikhs by Mir Mannu what happened if a person lost a horse in fighting a Sikh?

The government replaced it with another horse.

362When did Nawab Kapur Singh die?

October 7, 1753 A.D.

363When did Mir Mannu finally die?

November 2, 1753 A.D.

364When was Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia formally appointed as the political and religious leader of the Khalsa Panth in place of Nawab Kapur Singh?

April 10, 1756 A.D.

365When did Ahmed Shah Durrani (Abdali) invade India for the fourth time?

January 28, 1757 A.D.

366What did Ahmed Shah Durrani do to Harmandir Saheb?

When Durrani attacked Amritsar, he destroyed Harmandir Saheb and filled up the tank

367Who was Baba Deep Singh?

Baba Deep Singh was incharge of the Gurdwara at Talwandi Sabo, called Damdama Saheb. He had received baptism from the hands of Guru Gobind Singh Ji himself. He was one of the most scholarly Sikhs of his time and had helped the tenth Guru, along with Bhai Mani Singh, in preparing the final version of the Adi Granth.
On hearing about the desecration of Harmandir Saheb (Golden Temple) by Durrani, he started at once to avenge the insult. In the battle of Goharval, he received a mortal wound, but supporting his wounded head, he went on fighting untill he fell dead in the precincts of Harmandir Saheb.

368When did Adeena Beg die?

September 15, 1758 A.D.

369When did Ahmed Shah Durrani (Abdali) invade India for the fifth time?

October 25, 1759 A.D.

370When was the historic battle of Panipat fought?

January 14, 1761 A.D.

371Why was Ala Singh condemned and fined by the Dal Khalsa?

For his act of submission to the foreigner – in March 1761, Ala Singh was confirmed as a ruler independent of Sirhind in return for a tribute of five lakhs annually.

372How many Hindu women were released and restored to their families when the Sikhs attacked the Durrani forces returning from Delhi?

About 2200 Hindu women.

373When did Ahmed Shah Durrani (Abdali) invade India for the sixth time?

February 3, 1762 A.D.

374On what date did the Wada Ghalughaara (Greater Holocaust) occur?

February 5, 1762

375In the Wada Ghalughaaraa, out of the 30,000 Sikhs, how many were massacred by the Mughal forces?

10,000 (mainly women and children)

376When did Ahmed Shah Durrani blow up Harmandir Sahib with gunpowder?

April 10, 1762 A.D. The tank after being desecrated with the blood of cows was filled with refuse and debris.

377How did he get wounded?

As the buildings were being blown up, a flying brick-bat struck him on his nose and inflicted a wound from which he never recovered.

378Why did Hari Singh Bhangi lead an expedition against Kasur?

To free the wife of a brahmin of Kasur on april 10, 1763.

379Who got the Gurdwara ‘Fatehgarh Saheb’ built at the place where the infant sons Guru Gobind Singh Ji were bricked alive?

Jassa Singh Ahluwalia in 1764.

380When did Ahmed Shah Durrani (Abdali) invade India for the seventh time?

October, 1764 A.D.

381When did Ahmed Shah Durrani (Abdali) invade India for the eighth and last time?

November, 1765 A.D.

382What caused Ahmad Shah’s death in June 1773?

The brick-bat that hit his nose during his desecration of Harmandar Saheb made a wound that turned cancerous and eventually caused his death

383When did Jassa Singh Ahluwalia pass away?

October 20, 1783 A.D.

384What city did Sardar Baghel Singh occupy in the year 1790?

Delhi

385Who did Sardar Baghel Singh’s forces defeat in order to capture Delhi?

Shah Alam II

386How large a force did Sardar Baghel Singh leave at Delhi?

30,000 men

387What is the place in Delhi known as, where Sardar Baghel Singh stationed 30,000 of his troops?

Tees Hazari (The Place of 30,000)

388When and where was Maharaja Ranjit Singh born?

Nov. 13, 1780 at Gujranwala

389What was Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s father’s name?

Mahan Singh (son of Sardar Charat Singh)

390What was Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s mother’s name?

Raj Kaur

391What was Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s mother-in-law’s name who played an important part in his life?

Sardarni Sada Kaur, wife of Jai Singh, the Kanhaiya leader. (She is believed to be the ladder by which Ranjit Singh reached the climax of his power)

392Who was the first wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?

Mehtab Kaur, daughter of Sardarni Sada Kaur.

393What was the name of the wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who gave birth to Kharak Singh in 1802?

Rani Raj Kaur, daughter of Nakai Sardar Khazan Singh

394Name the sons of Ranjit Singh.

Sher Singh and Tara Singh (born of Mehtab Kaur), Dilip Singh (born of Jind Kaur), and Kharak Singh (born of Rani Raj Kaur).

395Who was entitled ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ (Lion of Punjab)?

Maharaja Ranjit Singh

396For how many years did Maharaja Ranjit Singh rule for?

40 Years (1799-1839)

397What diamond did Maharaja Ranjit Singh wear on his arm?

Kohinoor diamond

398Who presented the Kohinoor diamond to Maharaja Ranjit Singh?

The wife of Shah Shuja, the former king of Kabul, whom Maharaja Ranjit Singh released from his opponents in Kashmir.

399Where was the first great victory of Maharaja Ranjit Singh against the Afghans?

Attock

400At Multaan, what famous gun was used by the troops of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?

Jamjama Top (gun)

401When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh occupy throne in Lahore?

July 7, 1799 A.D.

402When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh annex Amritsar?

In 1802 A.D.

403When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh annex Multan, Kashmir, Peshawar, and Bannu?

He annexed Multan in 1818 A.D., Kashmir in 1819 A.D., and Peshawar and Bannu in 1823 A.D.

404In which year did the enthroning of Ranjit Singh as the Maharaja of Punjab take place?

Baisakhi day of 1801 A.D.

405What was the name of the commemorative coin issued on this auspicious occasion?

Nanakshahi Rupee

406How long did the Sarkar Khalsa rule Punjab for?

50 years (1799-1849 A.D.)

407Why was Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa given the last name “Nalwa” by Maharaja Ranjit Singh?

Because he slayed a lion (tiger) with a sword while on a hunting expedition with Maharaja Ranjit Singh, thus saving both his life and the Maharaja’s

408What does “Haria Raghle” mean?

Hari Singh has come

409Which famous Gurdwara did Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa build?

Gurdwara Panja Saheb

410What fortress of great military importance did Hari Singh Nalwa capture?

Fortress at Jamrud

411What is the literal meaning of the word ‘Nihang’?

‘Nihang’ is a persian word which means ‘crocodile’.

412Who caused the Ghazis to say, “Toba Toba, Khuda Khud, Khalsa Shud!”?

Akali Phula Singh

413In which year was Akali Phula Singh made Jathedar of Akal Takht?

1807

414As Jathedar of Akal Takht, what did Akali Phula Singh do to Maharaja Ranjit Singh?

When Ranjit Singh married a Muslim woman, named Moran of Lahore, Akali Phula Singh, as the Jathedar of Akal Takth declared that Maharaja Ranjit Singh is not a Sikh anymore and is a ‘Tankhaiya’ which means out of Sikhism. He ordered the defendant to be at Golden temple before the community. Ranjit Singh came and admitted that he had made a mistake. Akali Phula Singh ordered 50 lashes for Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Ranjit Singh bowed down to receive his punishment. Panj Pyaras were gratified at the submission of the Maharaja and took a lenient view and accepted a fine of Rs. 1,25,000 from the Maharaja.

415Across the river Kabul, there is a tomb (Samaadhi) that still stands as a witness to a warrior’s undying chivalry. Who was this warrior?

Akali Phula Singh

416When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh die?

June 27, 1839

417When did Maharaja Kharak Singh, successor of Maharaja Ranjit Singh die?

November 6, 1840 A.D. (His son, Naunihal Singh died on same day too).

418Who killed Kharak Singh?

The Dogras

419Who was the successor of Maharaja Kharak Singh?

Maharaja Sher Singh became successor on January 18, 1841 A.D.

420When was Maharaja Sher Singh murdered?

September, 1843 A.D.

421Who was the successor?

Maharaja Duleep Singh, son of Maharani Jind Kaur.

422When did Maharaja Duleep Singh accept the Christian faith?

In 1853, Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last Sikh ruler of the Punjab, accepted the Christian faith.

423Who went to England to meet Maharaja Duleep Singh and was responsible for his public renunciation of Christianity and return to the Sikh faith?

Sardar Thakur Singh Sandhawalia. He was the chief agent of Maharaja Duleep Singh in India during his struggle against the British Government in the eighteen eighties. It was he who had provided the Maharaja with important documentary evidence in support of the Maharaja’s claims to his private ancestral estates in the Punjab and had used his influence to win the sympathies of the Sikhs in his favor.

424Whom did Maharaja Duleep Singh nominate as his would-be prime minister?

Sardar Thakur Singh Sandhawalia.

425When and where did Maharaja Duleep Singh die?

Maharaja Duleep Singh died in Paris on October 22, 1893.

426When was the First Anglo-Sikh war fought?

1845-46 A.D.

427When was the Second Anglo-Sikh war fought?

1848-49 A.D.

428When was the Brahmo Samaj established?

The Brahma Sabha, later known as Brahmo Samaj, was founded by Raja Rammohan Roy in Bengal in 1828.

429When was the Arya Samaj established?

The Arya Samaj was established at Bombay in 1875. The seed was sown by the publication of Swami Dayananda’s ‘Satyarth Prakash’ in Hindi.

430Who started the Nirankari Movement?

Baba Dayal, a contemporary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, founded the Nirankari Darbar at Rawalpindi in 1851 A.D. (this body later took the form of a sect.)

431What does Nirankar mean?

The Formless One

432When was Baba Dayal born?

Baba Dayal was born at Peshawar in 1783.

433How did Baba Dayal get married?

Baba Dayal got married in March 1808 (Chet) at Bhera to the daughter of Bhai Charan Dass Kapur. It was the month of Chet which, according to Brahamanical cult, is inauspicious and hence no Pandit would agree to perform the ceremony. Baba Dayal hit upon a new idea of a new and revolutionary type of marriage. Shabads and Anand Sahib was recited and Ardas was done for the success of this “Anand Marriage”.

434When did Baba Dayal die?

Baba Dayal died on 30th January, 1855.

435Who succeeded Baba Dayal?

Baba Dayal appointed his eldest son, Baba Darbara Singh to succeed him.

436What was Baba Darbara Singh’s contribution to the reform of the “Anand Marriage”?

On March 13, 1855, Baba Darbara Singh called a conference of his followers at the Nirankari darbar at Rawalpindi. Here a young couple was united in wedlock by the Anand Marriage by circumambulating the Guru Granth Sahib four times with the tunes of the hymns. Thereafter four ‘Lavan’ composed by Guru Ram Das Ji and shabads were recited. In history, this may be said to be the first “Anand Marriage”.

437Who started the Namdhari Movement (also known as Kuka Movement)?

The founder was Bhai Balak Singh of Hazro but his follower Baba Ram Singh Namdhari gave it a more positive orientation.

438Wnen was Baba Ram Singh born?

Baba Ram Singh was born on February 3, 1816.

439How many Kukas (Namdharis) were blown from the guns?

Sixty-five Kukas were unjustifiably blown from the guns by the British Government in India on January 17-18, 1872, when they decided to march against the butchers of Maler-Kotla.

440When and where did Baba Ram Singh die?

Baba Ram Singh was deported to Rangoon where he died on November 29, 1884.

441Who was the originator of Singh Sabha at Amritsar?

Sardar Thakur Singh Sandhawalia of Raja Sansi was the originator of Singh Sabha at Amritsar in 1873. He was the president of the society and Giani Gian Singh the secretary. (Other prominent Sikhs like Baba Khem Singh Bedi and Kanwar Bikram Singh were involved too, but he was the moving spirit of the body.)

442What were the main objectives of the Singh Sabha?

The Singh Sabha mainly undertook to:

restore Sikhism to it’s pristine purity;
edit and publish historical and religious books;
propagate current knowledge, using Punjabi as the medium, and to start magazines and newspapers in Punjabi;
reform and bring back into the Sikh fold the apostates; and
interest the highlyplaced Englishmen, in and ensure their association with, the educational program of Sikhs.

443When was the second Singh Sabha established?

The second Singh Sabha was established in Lahore in 1879, with Dewan Boota Singh and Professor Gurmukh Singh as President and Secretary.

444What was the Singh Sabha at Amritsar renamed to?

The Amritsar Singh Sabha became the central organization and other Singh Sabha’s became associated with it. It’s name was changed to Khalsa Diwan. Baba Khem Singh Bedi became the President and Professor Gurmukh Singh it’s chief Secretary.

445When was the Khalsa Diwan at Lahore established?

Professor Gurmukh Singh founded the Khalsa Diwan of Lahore in 1886.

446What was the name of the newspaper started by the Khalsa Diwan, Lahore?

A newspaper called the “Khalsa Akhbar” was started by the Khalsa Diwan, with Bhai Dit Singh as it’s editor.

447Name some important works of Bhai Kahan Singh of Nabha?

Bhai Kahan Singh was a great scholar of Sikh literature. Some of his important works are:

Ham Hindu Nahin
Gurmat Prabhakar
Gurmat Sudhakar
Encyclopedia of Sikh Literature (this was hismagnum opus)

448When was the Khalsa College, Amritsar founded?

The main work of the Khalsa Diwan was the foundation of the Khalsa College, Amritsar, in 1892.

449When did Professor Gurmukh Singh die?

Professor Gurmukh Singh died in 1898.

450When was the Chief Khalsa Diwan started?

The Lahore Khalsa Diwan could not survive the incessant shocks of the deaths of Sir Attar Singh (1896), Professor Gurmukh Singh (1898), and Bhai Dit Singh (1901). It’s place was taken by the Chief Khalsa Diwan, Amritsar, that held it’s first meeting on October 30, 1902. Bhai Arjun Singh was elected President and Sardar Sunder Singh Majithia, the Secretary.

451The inaugural prayer of the Chief Khalsa Diwan was offered by Babu Teja Singh. How did he become a dissenter later on?

Babu Teja Singh founded a new association called the “Panch Khalsa Diwan”, which did much useful work in propagating the mission of Guru Gobind Singh, but in the end floundered pitifully in trying to rearrange the text of Guru Granth Saheb by excluding the compositions of the Bards (Bhattas) and including those of the Tenth Guru.

452When was the Anand Marriage Act passed?

The Anand Marriage Act, legalising the Sikh form of marriage, was passed in 1909.

453When was the Kirpan exempted from the Arms Act?

The Kirpan was exempted from the Arms Act (in India) in 1914.

454When did the Sikhs organize a political body of their own?

The Sikhs organized a political body of their own, called the “Sikh League”, and held it’s first session at Amritsar, in 1919.

455What was the name of this new phase of reform that began among the Sikhs?

It was called the Akali Movement.

456At Guru-ka-Baagh, what was the name of the British official who ordered the merciless beating of non-violent, protesting Akalis?

S.G.M. Beatty

457At Guru-ka-Baagh, how many Akalis ended up in the hospital as a result of the merciless beatings given by the British?

904 hospitalized

458What was the name of the Udaasi Mahant who lodged the complaint that the Akalis were cutting timber from Gurdwara land?

Sundar Das

459When was the beating of Sikh volunteers stopped?

September 13, 1922.

460Why did the Sikh Sangat of Panja Saheb want to stop the train passing through the Panja Saheb railway station?

To feed the Akali prisoners from Guru-ka-Baagh, who had not been given any food by the British authorities

461Who were the two Sikhs who were crushed to death under the train at Panja Saheb?

Partaap Singh and Karam Singh on October 31, 1922.

462What does ‘Ghadr’ mean?

Mutiny.

463How did the Ghadr Movement get it’s name?

The word ‘Ghadr’ was the name given to the newspaper edited and published for the Hindustani Association of the Pacific Coast which was founded at Portland, USA, in 1912. The movement this Association gave rise to for revolutionary activities in India also came to be known as the ‘Ghadr Movement’.

464When was the Khalsa Diwan Society established in Vancouver?

In order to fight the unjust immigration laws, the Indians (mostly Sikhs) organized the Khalsa Diwan Society in Vancouver in 1907 with branches in other provinces.

465What was the ‘Komagata Maru’?

The Komagata Maru was a Japanese steamliner chartered by an affluent businessman, Gurdit Singh, to bring Indian immigrants to Canada in 1914. The ship’s route departed from Hong Kong, stopped in Japan and then headed to Canada. It’s passengers included 376 Indians, all Punjabis, among whom 340 were Sikhs. The ship was eventually turned back at Vancouver where landing was refused, and terminated eventually at Calcutta.

466When did Komagata Maru reach Vancouver?

The Komagata Maru reached Vancouver on May 23, 1914. After two months of a heated legal battle, the ship was forced to leave Vancouver on July 23, 1914. Only 24 passengers were given permission to legally stay in Canada.

467Where was the Komagata Maru redirected to when it approached Calcutta?

When the Komagata Maru approached Calcutta on September 26, 1914, the ship was redirected by European gunboats to a place called Budge Budge, about 17 miles from Calcutta.

468How many Indians were killed by the firing of the British troops in the Budge Budge riot?

Twenty-nine fell victim to the bullets of the British officials and 20 died.

469When did the massacre at Jallianwaala Baagh occur?

April 13, 1919 A.D.

470Who ordered his troops to fire on the unarmed men, women and children assembled at Jallianwaala Baagh?

General Dyer

471How many people were massacred at Jallianwaala Baagh?

309 Sikhs killed at Jallianwaala Baagh

472Why did Udham Singh assassinate Sir Michael O’Dwyer?

Sir Michael O’Dwyer used to be the Lt. Governor of Punjab who had approved General Dyer’s actions at Jallianwaala Baagh

473The massacre at Jallianwaala occurred as a result of a violation of a set of laws passed by the British Government in India. What was the set of laws called and why were they passed?

The Rowlatt Act – intended to combat revolutionary struggle for freedom

474Who was elected the new president of the S.G.P.C. (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee) in 1921?

Baba Kharak Singh

475When the Golden Temple, the Akal Takht and the adjoining Gurdwaras in Amritsar had passed into the control of the Akalis in October 1920, who was the government-appointed Manager of the Golden Temple?

Sardar Sunder Singh Ramgarhia

476When was Gurdwara Tarn Taran freed from the control of the priests?

January 26, 1921.

477Who were the first martyrs of the Gurdwara Reform Movement?

Bhai Hazara Singh and Bhai Hukum Singh, who achieved martyrdom at Gurdwara Tarn Taran.

478What was the name of the Mahant who controlled Gurdwara Nanakana Sahib?

Mahant Narain Dass.

479When was Gurdwara Nankana Sahib freed from the control of Mahant Narain Dass?

February 21, 1921.

480Who had the possesion of the keys to the Toshakhana?

The government-appointed Manager of the Golden Temple, Sardar Sunder Singh Ramgarhia.

481In the “Keys Affair”, on what date were the keys returned to the S.G.P.C.?

January 19, 1922

482Who described the return of the keys to the Golden Temple treasury to Baba Kharak Singh as the “first decisive battle won”?

M.K. Gandhi

483What are the most important works of Bhai Vir Singh Ji?

Guru Nanak Chamatkar
Kalgidhar Chamatkar
Baba Nodh Singh
Merey Saeeyan Jeeo

484What title was Bhai Vir Singh Ji given by the Government of India?

Padam Shiri

485Bhai Vir Singh Ji was a reputed novelist too. Name some of his important works.

Sundri
Bijay Singh
Satwant Kaur

486In which year did the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (S.G.P.C.) accorded their acceptance of the present form of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct)?

By their resolution No. 14 of 12th October, 1936. (The S.G.P.C.’s Advisory Committee on Religious Matters again considered the draft in its meeting on 7th January, 1945 and made recommendations for certain additions to and deletions from it.)

487Guru Granth Saheb contains the compositions of how many Bhagats? Name them.

Fifteen Bhagats. They are:

Jai Dev
Nam Dev
Trilochan
Parmanand
Sadna
Ramanand
Beni
Dhanna
Pipa
Sain
Kabir
Ravidas
Farid
Surdas
Bhikhan

488Which Bhagat has contributed the highest number of hymns in Guru Granth Saheb?

Bhagat Kabir Ji (541 hymns out of a total of 922 by 15 bhagats)

489In what year was Kabir Das Ji born?

1398 A.D.

490What caste did Kabir Ji belong to?

Julaha

491What was the hereditary occupation of Kabir Ji?

Weaving

492Who was Kabir’s Guru (teacher)?

Swami Ramanand

493Name the two collections of Kabir Ji’s works.

Kabir Granthavali and Bijak

494When was Farid Ji born?

1173 A.D.

495Guru Granth Saheb contains the compositions of how many ‘Bhatta’s? Name them.

Eleven Bhattas. They are:

Mathra
Jalap
Harbans
Bal
Sal
Bhal
Kulh Sahar
Nal
Kirat
Gayand
Bhikha

496What are ‘Chaupadas’?

Hymns of four verses.

497What are ‘Ashtapadas’?

Hymns of eight verses.

498How many cantos (Ashtapadas) are contained in Sukhmani Saheb?

24 (Twenty Four)

499According to the index of Ragas at the end of Guru Granth Saheb Ji, what is the total number of Ragas and Raginis?

84 (Eighty Four)

500How many has the Guru used?

31 (Thirty One), the first being Sri Raag and the last Jaijavanti.

501Name these 31 Ragas

Sriraag
Majh
Gauri
Aasa
Gujri
Devgandhari
Bihagarha
Vadhans
Sorath
Dhanasari
Jaitsari
Todi
Baerari
Tilang
Suhi
Bilawal
Gond
Ramkali
Nat Narayan
Mali Gourha
Maru
Tukhari
Kedara
Bhairou
Basant
Sarang
Malar
Kanrha
Kalyan
Prabhati
Jaijavanti

502What are the contents of ‘Dasham Granth’?

Jaap Saheb
Bichitra Natak
Akal Ustat (includes the 10 sawaye of the daily Sikh prayer)
Shabad Hazare
Sawaya Tatees
Zaffarnama
Chandi Charitra
Gian Parbodh
Chaubis Avtaar
Shastra Nam mala
Hikayat
Charitropakhyan

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Sikh National Center

Sikh National Center has been organized as a regional and national, religious, social and cultural center for the Sikh community of Greater Houston.

About SNC

Sikh Americans have been growing in numbers and socio-economic status in Houston since the early ’70s; by early 2003, about 5,000 Sikhs lived in the Greater Houston area. Just like other recent immigrants, Sikhs come from all walks of life: medicine, engineering, real estate, education, business and services. Our religious and cultural heritage, and honest, hard work, have helped us greatly to create good lives for ourselves in this land of plenty and opportunity.

After building three neighborhood Gurdwaras (Sikh congregational centers) in the 1970s and 1980s, the community was quickly outgrowing the small, aging Sikh Center Gurdwara. The location was also a concern, because a huge landfill was being developed on the property behind it. Recognizing these limitations, a group of visionary Sangat members began to develop a plan looking toward the next 50 years and beyond.

In December 1999, Sikh Center purchased a 33-acre parcel of prime land on the North Sam Houston Parkway (North Beltway 8 at Fairbanks North Houston, next to Heron Lakes Golf Course) to build a regional and national community and religious campus. Not only did this property provide the necessary room to grow, but it also gave the Sikh community a highly visible presence in this large and diverse city. Part of the vision of SNC is to promote awareness and understanding of Sikhism and our culture, and being in this prime location on a very busy highway has gone a long way toward that goal.

The Sikh National Center, Inc. (SNC) officially came into existence on March 12, 2003, when the Certificate of Incorporation was issued by the Office of the Texas Secretary of State. It was registered in Texas as a non-profit entity under the provisions of US IRC Section 501(c)(3). In April 2003, Singh Brothers, Inc., an organization of about 60 of the Sikh Center members, was formed to donate $100,000 toward the acquisition of the property from Sikh Center, and the home of SNC was secured; at the time, SNC owned 20 acres of the land. Their concept of a distinctive, multi-purpose, multi-facility complex was launched to serve as the center for educational, religious, cultural, social and recreational programs and events for the Sikh community in Houston and beyond. Thanks to the generosity of the Sikhs who took part in SNC’s first major fundraiser, during the Baisakhi celebrations that spring, SNC collected pledges of about $1,500,000 and almost $53,000 in cash.

The engineering and construction phase of this multi-million-dollar, multi-purpose and multi-phase project was launched on April 19, 2003, with the hoisting of the Sikh religious and national flag, the Nishan Sahib. At 10:00 a.m., many local Sikh leaders and others assembled at this future Houston landmark, 7500 North Sam Houston Pkwy West, for the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) Sewa (service). Hymns from the Holy Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) were sung by the Ragis (singers of the Sikh scriptures) just before and during the Sewa, and the Guru’s blessing, Prashad (a sweet pudding of wheat flour), was distributed to all participants. A few brief speeches were given on the vision, purpose and planned progress of the project, and the highlight of the day was a unique display of the Sikh martial art called Gatka, performed by the Meeri–Peeri (Saint–Soldier) Gatka Dal.

The master plan includes the Gurdwara, School, Priest Residences, Guest Quarters, Auditorium, Pavilion, Workshop, School Boarding House, and Museum & Library. PGAL Architects and Sikh design consultant Mandeep S. Kohli from Jalandhar, India, developed the design for the Gurdwara, and the groundbreaking was celebrated on November 4, 2006.

One of the pillars of the vision of SNC has been to serve and educate the Sikh community’s youth. To that end, construction of the Pavilion was made a priority, and it was completed in 2009. In 2014, the temporary home of SNEI, the Sikh National Educational Institute, was opened with a class of over 50 children learning the Punjabi language and music. The grand opening of the Sikh National Center Gurdwara was on April 26, 2025.

For more information, contact SNC at (281) 894-8484.

Grand OpeningApril 26, 2025

Vision & Mission

South Texas area Sikhs resolved in 2003 to propagate and promote “Guru Granth” and “Guru Panth” integration by developing a unique Sikh National Center, Inc. in Houston, Texas. This organization will focus on Sikh religious, educational, historical and cultural activities and programs. It shall teach and practice the fundamental human virtues embodied by the Sikh religion, such as:

SatTruthfulness
SantokhContentment
DayyaCompassion
DharamDivine Order
SuchPurity of Conduct
SmaantaEquality
NekneeyatiIntegrity
SehansheeltaTolerance
NimrataHumility
SewaService
SwaibalidaanSelf-Sacrifice
NirpakhtaFairness
JanhitkaaritaPhilanthropy

Its programs shall draw substance from the inspirational history of the Sikhs, the Sikh scriptures and the Sikh Code of Conduct (Sikh Rehat Maryada), with a cosmic vision to serve the entire humanity. This exemplary “National Center” of, for and by the Sikhs shall tend to the dire needs of the oppressed, the sick, the needy and the hungry. Here the realization of the full human potential will be pursued boldly, with unwavering commitment to excellence in its programs, functions and activities for all ages, with a special focus on the youth and the elderly.

SNC exists to teach and practice the fundamental human virtues such as humility, submission, equality, service, self-sacrifice, justice, compassion, generosity, fairness, forgiveness, integrity, quality, tolerance, kindness, composure and courage. Its programs draw from the inspirational history of the Sikhs, their holy scriptures, and the disciplined Sikh way of life (Sikh Rehat Maryada). The community of SNC is committed to tending to the dire needs of the oppressed, the sick, the needy and the hungry. Sikh National Center endeavors to serve as a community hub where Sikhs gather for worship and fellowship, and for discourse and study of the religious, educational, social, cultural and economic dynamics affecting all Sikhs.

The building

37,500 ft²Gurdwara, phase one of the campus

4,500 ft²Main Darbar Hall under the open dome

2 × 2,350 ft²Side halls that close off for private services

4,300 ft²Langar Hall, with a 2,600 ft² kitchen

The Gurdwara, phase one of the campus, is complete. PGAL, a Houston architecture firm, is the architect of record, and Mandeep S. Kohli designed it. Its domes, stucco and stone draw on the geometry and proportions of Sri Harmandir Sahib.

Darbar halls

The 4,500 ft² main Darbar Hall sits under an open dome, with accessible seating for elders and visitors with disabilities. Two 2,350 ft² side halls can be closed off for private services.

Second floor

A dedicated Akhand Paath room, private rooms with showers for the paathis, and an 800 ft² conference room with a break room for community meetings.

Langar

A 4,300 ft² Langar Hall served by a full 2,600 ft² kitchen, with on-site parking for the sangat.

The phases ahead

Future phases of the master plan will add a K-12 school, a museum and library, an auditorium and multi-purpose hall, a residence for the Head Granthi, guest apartments, a student boarding house and a sports field.

Photo gallery: from the first Nishan Sahib Sewa to today

SNC's Bhai Sahiban

Bhai Amrik SinghHead Granthi
Bhai Hardeep Singh
Bhai Harwinder Singh
Bhai Sarwan Singh
Bhai Deepak Singh
Bhai Manjit Singh
Bhai Sukhwinder Singh
Bhai Harbhajan Singh

Leadership

Under construction

This section is being prepared. Please check back soon.

By-laws

SNC By-Laws

Serving Greater Houston’s Sangat.Committed to the Sikh Panth Nationwide.

Book your event at SNC

Happening at SNC

Today's Hukamnama

This week at Sikh National Center

Twenty years of seva, built by the sangat

Everyone is welcome

Dress modestly

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Your Dasvandh keeps the langar going

Weekly program

Visiting Sikh National Center

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Services and suggested bheta

Religious ceremonies & services

Langar Sewa Two payment options where shown

Service details

Rules for Akhand Paath

Kitchen hours

General policies & arrangements

Sikhs in America

Faith & Identity

Who are Sikhs

Beliefs

Sikh Questions & Answers

Sikh National Center’s story

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About SNC

Vision & Mission

The building

Darbar halls

Second floor

Langar

The phases ahead

SNC's Bhai Sahiban

Leadership

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