Guru Nanak Born
Guru Nanak Dev Ji is born in Talwandi (modern Pakistan). From childhood he questions religious rituals and caste distinctions, seeking the one God.
Guru Nanak's Revelation
After disappearing in a river for three days, Guru Nanak emerges with a divine message: 'There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim.' Sikhism is born.
Second Guru Appointed
Guru Nanak appoints Bhai Lehna as his successor — Guru Angad Dev Ji. The tradition of the 10 Gurus begins.
Adi Granth Compiled
Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiles the Adi Granth — the first version of the Sikh holy scripture — and installs it in the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Guru Arjan's Martyrdom
Guru Arjan is tortured and executed by Mughal Emperor Jahangir — the first Sikh martyr. Sikhism's identity of standing against injustice is cemented.
Khalsa Founded
Guru Gobind Singh Ji creates the Khalsa — the community of initiated Sikhs — at Baisakhi. The Five Ks are instituted as markers of Sikh identity.
Guru Granth Sahib Becomes Eternal Guru
Guru Gobind Singh Ji declares the Guru Granth Sahib the eternal living Guru. There will be no human successor — the scripture itself leads the community.
Sikh Empire Founded
Maharaja Ranjit Singh unifies the Punjab and establishes the Sikh Empire — one of the last great powers to fall to British colonialism.
Partition of Punjab
The 1947 partition of India splits the Punjabi homeland between India and Pakistan, displacing millions of Sikhs in one of history's great tragedies.
Operation Blue Star
Indian Army raids the Golden Temple. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is later assassinated. Anti-Sikh riots kill thousands. A defining modern trauma.