Sikh Sect Archives

Consider the following statements:

1. The early Sikh Gurus were religious preachers and did not interfere in politics but Guru Arjan extended his good wishes for the rebel prince Khusrau.
2. Guru Arjan attempted to organize the finances by introducing the system of more or less compulsory tribute’ to be collected by his agents called Masands.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2021

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The correct answer is (C) Both 1 and 2.

Statement 1 is correct. The early Sikh Gurus primarily focused on spiritual and religious teachings. Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru, did extend blessings to Prince Khusrau when he rebelled against his father, Emperor Jahangir. This act was seen as supporting a rebel and contributed to Guru Arjan’s subsequent persecution and martyrdom by Jahangir.
Statement 2 is also correct. Guru Arjan Dev played a crucial role in organizing the Sikh community’s finances. He systematized the collection of Dasvandh (a tenth of one’s income), which Sikhs were encouraged to contribute. He appointed Masands (local representatives) in different areas to collect these contributions and forward them to the Guru. While initially a voluntary contribution, the system developed into a structured and expected form of collection, which some later described as ‘more or less compulsory tribute’.

The Masand system helped in unifying the community and funding the Guru’s activities, including building Gurdwaras and managing community kitchens (Langar). However, the system eventually suffered from corruption, leading Guru Gobind Singh (the tenth Guru) to abolish it.

The rules for congregational worship (Sangat) involving collective recitation were organized by

Guru Nanak

Guru Angad

Guru Arjan

Guru Govind Singh

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CDS-2 – 2021

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Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, established the institutions of ‘Sangat’ (congregational worship) and ‘Pangat’ (community dining or Langar). He organized the disciples into congregations for collective worship, including the recitation of hymns (Gurbani) and singing of Kirtan, which formed the basis of Sikh devotional practice.

Sangat became the basic unit of Sikh religious and social life, providing a space for collective spiritual practice, learning, and decision-making, emphasizing equality among all participants regardless of caste, creed, or social status.

While subsequent Gurus further developed and consolidated the practices and institutions of Sikhism, the foundational organization of congregational worship and the concept of Sangat itself originated with Guru Nanak as part of the early establishment of the Sikh community.

1. Consider the following statements: 1. The early Sikh Gurus were rel

2. The rules for congregational worship (Sangat) involving collective rec