SIKH HISTORY MUSEUM

A Journey Through Time

1469
The Guru Period

The Guru Period traces the formation and development of the Sikh tradition from the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji through the ten Gurus. It covers the growth of the Sikh community, its institutions, sacred scripture, Miri-Piri, major martyrdoms, the creation of the Khalsa, and the transition of spiritual authority to Guru Granth Sahib.

1
The Birth of Guru Nanak
1469

The Birth of Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is born at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, beginning a spiritual journey that would transform religious and social thought in Punjab.

2
The Founding of the Sikh Community
1500s

The Founding of the Sikh Community

Guru Nanak establishes a community centred on one God, honest living, equality, remembrance of the Divine, and service to humanity.

3
Guru Angad and the Gurmukhi Tradition
1539

Guru Angad and the Gurmukhi Tradition

Guru Angad Dev Ji strengthens the Sikh community and develops Gurmukhi as a script for recording and sharing the teachings.

4
Guru Amar Das and Sikh Institutions
1552

Guru Amar Das and Sikh Institutions

Guru Amar Das Ji expands the Sikh community, strengthens the langar tradition, and establishes important administrative and social institutions.

5
Guru Ram Das and the Founding of Amritsar
1574

Guru Ram Das and the Founding of Amritsar

Guru Ram Das Ji establishes Ramdaspur, which grows into Amritsar, one of the most important spiritual centres of Sikhism.

6
Guru Arjan Becomes the Fifth Guru
1581

Guru Arjan Becomes the Fifth Guru

Guru Arjan Dev Ji leads the Sikh community during a period of significant growth and oversees the development of Amritsar.

7
The Adi Granth is Installed
1604

The Adi Granth is Installed

Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiles the Adi Granth, bringing together the sacred compositions of the Sikh Gurus and other spiritual traditions.

8
The Martyrdom of Guru Arjan
1606

The Martyrdom of Guru Arjan

Guru Arjan Dev Ji becomes the first Sikh Guru to be martyred, profoundly shaping the Sikh understanding of faith, courage and sacrifice.

9
Miri-Piri and the Akal Takht
1606

Miri-Piri and the Akal Takht

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji establishes the Akal Takht and articulates the principle of Miri-Piri, connecting spiritual authority with temporal responsibility.

10
Guru Har Rai and the Sikh Community
1644

Guru Har Rai and the Sikh Community

Guru Har Rai Ji continues the Sikh tradition while emphasizing compassion, service, spiritual discipline and protection of the vulnerable.

11
Guru Har Krishan and Service to Humanity
1661

Guru Har Krishan and Service to Humanity

Guru Har Krishan Ji serves communities affected by illness in Delhi, becoming remembered for compassion, humility and selfless service.

12
The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur
1675

The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrifices his life defending freedom of conscience and religious belief, becoming a powerful symbol of resistance to oppression.

13
The Creation of the Khalsa
1699

The Creation of the Khalsa

Guru Gobind Singh Ji establishes the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib, creating a disciplined community committed to courage, equality and spiritual sovereignty.

14
The Sahibzade and the Great Martyrdoms
1705

The Sahibzade and the Great Martyrdoms

The younger Sahibzade are executed at Sirhind while the elder Sahibzade die in battle, becoming enduring symbols of courage and sacrifice.

15
Guru Granth Sahib — The Eternal Guru
1708

Guru Granth Sahib — The Eternal Guru

Guru Gobind Singh Ji declares the Guru Granth Sahib the eternal Guru, establishing the scripture as the continuing spiritual authority of the Sikhs.

1708
Warrior Saints & The Sikh Empire

The second period follows the Sikh community’s transformation into a major political and military power. It covers Banda Singh Bahadur, resistance and martyrdom, the Ghallugharas, the rise of the Sikh Misls, the capture of Lahore, and the consolidation and expansion of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Sikh Empire.

16
Banda Singh Bahadur Takes Up the Khalsa Cause
1708

Banda Singh Bahadur Takes Up the Khalsa Cause

Banda Singh Bahadur begins a campaign in Punjab inspired by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, challenging Mughal authority and establishing Sikh-controlled territories.

17
The Khalsa Revolt and the Rise of Sikh Rule
1710

The Khalsa Revolt and the Rise of Sikh Rule

Banda Singh Bahadur captures important territories, introduces administrative changes and establishes an early form of Sikh political authority.

18
The Martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur
1716

The Martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur

Banda Singh Bahadur and his companions are executed in Delhi, becoming symbols of resistance, sacrifice and commitment to the Khalsa.

19
Nadir Shah Invades Punjab
1738–39

Nadir Shah Invades Punjab

Nadir Shah's invasion exposes political instability while Sikh groups increasingly emerge as an independent force in Punjab.

20
The Chhota Ghallughara
1746

The Chhota Ghallughara

Mughal forces attack Sikh communities near Kahnuwan, resulting in significant casualties and becoming remembered as the First Sikh Holocaust.

21
Baba Deep Singh and the Defence of Amritsar
1757

Baba Deep Singh and the Defence of Amritsar

Baba Deep Singh Ji leads Sikh forces towards Amritsar, fighting to defend the sanctity of the Harmandir Sahib.

22
The Vadda Ghallughara
1762

The Vadda Ghallughara

Ahmad Shah Durrani's forces attack Sikh groups near Kup-Rohira, causing devastating losses but failing to eliminate the Sikh community.

23
The Sikhs Capture Lahore
1765

The Sikhs Capture Lahore

Sikh forces enter Lahore and establish control, marking a significant step toward independent Sikh political authority in Punjab.

24
The Rise of the Sikh Misls
1760s–1780s

The Rise of the Sikh Misls

Twelve major Sikh confederacies emerge across Punjab, developing military, political and territorial networks that shape the future Sikh state.

25
Baghel Singh and the Sikhs in Delhi
1783

Baghel Singh and the Sikhs in Delhi

Sikh forces under Baghel Singh enter Delhi and establish control over several historic gurdwara sites associated with Sikh history.

26
Ranjit Singh Captures Lahore
1799

Ranjit Singh Captures Lahore

Ranjit Singh captures Lahore, establishing the political centre from which he would consolidate territories across Punjab.

27
Maharaja Ranjit Singh is Crowned
1801

Maharaja Ranjit Singh is Crowned

Ranjit Singh assumes the title of Maharaja, marking the formal emergence of the Sikh Empire under his leadership.

28
The Sikh Empire Expands Across Punjab
1818

The Sikh Empire Expands Across Punjab

Sikh forces expand westward and southward, bringing large parts of Punjab and neighbouring territories under the Sikh Empire.

29
The Golden Age of the Sikh Empire
1830s

The Golden Age of the Sikh Empire

Lahore becomes the centre of a powerful and diverse state known for military strength, administration, cultural patronage and architectural development.

30
The Death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
1839

The Death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Maharaja Ranjit Singh dies in Lahore, beginning a period of political instability that eventually leads to the decline of the Sikh Empire.

1845
The British in Punjab

The final period examines Punjab under British rule, from the Anglo-Sikh Wars and annexation through religious and cultural revival, migration, military service, anti-colonial movements, the Gurdwara Reform Movement, and the experience of Sikhs during the World Wars.

31
The First Anglo-Sikh War
1845–46

The First Anglo-Sikh War

Conflict between the Sikh Empire and the British East India Company leads to major battles and the Treaty of Lahore.

32
The Second Anglo-Sikh War
1848–49

The Second Anglo-Sikh War

Renewed conflict ends with British victory and fundamentally changes the political future of Punjab.

33
The Annexation of Punjab
1849

The Annexation of Punjab

The British East India Company annexes Punjab, bringing the former Sikh Empire under colonial administration.

34
The Fall of the Sikh Kingdom
1849

The Fall of the Sikh Kingdom

The annexation ends the independent Sikh state and begins a new era of political, economic and social transformation.

35
The Singh Sabha Movement Begins
1873

The Singh Sabha Movement Begins

The Singh Sabha movement emerges to strengthen Sikh identity, education, religious knowledge and community institutions during colonial rule.

36
Bhai Vir Singh and the Punjabi Literary Revival
1891

Bhai Vir Singh and the Punjabi Literary Revival

Bhai Vir Singh helps shape modern Punjabi literature, contributing significantly to Sikh literary, cultural and educational revival.

37
The Battle of Saragarhi
1897

The Battle of Saragarhi

Twenty-one Sikh soldiers defend Saragarhi against a much larger attacking force, becoming remembered for their resistance and sacrifice.

38
The Sikh Diaspora Takes Root
1905–12

The Sikh Diaspora Takes Root

Sikh migration expands across North America, Southeast Asia, East Africa and other regions, establishing new communities beyond Punjab.

39
The Anand Marriage Act
1909

The Anand Marriage Act

The British Indian government legally recognizes the Anand marriage ceremony, giving Sikh marriage traditions formal legal recognition.

40
Sikh Soldiers in the First World War
1914–18

Sikh Soldiers in the First World War

Large numbers of Sikh soldiers serve across multiple theatres during the First World War, contributing significantly to the British Indian Army.

41
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
1919

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

British troops fire on a gathering in Amritsar, killing and injuring civilians and becoming a defining event in India's independence movement.

42
The Gurdwara Reform Movement
1920–25

The Gurdwara Reform Movement

Sikh communities organize a sustained movement to bring historic gurdwaras under community management and establish accountable religious institutions.

43
Bhagat Singh and the Revolutionary Movement
1931

Bhagat Singh and the Revolutionary Movement

Bhagat Singh becomes an influential figure in India's anti-colonial movement through his revolutionary activities and writings.

44
Udham Singh and the Memory of Jallianwala Bagh
1940

Udham Singh and the Memory of Jallianwala Bagh

Udham Singh kills Michael O'Dwyer in London, identifying his action with the memory of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

45
Sikh Soldiers in the Second World War
1939–45

Sikh Soldiers in the Second World War

Sikh soldiers serve extensively during the Second World War across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

1469
The Guru Period

The Guru Period traces the formation and development of the Sikh tradition from the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji through the ten Gurus. It covers the growth of the Sikh community, its institutions, sacred scripture, Miri-Piri, major martyrdoms, the creation of the Khalsa, and the transition of spiritual authority to Guru Granth Sahib.

1
The Birth of Guru Nanak
1469

The Birth of Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is born at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, beginning a spiritual journey that would transform religious and social thought in Punjab.

2
The Founding of the Sikh Community
1500s

The Founding of the Sikh Community

Guru Nanak establishes a community centred on one God, honest living, equality, remembrance of the Divine, and service to humanity.

3
Guru Angad and the Gurmukhi Tradition
1539

Guru Angad and the Gurmukhi Tradition

Guru Angad Dev Ji strengthens the Sikh community and develops Gurmukhi as a script for recording and sharing the teachings.

4
Guru Amar Das and Sikh Institutions
1552

Guru Amar Das and Sikh Institutions

Guru Amar Das Ji expands the Sikh community, strengthens the langar tradition, and establishes important administrative and social institutions.

5
Guru Ram Das and the Founding of Amritsar
1574

Guru Ram Das and the Founding of Amritsar

Guru Ram Das Ji establishes Ramdaspur, which grows into Amritsar, one of the most important spiritual centres of Sikhism.

6
Guru Arjan Becomes the Fifth Guru
1581

Guru Arjan Becomes the Fifth Guru

Guru Arjan Dev Ji leads the Sikh community during a period of significant growth and oversees the development of Amritsar.

7
The Adi Granth is Installed
1604

The Adi Granth is Installed

Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiles the Adi Granth, bringing together the sacred compositions of the Sikh Gurus and other spiritual traditions.

8
The Martyrdom of Guru Arjan
1606

The Martyrdom of Guru Arjan

Guru Arjan Dev Ji becomes the first Sikh Guru to be martyred, profoundly shaping the Sikh understanding of faith, courage and sacrifice.

9
Miri-Piri and the Akal Takht
1606

Miri-Piri and the Akal Takht

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji establishes the Akal Takht and articulates the principle of Miri-Piri, connecting spiritual authority with temporal responsibility.

10
Guru Har Rai and the Sikh Community
1644

Guru Har Rai and the Sikh Community

Guru Har Rai Ji continues the Sikh tradition while emphasizing compassion, service, spiritual discipline and protection of the vulnerable.

11
Guru Har Krishan and Service to Humanity
1661

Guru Har Krishan and Service to Humanity

Guru Har Krishan Ji serves communities affected by illness in Delhi, becoming remembered for compassion, humility and selfless service.

12
The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur
1675

The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrifices his life defending freedom of conscience and religious belief, becoming a powerful symbol of resistance to oppression.

13
The Creation of the Khalsa
1699

The Creation of the Khalsa

Guru Gobind Singh Ji establishes the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib, creating a disciplined community committed to courage, equality and spiritual sovereignty.

14
The Sahibzade and the Great Martyrdoms
1705

The Sahibzade and the Great Martyrdoms

The younger Sahibzade are executed at Sirhind while the elder Sahibzade die in battle, becoming enduring symbols of courage and sacrifice.

15
Guru Granth Sahib — The Eternal Guru
1708

Guru Granth Sahib — The Eternal Guru

Guru Gobind Singh Ji declares the Guru Granth Sahib the eternal Guru, establishing the scripture as the continuing spiritual authority of the Sikhs.

1708
Warrior Saints & The Sikh Empire

The second period follows the Sikh community’s transformation into a major political and military power. It covers Banda Singh Bahadur, resistance and martyrdom, the Ghallugharas, the rise of the Sikh Misls, the capture of Lahore, and the consolidation and expansion of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Sikh Empire.

16
Banda Singh Bahadur Takes Up the Khalsa Cause
1708

Banda Singh Bahadur Takes Up the Khalsa Cause

Banda Singh Bahadur begins a campaign in Punjab inspired by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, challenging Mughal authority and establishing Sikh-controlled territories.

17
The Khalsa Revolt and the Rise of Sikh Rule
1710

The Khalsa Revolt and the Rise of Sikh Rule

Banda Singh Bahadur captures important territories, introduces administrative changes and establishes an early form of Sikh political authority.

18
The Martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur
1716

The Martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur

Banda Singh Bahadur and his companions are executed in Delhi, becoming symbols of resistance, sacrifice and commitment to the Khalsa.

19
Nadir Shah Invades Punjab
1738–39

Nadir Shah Invades Punjab

Nadir Shah's invasion exposes political instability while Sikh groups increasingly emerge as an independent force in Punjab.

20
The Chhota Ghallughara
1746

The Chhota Ghallughara

Mughal forces attack Sikh communities near Kahnuwan, resulting in significant casualties and becoming remembered as the First Sikh Holocaust.

21
Baba Deep Singh and the Defence of Amritsar
1757

Baba Deep Singh and the Defence of Amritsar

Baba Deep Singh Ji leads Sikh forces towards Amritsar, fighting to defend the sanctity of the Harmandir Sahib.

22
The Vadda Ghallughara
1762

The Vadda Ghallughara

Ahmad Shah Durrani's forces attack Sikh groups near Kup-Rohira, causing devastating losses but failing to eliminate the Sikh community.

23
The Sikhs Capture Lahore
1765

The Sikhs Capture Lahore

Sikh forces enter Lahore and establish control, marking a significant step toward independent Sikh political authority in Punjab.

24
The Rise of the Sikh Misls
1760s–1780s

The Rise of the Sikh Misls

Twelve major Sikh confederacies emerge across Punjab, developing military, political and territorial networks that shape the future Sikh state.

25
Baghel Singh and the Sikhs in Delhi
1783

Baghel Singh and the Sikhs in Delhi

Sikh forces under Baghel Singh enter Delhi and establish control over several historic gurdwara sites associated with Sikh history.

26
Ranjit Singh Captures Lahore
1799

Ranjit Singh Captures Lahore

Ranjit Singh captures Lahore, establishing the political centre from which he would consolidate territories across Punjab.

27
Maharaja Ranjit Singh is Crowned
1801

Maharaja Ranjit Singh is Crowned

Ranjit Singh assumes the title of Maharaja, marking the formal emergence of the Sikh Empire under his leadership.

28
The Sikh Empire Expands Across Punjab
1818

The Sikh Empire Expands Across Punjab

Sikh forces expand westward and southward, bringing large parts of Punjab and neighbouring territories under the Sikh Empire.

29
The Golden Age of the Sikh Empire
1830s

The Golden Age of the Sikh Empire

Lahore becomes the centre of a powerful and diverse state known for military strength, administration, cultural patronage and architectural development.

30
The Death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
1839

The Death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Maharaja Ranjit Singh dies in Lahore, beginning a period of political instability that eventually leads to the decline of the Sikh Empire.

1845
The British in Punjab

The final period examines Punjab under British rule, from the Anglo-Sikh Wars and annexation through religious and cultural revival, migration, military service, anti-colonial movements, the Gurdwara Reform Movement, and the experience of Sikhs during the World Wars.

31
The First Anglo-Sikh War
1845–46

The First Anglo-Sikh War

Conflict between the Sikh Empire and the British East India Company leads to major battles and the Treaty of Lahore.

32
The Second Anglo-Sikh War
1848–49

The Second Anglo-Sikh War

Renewed conflict ends with British victory and fundamentally changes the political future of Punjab.

33
The Annexation of Punjab
1849

The Annexation of Punjab

The British East India Company annexes Punjab, bringing the former Sikh Empire under colonial administration.

34
The Fall of the Sikh Kingdom
1849

The Fall of the Sikh Kingdom

The annexation ends the independent Sikh state and begins a new era of political, economic and social transformation.

35
The Singh Sabha Movement Begins
1873

The Singh Sabha Movement Begins

The Singh Sabha movement emerges to strengthen Sikh identity, education, religious knowledge and community institutions during colonial rule.

36
Bhai Vir Singh and the Punjabi Literary Revival
1891

Bhai Vir Singh and the Punjabi Literary Revival

Bhai Vir Singh helps shape modern Punjabi literature, contributing significantly to Sikh literary, cultural and educational revival.

37
The Battle of Saragarhi
1897

The Battle of Saragarhi

Twenty-one Sikh soldiers defend Saragarhi against a much larger attacking force, becoming remembered for their resistance and sacrifice.

38
The Sikh Diaspora Takes Root
1905–12

The Sikh Diaspora Takes Root

Sikh migration expands across North America, Southeast Asia, East Africa and other regions, establishing new communities beyond Punjab.

39
The Anand Marriage Act
1909

The Anand Marriage Act

The British Indian government legally recognizes the Anand marriage ceremony, giving Sikh marriage traditions formal legal recognition.

40
Sikh Soldiers in the First World War
1914–18

Sikh Soldiers in the First World War

Large numbers of Sikh soldiers serve across multiple theatres during the First World War, contributing significantly to the British Indian Army.

41
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
1919

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

British troops fire on a gathering in Amritsar, killing and injuring civilians and becoming a defining event in India's independence movement.

42
The Gurdwara Reform Movement
1920–25

The Gurdwara Reform Movement

Sikh communities organize a sustained movement to bring historic gurdwaras under community management and establish accountable religious institutions.

43
Bhagat Singh and the Revolutionary Movement
1931

Bhagat Singh and the Revolutionary Movement

Bhagat Singh becomes an influential figure in India's anti-colonial movement through his revolutionary activities and writings.

44
Udham Singh and the Memory of Jallianwala Bagh
1940

Udham Singh and the Memory of Jallianwala Bagh

Udham Singh kills Michael O'Dwyer in London, identifying his action with the memory of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

45
Sikh Soldiers in the Second World War
1939–45

Sikh Soldiers in the Second World War

Sikh soldiers serve extensively during the Second World War across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

1469
The Guru Period

The Guru Period traces the formation and development of the Sikh tradition from the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji through the ten Gurus. It covers the growth of the Sikh community, its institutions, sacred scripture, Miri-Piri, major martyrdoms, the creation of the Khalsa, and the transition of spiritual authority to Guru Granth Sahib.

1
The Birth of Guru Nanak
1469

The Birth of Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak Dev Ji is born at Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, beginning a spiritual journey that would transform religious and social thought in Punjab.

2
The Founding of the Sikh Community
1500s

The Founding of the Sikh Community

Guru Nanak establishes a community centred on one God, honest living, equality, remembrance of the Divine, and service to humanity.

3
Guru Angad and the Gurmukhi Tradition
1539

Guru Angad and the Gurmukhi Tradition

Guru Angad Dev Ji strengthens the Sikh community and develops Gurmukhi as a script for recording and sharing the teachings.

4
Guru Amar Das and Sikh Institutions
1552

Guru Amar Das and Sikh Institutions

Guru Amar Das Ji expands the Sikh community, strengthens the langar tradition, and establishes important administrative and social institutions.

5
Guru Ram Das and the Founding of Amritsar
1574

Guru Ram Das and the Founding of Amritsar

Guru Ram Das Ji establishes Ramdaspur, which grows into Amritsar, one of the most important spiritual centres of Sikhism.

6
Guru Arjan Becomes the Fifth Guru
1581

Guru Arjan Becomes the Fifth Guru

Guru Arjan Dev Ji leads the Sikh community during a period of significant growth and oversees the development of Amritsar.

7
The Adi Granth is Installed
1604

The Adi Granth is Installed

Guru Arjan Dev Ji compiles the Adi Granth, bringing together the sacred compositions of the Sikh Gurus and other spiritual traditions.

8
The Martyrdom of Guru Arjan
1606

The Martyrdom of Guru Arjan

Guru Arjan Dev Ji becomes the first Sikh Guru to be martyred, profoundly shaping the Sikh understanding of faith, courage and sacrifice.

9
Miri-Piri and the Akal Takht
1606

Miri-Piri and the Akal Takht

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji establishes the Akal Takht and articulates the principle of Miri-Piri, connecting spiritual authority with temporal responsibility.

10
Guru Har Rai and the Sikh Community
1644

Guru Har Rai and the Sikh Community

Guru Har Rai Ji continues the Sikh tradition while emphasizing compassion, service, spiritual discipline and protection of the vulnerable.

11
Guru Har Krishan and Service to Humanity
1661

Guru Har Krishan and Service to Humanity

Guru Har Krishan Ji serves communities affected by illness in Delhi, becoming remembered for compassion, humility and selfless service.

12
The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur
1675

The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji sacrifices his life defending freedom of conscience and religious belief, becoming a powerful symbol of resistance to oppression.

13
The Creation of the Khalsa
1699

The Creation of the Khalsa

Guru Gobind Singh Ji establishes the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib, creating a disciplined community committed to courage, equality and spiritual sovereignty.

14
The Sahibzade and the Great Martyrdoms
1705

The Sahibzade and the Great Martyrdoms

The younger Sahibzade are executed at Sirhind while the elder Sahibzade die in battle, becoming enduring symbols of courage and sacrifice.

15
Guru Granth Sahib — The Eternal Guru
1708

Guru Granth Sahib — The Eternal Guru

Guru Gobind Singh Ji declares the Guru Granth Sahib the eternal Guru, establishing the scripture as the continuing spiritual authority of the Sikhs.

1708
Warrior Saints & The Sikh Empire

The second period follows the Sikh community’s transformation into a major political and military power. It covers Banda Singh Bahadur, resistance and martyrdom, the Ghallugharas, the rise of the Sikh Misls, the capture of Lahore, and the consolidation and expansion of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Sikh Empire.

16
Banda Singh Bahadur Takes Up the Khalsa Cause
1708

Banda Singh Bahadur Takes Up the Khalsa Cause

Banda Singh Bahadur begins a campaign in Punjab inspired by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, challenging Mughal authority and establishing Sikh-controlled territories.

17
The Khalsa Revolt and the Rise of Sikh Rule
1710

The Khalsa Revolt and the Rise of Sikh Rule

Banda Singh Bahadur captures important territories, introduces administrative changes and establishes an early form of Sikh political authority.

18
The Martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur
1716

The Martyrdom of Banda Singh Bahadur

Banda Singh Bahadur and his companions are executed in Delhi, becoming symbols of resistance, sacrifice and commitment to the Khalsa.

19
Nadir Shah Invades Punjab
1738–39

Nadir Shah Invades Punjab

Nadir Shah's invasion exposes political instability while Sikh groups increasingly emerge as an independent force in Punjab.

20
The Chhota Ghallughara
1746

The Chhota Ghallughara

Mughal forces attack Sikh communities near Kahnuwan, resulting in significant casualties and becoming remembered as the First Sikh Holocaust.

21
Baba Deep Singh and the Defence of Amritsar
1757

Baba Deep Singh and the Defence of Amritsar

Baba Deep Singh Ji leads Sikh forces towards Amritsar, fighting to defend the sanctity of the Harmandir Sahib.

22
The Vadda Ghallughara
1762

The Vadda Ghallughara

Ahmad Shah Durrani's forces attack Sikh groups near Kup-Rohira, causing devastating losses but failing to eliminate the Sikh community.

23
The Sikhs Capture Lahore
1765

The Sikhs Capture Lahore

Sikh forces enter Lahore and establish control, marking a significant step toward independent Sikh political authority in Punjab.

24
The Rise of the Sikh Misls
1760s–1780s

The Rise of the Sikh Misls

Twelve major Sikh confederacies emerge across Punjab, developing military, political and territorial networks that shape the future Sikh state.

25
Baghel Singh and the Sikhs in Delhi
1783

Baghel Singh and the Sikhs in Delhi

Sikh forces under Baghel Singh enter Delhi and establish control over several historic gurdwara sites associated with Sikh history.

26
Ranjit Singh Captures Lahore
1799

Ranjit Singh Captures Lahore

Ranjit Singh captures Lahore, establishing the political centre from which he would consolidate territories across Punjab.

27
Maharaja Ranjit Singh is Crowned
1801

Maharaja Ranjit Singh is Crowned

Ranjit Singh assumes the title of Maharaja, marking the formal emergence of the Sikh Empire under his leadership.

28
The Sikh Empire Expands Across Punjab
1818

The Sikh Empire Expands Across Punjab

Sikh forces expand westward and southward, bringing large parts of Punjab and neighbouring territories under the Sikh Empire.

29
The Golden Age of the Sikh Empire
1830s

The Golden Age of the Sikh Empire

Lahore becomes the centre of a powerful and diverse state known for military strength, administration, cultural patronage and architectural development.

30
The Death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
1839

The Death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Maharaja Ranjit Singh dies in Lahore, beginning a period of political instability that eventually leads to the decline of the Sikh Empire.

1845
The British in Punjab

The final period examines Punjab under British rule, from the Anglo-Sikh Wars and annexation through religious and cultural revival, migration, military service, anti-colonial movements, the Gurdwara Reform Movement, and the experience of Sikhs during the World Wars.

31
The First Anglo-Sikh War
1845–46

The First Anglo-Sikh War

Conflict between the Sikh Empire and the British East India Company leads to major battles and the Treaty of Lahore.

32
The Second Anglo-Sikh War
1848–49

The Second Anglo-Sikh War

Renewed conflict ends with British victory and fundamentally changes the political future of Punjab.

33
The Annexation of Punjab
1849

The Annexation of Punjab

The British East India Company annexes Punjab, bringing the former Sikh Empire under colonial administration.

34
The Fall of the Sikh Kingdom
1849

The Fall of the Sikh Kingdom

The annexation ends the independent Sikh state and begins a new era of political, economic and social transformation.

35
The Singh Sabha Movement Begins
1873

The Singh Sabha Movement Begins

The Singh Sabha movement emerges to strengthen Sikh identity, education, religious knowledge and community institutions during colonial rule.

36
Bhai Vir Singh and the Punjabi Literary Revival
1891

Bhai Vir Singh and the Punjabi Literary Revival

Bhai Vir Singh helps shape modern Punjabi literature, contributing significantly to Sikh literary, cultural and educational revival.

37
The Battle of Saragarhi
1897

The Battle of Saragarhi

Twenty-one Sikh soldiers defend Saragarhi against a much larger attacking force, becoming remembered for their resistance and sacrifice.

38
The Sikh Diaspora Takes Root
1905–12

The Sikh Diaspora Takes Root

Sikh migration expands across North America, Southeast Asia, East Africa and other regions, establishing new communities beyond Punjab.

39
The Anand Marriage Act
1909

The Anand Marriage Act

The British Indian government legally recognizes the Anand marriage ceremony, giving Sikh marriage traditions formal legal recognition.

40
Sikh Soldiers in the First World War
1914–18

Sikh Soldiers in the First World War

Large numbers of Sikh soldiers serve across multiple theatres during the First World War, contributing significantly to the British Indian Army.

41
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
1919

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

British troops fire on a gathering in Amritsar, killing and injuring civilians and becoming a defining event in India's independence movement.

42
The Gurdwara Reform Movement
1920–25

The Gurdwara Reform Movement

Sikh communities organize a sustained movement to bring historic gurdwaras under community management and establish accountable religious institutions.

43
Bhagat Singh and the Revolutionary Movement
1931

Bhagat Singh and the Revolutionary Movement

Bhagat Singh becomes an influential figure in India's anti-colonial movement through his revolutionary activities and writings.

44
Udham Singh and the Memory of Jallianwala Bagh
1940

Udham Singh and the Memory of Jallianwala Bagh

Udham Singh kills Michael O'Dwyer in London, identifying his action with the memory of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

45
Sikh Soldiers in the Second World War
1939–45

Sikh Soldiers in the Second World War

Sikh soldiers serve extensively during the Second World War across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Standard
1469

1945 · The Story Continues