Hi there! I'm Dr. Singh, a scholar of Sikh history and religion. It's a pleasure to delve into the fascinating timeline of the Sikh faith with you.

Let's explore the question, "How old are the Sikhs?":

While the question seems straightforward, pinning down an exact age depends on how we define "Sikhs" and what we consider the faith's starting point.

**1. Guru Nanak and the Birth of Sikhism (1469-1539 CE):**

Most scholars trace the origins of Sikhism to the birth of **<font color='red'>Guru Nanak Dev Ji</font>** in 1469 CE. His teachings, emphasizing **<font color='red'>oneness of God, equality for all, and rejection of rituals and caste systems</font>**, formed the bedrock of Sikh philosophy. However, during Guru Nanak's lifetime, the term "Sikh" wasn't used to denote a distinct religious group. Instead, it referred to "disciples" or "learners" who followed his teachings.

**2. The Evolution of Sikh Identity (1539-1606 CE):**

Following Guru Nanak, nine more Gurus led the community. Each Guru built upon the previous teachings, further solidifying Sikh identity. The fifth Guru, **<font color='red'>Guru Arjan Dev Ji</font>**, played a pivotal role in formalizing Sikh practices:

* **<font color='red'>Adi Granth</font>**: He compiled the sacred scriptures, including hymns of the Gurus and other saints, which later became the **<font color='red'>Guru Granth Sahib</font>**, the Sikh holy book.
* **<font color='red'>Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)</font>**: He initiated the construction of the holiest shrine in Sikhism.

**3. The Khalsa and Formalization of Sikh Identity (1699 CE):**

The year 1699 marks a significant turning point. The tenth Guru, **<font color='red'>Guru Gobind Singh Ji</font>**, established the **<font color='red'>Khalsa Panth</font>**, the "Order of the Pure." He laid down a strict code of conduct for the Khalsa, emphasizing spiritual discipline and martial courage. It was also during this time that the five Ks, outward symbols of Sikh identity, were established:

* **<font color='red'>Kesh</font>** (uncut hair)
* **<font color='red'>Kangha</font>** (wooden comb)
* **<font color='red'>Kara</font>** (iron bracelet)
* **<font color='red'>Kirpan</font>** (ceremonial dagger)
* **<font color='red'>Kachera</font>** (special undergarment)

The establishment of the Khalsa marked a distinct shift. From being disciples, Sikhs now embodied a unique religious and social identity.

Conclusion:

So, how old are the Sikhs?

* **From the perspective of philosophical origins**: We can trace the roots back over 550 years to Guru Nanak's birth in 1469 CE.
* **Considering the formalization of religious identity**: We can mark the establishment of the Khalsa in 1699 CE as the definitive moment, making Sikhism over 320 years old.

Ultimately, the age of Sikhism is less about pinpointing an exact year and more about understanding the gradual evolution of a vibrant faith. From Guru Nanak's teachings to the Khalsa's formation, Sikhism's journey reflects a continuous commitment to its core values of equality, service, and devotion.
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Sikhism 101: Facts, History, Beliefs, Gurus, Traditions, And Signs Of The Faith. (RNS) Sikhism is the world's fifth-largest religion, a monotheistic faith founded in the Punjab region of India about 500 years ago. Most of the world's 25 million Sikhs live in India, but more than 500,000 make the U.S. their home.read more >>