Abu Muzaffar Muhiuddin Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir (Persian: ابو مظفر محی الدین محمد اورنگزیب عالمگیر) (November 3, 1618 – March 3, 1707), usually known as Aurangzeb, but also sometimes as Alamgir I, was the ruler of the Mughal Empire from 1658 until 1707. He was and is a very controversial figure in Indian history. Unlike his predecessors, Aurangzeb led a remarkably austere and pious life. Strict adherence to Islam and Sharia (Islamic law)—as he interpreted them—were ...

Including:

• Aurangzeb - Rise to throne
• Aurangzeb - Early life
• Aurangzeb - War of succession
• Aurangzeb - Aurangzeb's Reign
• Aurangzeb - Enforcement of Islamic law
• Aurangzeb - Expansion of the empire
• Aurangzeb - Conversion of non-Muslims
• Aurangzeb - Hindu temple desecration
• Aurangzeb - Impact of Aurangzeb's reign
• Aurangzeb - Hindu rebellion
• Aurangzeb - The Deccan wars and the rise of the Marathas
• Aurangzeb - Defiance of the Sikhs and the rise of the Khalsa
• Aurangzeb - Legacy
• Aurangzeb - Commentary by recent historians
• Aurangzeb - Wolpert
• Aurangzeb - Manas Group UCLA

Read more here: » Aurangzeb: Encyclopedia - Aurangzeb

At the Vaisakhi festival of 1699, at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur, Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs founded the Akal Khalsa (Community of the Pure). Guru Gobind Singh, had organised for followers from all over India to meet him at the Vasakhi Fair in Anandpur. Guru Gobind Singh emerged from a tent with a sword, and asked for people to give their lives for their faith. A young Sikh volunteered, followed the Guru into a tent. Shortly after, the Guru reappeared alone with his sword covered with blood, and asked for a second ...

See also:

Vaisakhi, Vaisakhi - Vaisakhi in Sikhism, Vaisakhi - Celebrations

Read more here: » Vaisakhi: Encyclopedia II - Vaisakhi - Vaisakhi in Sikhism

Sikhism was established by ten Gurus, teachers or masters, over the period 1469 to 1708. These teachers were enlightened souls whose main purpose in life was the spiritual and moral well-being of the masses. Each master added to and reinforced the message taught by the previous, resulting to the creation of the religion of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev was the first Guru and Guru Gobind Singh the final Guru in human form. When Guru Gobind Singh left this world, he made the Sri Guru Granth Sahib the ultimate and final Sikh Guru. ...

See also:

Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Ten Gurus of Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Ten Gurus of Sikhism - Period 1469 to 1708, Ten Gurus of Sikhism - From 1708 Onwards, Ten Gurus of Sikhism - Guruship Timeline, Ten Gurus of Sikhism - Sikh Gurus Timeline 1469 to 1708, Ten Gurus of Sikhism - Guruship Table, Ten Gurus of Sikhism - External links

Read more here: » Ten Gurus of Sikhism: Encyclopedia II - Ten Gurus of Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism

Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism. Sikhism was established by ten Gurus — teachers or masters — over the period 1469 to 1708. Each master added to and reinforced the message taught by the previous, resulting to the creation of the religion of Sikhism. Guru Nanak was the first Guru and Guru Gobind Singh the final Guru in human form. When Guru Gobind Singh left this world, he made the Guru Granth Sahib the ultimate and final Sikh Guru. The Gurus are believed to have the same spirit, or "jot", but different bodies. Sikhism - The Guru Granth Sahib. < ...

See also:

Sikhism, Sikhism - History of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism - Sikh religious philosophy, Sikhism - Primary beliefs and principles, Sikhism - Underlying values, Sikhism - Prohibited behavior, Sikhism - Technique and methods, Sikhism - Other observations, Sikhism - Observations, Sikhism - All welcomed, Sikhism - Followers of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Five Ks, Sikhism - Sikhs around the world, Sikhism - Sikhs and Punjabis, Sikhism - The Khalsa, Sikhism - Khalistan

Read more here: » Sikhism: Encyclopedia II - Sikhism - The Gurus of Sikhism

Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism. Sikhism was established by ten Gurus — teachers or masters — over the period 1469 to 1708. Each master added to and reinforced the message taught by the previous, resulting to the creation of the religion of Sikhism. Guru Nanak was the first Guru and Guru Gobind Singh the final Guru in human form. When Guru Gobind Singh left this world, he made the Guru Granth Sahib the ultimate and final Sikh Guru. The Gurus are believed to have the same spiri ...

See also:

Sikhism, Sikhism - History of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism - Sikh religious philosophy, Sikhism - Primary beliefs and principles, Sikhism - Underlying values, Sikhism - Prohibited behavior, Sikhism - Technique and methods, Sikhism - Other observations, Sikhism - Observations, Sikhism - All welcomed, Sikhism - Followers of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Five Ks, Sikhism - Sikhs around the world, Sikhism - Sikhs and Punjabis, Sikhism - The Khalsa, Sikhism - Khalistan

Read more here: » Sikhism: Encyclopedia II - Sikhism - The Gurus of Sikhism

Practicing Sikhs are bound to wear five Kakaars, or articles of faith, known as The Five Ks, at all times. It is done either out of respect for the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, or out of sense of duty or from understanding of their function and purpose and relevance in daily life. It is important to note that The Five Ks are not merely present for symbolic purposes. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, ordered these Five Ks to be worn so that a Sikh could a ...

See also:

Sikhism, Sikhism - History of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism - Sikh religious philosophy, Sikhism - Primary beliefs and principles, Sikhism - Underlying values, Sikhism - Prohibited behavior, Sikhism - Technique and methods, Sikhism - Other observations, Sikhism - Observations, Sikhism - All welcomed, Sikhism - Followers of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Five Ks, Sikhism - Sikhs around the world, Sikhism - Sikhs and Punjabis, Sikhism - The Khalsa, Sikhism - Khalistan

Read more here: » Sikhism: Encyclopedia II - Sikhism - The Five Ks

Practicing Sikhs are bound to wear five Kakaars, or articles of faith, known as The Five Ks, at all times. It is done either out of respect for the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, or out of sense of duty or from understanding of their function and purpose and relevance in daily life. It is important to note that The Five Ks are not merely present for symbolic purposes. The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, ordered these Five Ks to be worn so that a Sikh could actively use them to make a difference to their own spirituality and to others' sp ...

See also:

Sikhism, Sikhism - History of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism - Sikh religious philosophy, Sikhism - Primary beliefs and principles, Sikhism - Underlying values, Sikhism - Prohibited behavior, Sikhism - Technique and methods, Sikhism - Other observations, Sikhism - Observations, Sikhism - All welcomed, Sikhism - Followers of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Five Ks, Sikhism - Sikhs around the world, Sikhism - Sikhs and Punjabis, Sikhism - The Khalsa, Sikhism - Khalistan

Read more here: » Sikhism: Encyclopedia II - Sikhism - The Five Ks

Patna - In Patna. Some of the places of interest in the city are: Agam Kuan, literally the unfathomable well which is said to date back to the Ashokan period. Kumhrar, the site of the ruins of the Ashokan Patliputra Harmandir Saheb, constructed by Punjab ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh, consecrates the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Jee State Secretariat Building and its Clock Tower, including the Martyrs Memorial commemorating the sev ...

See also:

Patna, Patna - History, Patna - Geography, Patna - Climate, Patna - Demographics, Patna - People and culture, Patna - Status of Women, Patna - Family Orientation, Patna - Marriage, Patna - Cuisine, Patna - Transport, Patna - Economy, Patna - Places of interest, Patna - In Patna, Patna - Around Patna, Patna - Education, Patna - Media & entertainment

Read more here: » Patna: Encyclopedia II - Patna - Places of interest

There are many shrines in and around Ambala City. There is a temple, Bhawani Amba Temple, named after the goddess Bhawani. Ambala is home to many Gurdwaras (Sikh temples), some of which have historical importance. The Badshahi Bag Gurudwara, Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Manji Sahib Gurudwara, Labhuwala Talaah, Sangat Sahib Gurdwara are the historical gurudwaras here. These are associated with Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Hargobind respectively. There are also the popular Muslim shrines of Lakhi Shah and Taqwal Shah, Saint Paul's Church and a British, Christian cemetery. Patel Park in Ambala Can ...

See also:

Ambala, Ambala - People, Ambala - History, Ambala - Origins of the Name, Ambala - Location, Ambala - Industry, Ambala - Education, Ambala - Places of interest in Ambala, Ambala - Narayan Garh, Ambala - Yadvendra Udyan garden, Ambala - Morni Hills, Ambala - King Fisher, Ambala - Restaurants and Hotels, Ambala - Places of interest around Ambala

Read more here: » Ambala: Encyclopedia II - Ambala - Places of interest in Ambala

Adi Granth: (Sanskrit) "First book." The central Sikh scripture, compiled 16031604 from the writings of Sikh, Moslem and Hindu holy men, most importantly the beautiful hymns of adoration, called Japji, by Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. In 1699, Gobind Singh, the tenth preceptor, decreed that the living succession would end with him, and this scripture would henceforth serve as Sikhism's guru. Its eloquent teachings are in harmony with Hinduism, but for the rejection of the Vedas and disavowal of image worship and caste. The Adi Granth is enshrined in all Sikh temples (gurudwaras). See: Sikhism.

(See also: Adi Granth, Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

Adi Granth: (Sanskrit) "First book." The central Sikh scripture, compiled 16031604 from the writings of Sikh, Moslem and Hindu holy men, most importantly the beautiful hymns of adoration, called Japji, by Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. In 1699, Gobind Singh, the tenth preceptor, decreed that the living succession would end with him, and this scripture would henceforth serve as Sikhism's guru. Its eloquent teachings are in harmony with Hinduism, but for the rejection of the Vedas and disavowal of image worship and caste. The Adi Granth is enshrined in all Sikh temples (gurudwaras). See: Sikhism.

(See also: Adi Granth, Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1538), considered to be the founder of Sikhism, was born in the village of Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib, near Lahore. His father, Mehta Kalu was a Patwari- an accountant of land revenue in the government. Guru's mother was Mata Tripta and he had one older sister, Bibi Nanki. His parents, Kalu Mehta and Matta Tripat, were Hindus of the Khatri caste. From the very childhood, Bibi Nanki saw in him the Light of God but she did not reveal this secret to anyone. She is known as the first disciple of Guru Nanak. Even as a ...

See also:

Sikhism, Sikhism - History of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism - Sikh religious philosophy, Sikhism - Primary beliefs and principles, Sikhism - Underlying values, Sikhism - Prohibited behavior, Sikhism - Technique and methods, Sikhism - Other observations, Sikhism - Observations, Sikhism - All welcomed, Sikhism - Followers of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Five Ks, Sikhism - Sikhs around the world, Sikhism - Sikhs and Punjabis, Sikhism - The Khalsa, Sikhism - Khalistan

Read more here: » Sikhism: Encyclopedia II - Sikhism - History of Sikhism

He was 29 years old, and a Lance-Dafadar in the 28th Light Cavalry, Indian Army, attd. 2nd Lancers during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 1917-12-01 east of Peizieres, France, Lance-Dafadar Gobind Singh three times volunteered to carry messages between the regiment and brigade headquarters, a distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 km) over open ground which was under heavy fire from the enemy. He succeeded each time in delivering the message, although on each occasion his horse was shot and he was ...

See also:

Gobind Singh, Gobind Singh - Details, Gobind Singh - Further information, Gobind Singh - The medal

Read more here: » Gobind Singh: Encyclopedia II - Gobind Singh - Details

Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1538), considered to be the founder of Sikhism, was born in the village of Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib, near Lahore (in what is present day Pakistan). His father, Mehta Kalu was a Patwari- an accountant of land revenue in the government. Nanak's mother was Mata Tripta and he had one older sister, Bibi Nanki. His parents, Kalu Mehta and Matta Tripat, were Hindus of the Khatri caste. From the very childhood, Bibi Nanki saw in him the Light of God but she did not reveal this secret to anyone. She is known as the firs ...

See also:

Sikhism, Sikhism - History of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism - Sikh religious philosophy, Sikhism - Primary beliefs and principles, Sikhism - Underlying values, Sikhism - Prohibited behavior, Sikhism - Technique and methods, Sikhism - Other observations, Sikhism - Observations, Sikhism - All welcomed, Sikhism - Followers of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Five Ks, Sikhism - Sikhs around the world, Sikhism - Sikhs and Punjabis, Sikhism - The Khalsa, Sikhism - Khalistan

Read more here: » Sikhism: Encyclopedia II - Sikhism - History of Sikhism

A baptised Sikh becomes a member of the Khalsa or the "Pure Ones". When a Sikh joins the Khalsa, he/she is supposed to have devoted their life to the Guru, and is expected not to desist from sacrificing anything and everything in a struggle for a just and righteous cause. The word "Khalsa" has two literal meanings. It comes from Persian. One literal meaning is "Pure" and the other meaning is "belonging to the king". When the word "Khalsa" is used for a Sikh, it implies belonging to the King, where the King is God himself. To become a Khalsa, a Sikh must surrender themselve ...

See also:

Sikhism, Sikhism - History of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism - Sikh religious philosophy, Sikhism - Primary beliefs and principles, Sikhism - Underlying values, Sikhism - Prohibited behavior, Sikhism - Technique and methods, Sikhism - Other observations, Sikhism - Observations, Sikhism - All welcomed, Sikhism - Followers of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Five Ks, Sikhism - Sikhs around the world, Sikhism - Sikhs and Punjabis, Sikhism - The Khalsa, Sikhism - Khalistan

Read more here: » Sikhism: Encyclopedia II - Sikhism - The Khalsa

Adherents believe Surat Shabda Yoga has been expressed through the movements of many different masters. However, because a basic principle of Surat Shabd Yoga's tradition is the requirement for an outer Living Master to initiate followers onto the Path, those movements whose historical Satgurus have died and their successors do not purport themselves to be Surat Shabd Yoga Satgurus, usually are not considered currently to be Surat Shabd Yoga movements, either by thei ...

See also:

Surat Shabd Yoga, Surat Shabd Yoga - Basic principles, Surat Shabd Yoga - Movements and masters, Surat Shabd Yoga - Variations in movements, Surat Shabd Yoga - Notes and references

Read more here: » Surat Shabd Yoga: Encyclopedia II - Surat Shabd Yoga - Movements and masters

A baptised Sikh becomes a member of the Khalsa or the "Pure Ones". When a Sikh joins the Khalsa, he/she is supposed to have devoted their life to the Guru, and is expected not to desist from sacrificing anything and everything in a struggle for a just and righteous cause. The word "Khalsa" has two literal meanings. It comes from Persian. One literal meaning is "Pure" and the other meaning is "belonging to the king". When the word "Khalsa" is used for a Sikh, it implies belonging to the King, where the King is God himself. To become a ...

See also:

Sikhism, Sikhism - History of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism - Sikh religious philosophy, Sikhism - Primary beliefs and principles, Sikhism - Underlying values, Sikhism - Prohibited behavior, Sikhism - Technique and methods, Sikhism - Other observations, Sikhism - Observations, Sikhism - All welcomed, Sikhism - Followers of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Five Ks, Sikhism - Sikhs around the world, Sikhism - Sikhs and Punjabis, Sikhism - The Khalsa, Sikhism - Khalistan

Read more here: » Sikhism: Encyclopedia II - Sikhism - The Khalsa

A Sikh known as Yogi Bhajan brought the Sikh way of life to many young people in the Western hemisphere. In addition to Indian-born Sikhs, there are now thousands of individuals of Western origin who were not born as Sikhs, but have embraced the Sikh way of life and live and teach all over the world. Currently, there are about 23 million Sikhs in the world, making it the fifth largest religion in the world. Approximately 19 million Sikhs live in India with the majority living in the state of Punjab. Large populations of Sikhs can be found in the United Kingdom, Canada, and United States. They also comprise ...

See also:

Sikhism, Sikhism - History of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism - Sikh religious philosophy, Sikhism - Primary beliefs and principles, Sikhism - Underlying values, Sikhism - Prohibited behavior, Sikhism - Technique and methods, Sikhism - Other observations, Sikhism - Observations, Sikhism - All welcomed, Sikhism - Followers of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Five Ks, Sikhism - Sikhs around the world, Sikhism - Sikhs and Punjabis, Sikhism - The Khalsa, Sikhism - Khalistan

Read more here: » Sikhism: Encyclopedia II - Sikhism - Sikhs around the world

The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, was born in 1469 to a Khatri family in central Punjab. After four epic journeys (north to Tibet, south to Sri Lanka, east to Bengal and west to Mecca and Baghdad) Guru Nanak preached to Hindus and others, and in the process attracted a following of "Sikhs," or disciples. Religion, he taught, was a way to unite people, but in practice he found that it set men against one another. He particularly regretted the antagonism between Hindus and Muslims as well as certain ritualistic practices that distracted peop ...

See also:

Sikhism, Sikhism - History of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Ten Gurus of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism - Sikh religious philosophy, Sikhism - Primary beliefs and principles, Sikhism - Underlying values, Sikhism - Prohibited behavior, Sikhism - Technique and methods, Sikhism - Other observations, Sikhism - Observations, Sikhism - All welcomed, Sikhism - Followers of Sikhism, Sikhism - The Five Ks, Sikhism - Sikhs around the world, Sikhism - Sikhs and Punjabis, Sikhism - The Khalsa, Sikhism - Khalistan

Read more here: » Sikhism: Encyclopedia II - Sikhism - Observations

A Sikh never cuts or trims any hair, to indicate the perfection of God's creation. The comb keeps the hair tidy, a symbol of not just accepting what God has given, but also an injunction to maintain it with grace. There are many theories regarding why Sikhs keep the Kesh. Some believe that Kesh have a practical function for accessing spiritual energy. Others believe that the reasons to keep hair come from socio-political reasons at the time of founding of Khalsa Panth. Still others believe that Sikhs keep hair in reverence and as an expression of love for their Guru much like ...

See also:

Five Ks, Five Ks - Kesh uncut hair, Five Ks - Kangha comb, Five Ks - Karra circular bracelet, Five Ks - Kachera shorts, Five Ks - Kirpan small sword

Read more here: » Five Ks: Encyclopedia II - Five Ks - Kesh uncut hair

Though Ambala falls in the Haryana state, much of the population is Punjabi. It is this example that is most often feted by true Punjabis, and by Sikhs in particular, of the injustices committed by the Indian Government in the States Reorganisation Act of 1962. The overwhelming majority of Ambala's population are Punjabi speaking, with there being a very significant population of Sikhs, comprising anywhere between 35-40% of the population. But, with the course of time, Ambala has been successful in building an identity of its own, and securing a place in some of the f ...

See also:

Ambala, Ambala - People, Ambala - History, Ambala - Origins of the Name, Ambala - Location, Ambala - Industry, Ambala - Education, Ambala - Places of interest in Ambala, Ambala - Narayan Garh, Ambala - Yadvendra Udyan garden, Ambala - Morni Hills, Ambala - King Fisher, Ambala - Restaurants and Hotels, Ambala - Places of interest around Ambala

Read more here: » Ambala: Encyclopedia II - Ambala - People

Ambala Cantt is known for its scientific & surgical instruments manufacturing industry. The clientele of this industry includes an impressive list of prestigious colleges of India in addition to the overseas clients. Ambala district has industries in metal casting, kitchen mixer grinder manufacturing, and submersible motor pump manufacturing. ...

See also:

Ambala, Ambala - People, Ambala - History, Ambala - Origins of the Name, Ambala - Location, Ambala - Industry, Ambala - Education, Ambala - Places of interest in Ambala, Ambala - Narayan Garh, Ambala - Yadvendra Udyan garden, Ambala - Morni Hills, Ambala - King Fisher, Ambala - Restaurants and Hotels, Ambala - Places of interest around Ambala

Read more here: » Ambala: Encyclopedia II - Ambala - Industry