Where was Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh religion, born?

Introduction / Context:
Guru Nanak Dev is the founder of the Sikh religion and a central figure in Indian religious history. Questions about his life, especially his birthplace, are frequently asked in exams that cover religion, culture, and history. This question asks you to recall the specific place where he was born.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The person in question is Guru Nanak Dev.
• The options include Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, Talwandi, and Patna Sahib.
• We assume knowledge of Sikh history and important associated places.

Concept / Approach:
Guru Nanak Dev was born in a place historically known as Talwandi, which is now called Nankana Sahib and lies in present day Pakistan. Amritsar and Anandpur Sahib are important Sikh religious centres, and Patna Sahib is associated mainly with Guru Gobind Singh. Recognising the correct pairing of Guru Nanak Dev with Talwandi is essential to answering this question correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Guru Nanak Dev is the first Sikh Guru and the founder of Sikhism.Step 2: Remember that historical accounts state his birthplace as Talwandi, which later came to be known as Nankana Sahib.Step 3: Note that Amritsar became an important Sikh centre later, particularly due to the Golden Temple, and is not Guru Nanak Dev's birthplace.Step 4: Understand that Anandpur Sahib and Patna Sahib are linked with other events and Gurus, especially Guru Gobind Singh for Patna Sahib.Step 5: Conclude that Talwandi is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Biographical sources on Guru Nanak Dev consistently mention Talwandi as his birthplace, later renamed Nankana Sahib. This town is now located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. None of the other places listed in the options is described as his birthplace, though they are important Sikh centres for other reasons. This confirms Talwandi as the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Amritsar: This city is the location of the Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple, but it is not Guru Nanak Dev's birthplace.
Anandpur Sahib: This place is historically important for later Sikh Gurus and events, not for the birth of Guru Nanak Dev.
Patna Sahib: Associated mainly with Guru Gobind Singh, who was born there, not with Guru Nanak Dev.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may pick Amritsar simply because it is strongly associated with Sikhism and is very famous. Others may confuse the birthplaces of different Gurus. To avoid these mistakes, it is helpful to remember that Guru Nanak Dev was born at Talwandi or Nankana Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh at Patna Sahib, and that Amritsar and Anandpur Sahib became major centres at later points in Sikh history.

Final Answer:
Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh religion, was born at Talwandi.