What name was given to the village of Rai Bhoi Di Talvandi, where Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469, in present day Pakistan?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Nankana Sahib

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question relates to Sikh history and important religious places. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, was born in a village that later became an important pilgrimage centre. Knowing the historical and modern names of such locations is useful for examinations on Indian history, religion and culture.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The original village name was Rai Bhoi Di Talvandi.
  • Guru Nanak Dev was born there in 1469.
  • The village lies in present day Pakistan.
  • We are asked what name was later given to this place.


Concept / Approach:
After Guru Nanak Dev became recognised as a spiritual leader, his birthplace gained special status. Over time, Rai Bhoi Di Talvandi came to be known as Nankana Sahib, with Sahib indicating respect and reverence. Nankana refers directly to Nanak, linking the town to the Guru. Other Sikh holy places such as Anandpur Sahib, Patna Sahib, Amritsar and Kartarpur Sahib are also important but relate to different events and stages of Sikh history.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Guru Nanak Dev was born in 1469 in a village that later received a new name in his honour. Step 2: Identify Nankana Sahib as the city in present day Pakistan widely known as the birthplace of Guru Nanak. Step 3: Recognise that Rai Bhoi Di Talvandi was the earlier name of this same place. Step 4: Compare this with Anandpur Sahib in India, associated more with later Gurus, especially Guru Gobind Singh. Step 5: Note that Patna Sahib, in Bihar, is connected with the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, not Guru Nanak. Step 6: Amritsar is the site of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), the holiest gurdwara, but not Guru Nanak's birthplace. Step 7: Kartarpur Sahib is where Guru Nanak spent his final years, again different from the place of birth. Step 8: Therefore Nankana Sahib is the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Standard biographies of Guru Nanak and guides to Sikh pilgrimage routes state that he was born at Rai Bhoi Di Talvandi, which later came to be called Nankana Sahib. This town is now located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Many pilgrims visit Nankana Sahib to pay respects at the gurdwara constructed at the birth site. This clear match between historical records and the description in the question confirms the answer.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Anandpur Sahib is significant for the founding of the Khalsa and events related to Guru Gobind Singh, but it is not the birthplace of Guru Nanak. Amritsar is central to Sikh religious life because of the Golden Temple; however, it is not associated with the birth of Guru Nanak. Kartarpur Sahib is connected with Guru Nanak's later life and passing away, not his birth. Patna Sahib, also known as Takht Sri Patna Sahib, marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, not Guru Nanak.


Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes mix up different Sikh holy places, especially when several have the suffix Sahib. A quick mental map of which Guru is associated with which location helps prevent this. Matching the specific phrase Rai Bhoi Di Talvandi with Nankana Sahib is the key to avoiding confusion in this question.


Final Answer:
The village of Rai Bhoi Di Talvandi, where Guru Nanak Dev was born, later came to be known as Nankana Sahib.

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