Which Sikh Guru laid the foundation of the holy city of Amritsar?

Introduction / Context:
The city of Amritsar in Punjab is one of the most sacred places for Sikhs, as it is the home of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). Many questions in Indian history and general knowledge focus on which Sikh Guru founded or developed important religious centres. This question specifically tests whether you know which Guru laid the foundation of Amritsar, linking religious history with the growth of important cities in northern India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are asked which Sikh Guru laid the foundation of Amritsar.
• The options are Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Hargobind, and None of the above.
• We assume only one Guru is historically credited with founding the city as a religious centre.

Concept / Approach:
To answer this, we must recall the chronological order of Sikh Gurus and the key actions associated with them. Guru Amar Das was the 3rd Guru, Guru Ram Das the 4th, Guru Arjan Dev the 5th, and Guru Hargobind the 6th. While many Gurus contributed to the development of the Sikh community and its sacred spaces, the foundation of Amritsar as a city and pilgrimage centre is attributed primarily to Guru Ram Das, following the grant of land around a holy tank (Amrit Sarovar).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Guru Amar Das initiated the idea of establishing a new pilgrimage centre and instructed his successor to develop it further. Step 2: Guru Ram Das, the 4th Guru, received land around a sacred pool and began the planned construction of a town and the digging of the tank. Step 3: This settlement gradually came to be known as Amritsar, after the Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar). Step 4: Guru Arjan Dev later completed the Harmandir Sahib in the middle of the tank, but the actual foundation of the town had already been laid by Guru Ram Das. Step 5: Therefore, the Guru who laid the foundation of Amritsar is Guru Ram Das.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard Sikh history references consistently state that Guru Ram Das founded Ramdaspur, which later became Amritsar. Guru Amar Das is remembered for instituting new centres and sending out missionaries, while Guru Arjan Dev is credited with compiling the Adi Granth and completing the Golden Temple. Guru Hargobind is known for militarising Sikhism and building the Akal Takht. None of these descriptions conflict with the specific fact that Guru Ram Das laid the foundation of Amritsar, confirming our answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Guru Amar Das: He inspired the plan for a new pilgrimage centre but did not himself found Amritsar as a town. Guru Arjan Dev: He developed Amritsar further and built the Harmandir Sahib, but the foundation of the city predates his Guru-ship. Guru Hargobind: Known for the concept of Miri-Piri and the Akal Takht, not for founding Amritsar. None of the above: Incorrect because Guru Ram Das correctly fits the historical fact.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse the Guru who founded the city with the Guru who constructed or completed the main shrine. Because Guru Arjan Dev is closely linked with the Golden Temple, some candidates mistakenly select him. Others may overthink and choose None of the above. To avoid such mistakes, remember that Guru Ram Das founded the town and began the tank, while Guru Arjan Dev completed the temple complex. Keeping this sequence in mind makes the question straightforward.

Final Answer:
The Sikh Guru who laid the foundation of Amritsar is Guru Ram Das.