In Sikh history, which Guru initiated “The Khalsa” as a distinct community of saint-soldiers?

Introduction / Context:
The formation of the Khalsa is a turning point in Sikh history. It marked the creation of a distinct community of initiated Sikhs embodying both spiritual devotion and martial spirit. Understanding which Sikh Guru initiated the Khalsa is a basic but important part of Indian history and religious studies, and this fact is frequently tested in general knowledge examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks which Sikh Guru initiated “The Khalsa”.
• Four Gurus are listed: Guru Nanak Dev, Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Angad Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur.
• We assume foundational knowledge of the lives and contributions of the main Sikh Gurus.

Concept / Approach:
The Khalsa was formally created by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib. He called upon Sikhs to offer their heads, initiated the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) and established the Khalsa as a community of saint-soldiers bound by a code of conduct and the Five Ks. The other Gurus played vital roles in the development of Sikhism, but the specific event of founding the Khalsa is directly associated with Guru Gobind Singh alone.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Guru Nanak Dev was the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru, focusing on spiritual teachings and social reform, but he did not initiate the Khalsa. Step 2: Guru Angad Dev, the second Guru, contributed by standardising the Gurmukhi script and strengthening the Sikh community but did not create the Khalsa. Step 3: Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, is remembered for his martyrdom in defence of religious freedom but again did not initiate the Khalsa. Step 4: Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, formally initiated the Khalsa on Vaisakhi day in 1699. He administered Amrit (holy nectar) to the Panj Pyare and gave Khalsa members a distinct identity and code of conduct. Step 5: Therefore, the Guru who initiated “The Khalsa” is Guru Gobind Singh.

Verification / Alternative check:
History and religious studies textbooks consistently describe the Vaisakhi of 1699 at Anandpur Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa Panth. They often include details of the ceremony in which he called for volunteers, initiated them as the Panj Pyare and then had them initiate him in turn. No other Guru is associated with this specific founding event. This clear and consistent narrative confirms that Guru Gobind Singh alone is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Guru Nanak Dev laid the spiritual foundations of Sikhism but did not found the Khalsa order.
• Guru Angad Dev was crucial in consolidating the early Sikh community, yet he did not initiate the Khalsa.
• Guru Tegh Bahadur is venerated for his sacrifice and teachings, but the creation of the Khalsa came under his successor, Guru Gobind Singh.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse the founding of Sikhism by Guru Nanak Dev with the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh and mistakenly attribute both to the first Guru. Another pitfall is mixing up the order and contributions of the later Gurus, especially Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh. To avoid this, it is helpful to remember a simple pairing: Guru Nanak Dev as the founder of Sikhism and Guru Gobind Singh as the initiator of the Khalsa.

Final Answer:
Guru Gobind Singh