In Sikh history, who formally established the Khalsa, the Sikh order of saint soldiers, in 1699?

Introduction / Context:
The Khalsa is a central institution in Sikhism, representing the community of initiated Sikhs committed to a disciplined life of devotion and courage. Its formal creation on Baisakhi in 1699 is one of the most important events in Sikh history. This question asks which Guru established the Khalsa. Knowing this fact is essential for understanding the development of Sikh identity and is frequently tested in general knowledge and religious studies exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about the formal establishment of the Khalsa as an order.
• All options are names of Sikh Gurus from different periods.
• One Guru is historically associated with founding the Khalsa in 1699.
• Basic timeline knowledge of the Sikh Gurus is sufficient to answer.

Concept / Approach:
Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, established the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699. He initiated the first five Sikhs, known as the Panj Pyare, and laid down the code of conduct for Khalsa members, including the five Ks. Guru Nanak Dev founded Sikhism, Guru Angad Dev was the second Guru and Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Guru who sacrificed his life defending religious freedom. The approach is to match the specific event of founding the Khalsa with Guru Gobind Singh rather than with the earlier Gurus.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase formally established the Khalsa in 1699, which is a precise historical reference. Step 2: Recall that Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth and last human Guru of the Sikhs. Step 3: Remember that on Baisakhi day in 1699, at Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh called for volunteers and initiated the first five Sikhs as the Panj Pyare, creating the Khalsa. Step 4: Recognise that Guru Nanak Dev founded Sikhism centuries earlier and Guru Angad Dev focused on developing the script and institutions, not on founding the Khalsa. Step 5: Note that Guru Tegh Bahadur is remembered for his martyrdom, which preceded the formation of the Khalsa. Step 6: Conclude that Guru Gobind Singh is the Guru who established the Khalsa.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any reliable history of Sikhism clearly notes that the institution of the Khalsa was created by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The date and place of the event are widely commemorated, and Sikh communities around the world celebrate Baisakhi as the anniversary of the Khalsa's founding. No other Guru is associated with this formal establishment, so there is no ambiguity in the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Guru Nanak Dev began the Sikh faith and taught its foundational principles, but he did not form the Khalsa order. Guru Angad Dev, the second Guru, contributed by standardising the Gurmukhi script and developing early Sikh institutions, not by founding the Khalsa. Guru Tegh Bahadur is honoured for his martyrdom in defence of religious freedom, and his sacrifice is one of the reasons Guru Gobind Singh later created the Khalsa. None of these Gurus fits the specific description of establishing the Khalsa in 1699.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may instinctively choose Guru Nanak Dev because he founded Sikhism and therefore seems connected with every major institution. Others may not differentiate between the chronological roles of the Gurus. To avoid mistakes, it helps to remember a few key associations: Guru Nanak Dev founded the faith, Guru Arjan compiled the Adi Granth and built Harmandir Sahib, and Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa and declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Guru Gobind Singh