Sikhs Before Sikhism - Exploring the Historical Roots of a People
Keywords:
Punjab, Sikh history, Indus Valley Civilization, Bhakti movement, Sufism, Punjabi identity, Guru Nanak, Khalsa, cultural continuityAbstract
The history of Sikhism is commonly narrated beginning with the birth of Guru Nanak in 1469. While this approach is appropriate for understanding Sikhism as a religious tradition, it overlooks the deeper historical and cultural roots of the people who later became Sikhs. This article examines the pre-Sikh past of Punjab, exploring the ancient civilizations, ethnic communities, and spiritual currents that shaped the region long before the emergence of Sikhism. By situating Sikh identity within the broader civilizational history of Punjab, the article argues that Sikhism represents both a spiritual transformation and a cultural continuity. Understanding this deeper context enriches our appreciation of Sikh identity and its place within the long historical evolution of Punjabi civilization.
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