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Sikhism - Test
Contributed by: Baker
  • 1. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent in the 15th century. It was founded by Guru Nanak, who sought to promote equality, social justice, and the worship of one God. Sikhs believe in the teachings of the ten Sikh gurus as well as the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. Central tenets of Sikhism include the belief in karma and reincarnation, the pursuit of selfless service, and the rejection of ritualism and superstition. Sikhs are known for their distinctive appearance, including the wearing of the Five Ks and the turban. The Sikh community places a strong emphasis on community service, equality, and tolerance towards people of all backgrounds.

    Who is considered the founder of Sikhism?
A) Guru Gobind Singh
B) Baba Deep Singh
C) Guru Nanak
D) Guru Har Rai
  • 2. What is the Sikh holy book called?
A) Anand Sahib
B) Dasam Granth
C) Adi Granth
D) Guru Granth Sahib
  • 3. Which city is considered the spiritual center of Sikhism?
A) Delhi
B) Lahore
C) Amritsar
D) Varanasi
  • 4. What is the Sikh place of worship called?
A) Gurdwara
B) Mosque
C) Temple
D) Synagogue
  • 5. What is the Sikh festival celebrating the creation of the Khalsa called?
A) Vaisakhi
B) Lohri
C) Holi
D) Diwali
  • 6. What is the Sikh term for the community kitchen where free meals are served to all visitors?
A) Ardaas
B) Seva
C) Langar
D) Sangat
  • 7. What is the practice of reciting and singing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib called?
A) Kirtan
B) Simran
C) Ardaas
D) Sangat
  • 8. What is the central teaching of Sikhism?
A) Polytheism
B) Reincarnation
C) Nirvana
D) Oneness of God
  • 9. Which city in Pakistan is of historical significance to Sikhism?
A) Islamabad
B) Nankana Sahib
C) Karachi
D) Lahore
  • 10. Which Sikh Guru composed the Lavan hymns?
A) Guru Arjan Dev
B) Guru Angad
C) Guru Ram Das
D) Guru Amar Das
  • 11. What is the Sikh symbol representing unity and equality?
A) Ik Onkar
B) Khanda
C) Panj Pyare
D) Nishan Sahib
  • 12. What is the Sikh practice of meditation and recitation of the divine name called?
A) Simran
B) Nitnem
C) Langar
D) Seva
  • 13. What is the Sikh initiation ceremony called?
A) Anand Karaj
B) Rehat Maryada
C) Amrit Sanchar
D) Ardas
  • 14. Who compiled the Guru Granth Sahib in its final form?
A) Guru Tegh Bahadur
B) Guru Arjan Dev
C) Guru Nanak
D) Guru Gobind Singh
  • 15. Who was the tenth Sikh Guru?
A) Guru Arjan Dev
B) Guru Tegh Bahadur
C) Guru Angad
D) Guru Gobind Singh
  • 16. Which of the following is NOT one of the core beliefs and practices of Sikhism?
A) Engaging in selfless service to others
B) Faith and meditation in the name of the one creator
C) Striving for justice for the benefit and prosperity of all
D) Proselytizing actively to convert others
  • 17. Which Mughal emperor executed Guru Arjan?
A) Jahangir
B) Babur
C) Akbar
D) Aurangzeb
  • 18. What does the term 'sant-sipāhī' mean?
A) Saint-soldier
B) Divine warrior
C) Spiritual guide
D) Holy monk
  • 19. What does the term 'Sikh' mean?
A) Priests
B) Monks
C) Students or disciples
D) Warriors
  • 20. Which script was standardized by Guru Angad for Sikh scriptures?
A) Bengali
B) Urdu
C) Devanagari
D) Gurmukhī
  • 21. What is the meaning of 'simran' in Sikhism?
A) Meditation and remembrance to feel God's presence
B) A type of prayer chant
C) A fasting practice
D) A pilgrimage ritual
  • 22. Which term do some Sikhs prefer over 'Sikhism'?
A) Dharam
B) Gurmat
C) Khalsa
D) Sikhi
  • 23. What phrase summarizes the perspective that truth and truthful living are paramount in Sikhism?
A) "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
B) "Honesty is the best policy."
C) "Truth is the highest virtue, but higher still is truthful living."
D) "Live as you preach."
  • 24. What does the phrase 'Ek nūr te sab jag upjiā' mean?
A) 'The universe is a manifestation of God's will.'
B) 'God created everything from nothing.'
C) 'All beings are connected through divine light.'
D) 'From the one light, the entire universe welled up.'
  • 25. What is the term used for God in Sikhism?
A) Waheguru
B) Ahura Mazda
C) Allah
D) Brahman
  • 26. Which of these attributes does NOT describe Waheguru in Sikhism?
A) Shapeless (Nirankar)
B) Timeless (Akal)
C) Has a gender
D) Creator being (Karta Purakh)
  • 27. What is the most significant barrier to reconnecting with Akal?
A) Ignorance of religious texts
B) Absence of a spiritual guide
C) Egotism
D) Lack of wealth and power
  • 28. What concept does Guru Nanak's teaching emphasize instead of heaven or hell?
A) Attaining moksha by renouncing the world
B) Rebirth into a higher caste
C) Achieving nirvana through meditation
D) Spiritual union with Akal resulting in jivanmukti
  • 29. What is the Sikh view on the relationship between spiritual life and secular life?
A) They are intertwined, not separate.
B) Secular life is irrelevant to spiritual growth
C) Spiritual life should be pursued in isolation from secular life
D) Spiritual life requires renouncing all worldly possessions
  • 30. How many ragas are specified for reciting the Guru Granth Sahib?
A) Fifty-one
B) Thirty-one
C) Forty-one
D) Twenty-one
  • 31. What is the purpose of listening to kirtan according to Guru Nanak?
A) Achieving tranquility while meditating
B) Understanding Sikh history
C) Practicing vocal exercises
D) Learning classical Indian music
  • 32. What follows the recitation of the banis paath?
A) Tav-Prasad Savaiye
B) Japji Sahib
C) Jaap Sahib
D) Ardās
  • 33. What principle is taught by gurus in Ardās?
A) Vaṇḍ chakkō
B) Haumai
C) Kirat karō
D) Sarbat da Bhala
  • 34. What did Sikhism develop as an important Bhakti practice?
A) Ardās
B) Naam-simran
C) Nitnem
D) Kirtan
  • 35. What does 'kirat karō' mean in Sikh teachings?
A) Honest work
B) Meditation
C) Selfless service
D) Sharing with others
  • 36. What concept stresses sharing or giving to the needy for community benefit?
A) Vaṇḍ chakkō
B) Sarbat da Bhala
C) Kirat karō
D) Haumai
  • 37. In Sikhism, what term is used for justice?
A) Grace
B) Dharam
C) Niāyā
D) Karma
  • 38. According to Sikh teachings, who should be defended at all costs?
A) The emperor
B) The dharam (moral order)
C) The king of kings
D) The divine name
  • 39. What is taught as a virtue in Sikhism alongside defending justice?
A) Hatred
B) Forgiveness
C) Indifference
D) Retribution
  • 40. What is the antidote for pain and vices in Sikhism?
A) The divine name
B) Retributive justice
C) Karma
D) Forgiveness
  • 41. Which Sikh sect was influential in shaping the views of Tat Khalsa?
A) Namdhari Kuka
B) Sarvaria
C) Sevapanthis
D) Nirankari
  • 42. What is 'kirpān' in the context of the five Ks?
A) Uncut hair
B) Special undergarment
C) Circular steel or iron bracelet
D) Sword/dagger
  • 43. In which script is the Sikh scripture printed?
A) Devanagari
B) Punjabi
C) Sanskrit
D) Gurumukhi
  • 44. What is stirred with a double-edged sword during the ammrit sañcār?
A) Sweetened water
B) Milk and honey
C) Saltwater
D) Butter and sugar
  • 45. Which movement's influence is acknowledged but not fully embraced by Sikhs in relation to their tradition?
A) Sufism
B) Shaivism
C) Vaishnavism
D) Bhakti movement
  • 46. In which year was the idea of Khalistan first proposed by some Sikhs?
A) 1940
B) 1982
C) 1971
D) 1965
  • 47. What is 'kaṅghā' in the five Ks?
A) Uncut hair
B) Sword/dagger
C) Small wooden comb
D) Circular steel or iron bracelet
  • 48. How many śabads are there in the Guru Granth Sahib?
A) 8,000
B) 7,000
C) 6,000
D) 5,000
  • 49. Which Sikh sect was founded by Ram Rai with the patronage of Aurangzeb?
A) Nirankari
B) Ramraiya
C) Sarvaria
D) Namdhari Kuka
  • 50. Which Sikh sect is known for its strict vegetarianism and the concept of living gurus?
A) Khalsa
B) Namdhari Kuka
C) Sarvaria
D) Nirankaris
  • 51. How many Hindu bhagats' teachings are included in the Ādi Granth?
A) Thirteen
B) Fifteen
C) Two
D) Ten
  • 52. In which Indian state do Sikhs constitute a majority according to the 2011 census?
A) Haryana
B) Uttarakhand
C) Delhi
D) Punjab
  • 53. What did Aurangzeb grant to Ram Rai?
A) The title of Guru
B) A position in the Mughal court
C) Control over Kartarpur
D) A jagir (land grant)
  • 54. Who led the Radhasoami movement in Punjab during the 19th century?
A) Baba Shiv Dyal
B) Ram Rai
C) Guru Gobind Singh
D) Baba Sri Chand
  • 55. What is a common practice when entering a gurdwara?
A) Lighting incense sticks.
B) Prostrating before the holy scripture.
C) Offering flowers to the Guru Granth Sahib.
D) Wearing traditional Sikh attire.
  • 56. In which year was the anand kāraj ceremony officially recognized and adopted?
A) 1857
B) 1947
C) 1909
D) 1920
  • 57. How many Sikh Gurus' compositions are predominantly found in the Guru Granth Sahib?
A) Ten
B) Nine
C) Five
D) Seven
  • 58. In which century did Sikhism originate?
A) 16th century
B) 14th century
C) 17th century
D) 15th century
  • 59. What was Guru Amar Das's stance on the practice of sati?
A) He ignored it
B) He encouraged it
C) He remained neutral about it
D) He discouraged it
  • 60. What was the length of the refugee convoy during partition?
A) Over 100 kilometers long
B) 50 kilometers long
C) 200 kilometers long
D) 5 kilometers long
  • 61. On what date did the first Khalsa initiation ceremony take place?
A) 14 April 1699
B) 30 March 1699
C) 26 January 1950
D) 15 August 1947
  • 62. Who maintains and services the kitchen in a gurdwara?
A) Government officials.
B) Members of other religious communities.
C) Sikh community volunteers.
D) Professional chefs hired by the gurdwara.
  • 63. What is the ceremony called where Sikhs are fully initiated?
A) Kirtan Sohila
B) Langar ceremony
C) Ammrit sañcār (nectar ceremony)
D) Guru Granth Sahib initiation
  • 64. How many major journeys is Guru Nanak said to have made according to hagiographic accounts?
A) Three
B) Four
C) Six
D) Five
  • 65. Who is often attributed to being a Muslim but states in the Ādi Granth, 'I am not Hindu nor Muslim.'?
A) Farid
B) Namdev
C) Kabir
D) Ramananda
  • 66. Which contemporary Sikh sect was formed in 1971 outside India, particularly in North America and Europe?
A) Namdhari Kuka
B) 3HO
C) Radhasoami
D) Nirankaris
  • 67. What did Guru Gobind Singh create in 1699?
A) The Akal Takht
B) A new Sikh scripture
C) The Khalsa
D) A new version of the Adi Granth
  • 68. Who wrote the hagiographical Janamsakhis according to one theory?
A) Contemporary historians
B) British colonial scholars
C) Later followers without regard for historical accuracy
D) Guru Nanak himself
  • 69. What event followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi?
A) The 1984 anti-Sikh riots
B) Partition of India
C) Operation Blue Star
D) Khalistan Movement's end
  • 70. Which tradition's ideology grew to become the Bhakti tradition that influenced Sikhism?
A) Sant-tradition
B) Udasi Sikhs
C) Vaishnavism
D) Kabirpanth
  • 71. Which Sikh sect is known for engaging in charitable work without expecting payment?
A) Sevapanthis
B) Nihangs
C) Udasis
D) Gyaaniyan Samparda
  • 72. What is the first Harimandir Sahib known as today?
A) Golden Temple
B) Akal Takht
C) Sri Darbar Sahib
D) Harmandir Sahib
  • 73. Which Sikh order is known for its warrior or armed troops?
A) Sevapanthis
B) Udasis
C) Nihangs
D) Gyaaniyan Samparda
  • 74. What was the profession of Guru Nanak's parents?
A) Muslim traders
B) Jains
C) Brahmins
D) Punjabi Khatri Hindus
  • 75. What was one of the major issues between Sikhs and Muslims in West Punjab before partition?
A) Economic trade agreements
B) Language differences only
C) Religious festivals
D) Disputes over jhatka versus halal meat
  • 76. Which Sikh sect is known for its scholarly activities and traditional study of a wide range of literature?
A) Udasis
B) Khalsa
C) Nirmalas
D) Sevapanthis
  • 77. What was the capital of the Sikh Empire?
A) Delhi
B) Amritsar
C) Lahore
D) Kashmir
  • 78. What concept did Guru Hargobind reflect by carrying two swords?
A) Ik Onkar
B) Langar
C) Sarbat da Bhala
D) Miri Piri
  • 79. Who was Guru Nanak's friend with whom he sang devotional songs?
A) Guru Angad
B) Bhai Lehna
C) Mardana, a Muslim
D) Guru Amar Das
  • 80. Which Sikh order is not technically an order but serves as one, comprising individuals from all other sects?
A) Nihangs
B) Sevapanthis
C) Udasis
D) Gyaaniyan Samparda
  • 81. Who opposed Guru Arjan and created a faction known as Minaas?
A) Bhai Gurdas
B) Bhai Mani Singh
C) Bhai Lehna
D) Prithi Chand
  • 82. Into how many rāgas is the bulk of the Guru Granth Sahib classified?
A) Seventy
B) Forty
C) Sixty
D) Fifty
  • 83. Which Sikh sect's president traditionally served as the president of the Akaal Takht?
A) Sevapanthis
B) Udasis
C) Nirmalas
D) Nihangs (Buddha Dal)
  • 84. At what age did Guru Nanak start a commune in Kartarpur?
A) 60
B) 50
C) 40
D) 30
  • 85. Which river marked the line of control in the treaty between the Sikh Empire and British powers?
A) Sutlej River
B) Yamuna River
C) Indus River
D) Ganges River
  • 86. What town did Ram Rai found?
A) Anandpur Sahib
B) Dehradun
C) Amritsar
D) Delhi
  • 87. What operation was ordered by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in June 1984?
A) Operation White Tiger
B) Operation Blue Star
C) Operation Red Lotus
D) Operation Green Shield
  • 88. Which Sikh sect was responsible for protecting Sikh shrines and preserving the Sikh scripture after the collapse of the Mughal Empire?
A) Sevapanthis
B) Namdhari Kuka
C) Nirankaris
D) Udasi Sikhs
  • 89. What does 'kēs' refer to in the five Ks?
A) A type of prayer mat
B) An iron bracelet
C) A wooden comb
D) Uncut hair
  • 90. Which city did Guru Ram Das move his commune to, which later became Amritsar?
A) Ramdaspur
B) Kartarpur
C) Khadur
D) Goindval
  • 91. What is the primary language used in the Sikh scripture?
A) Hindi
B) Sant Bhāṣā
C) Gurmukhi
D) Punjabi
  • 92. What calendar was adopted in 2003 by the SGPC for Sikh festivals?
A) Hindu lunar calendar.
B) Bikrami calendar.
C) Nanakshahi calendar.
D) Gregorian calendar.
  • 93. What does 'kacchera' refer to in the five Ks?
A) Circular steel or iron bracelet
B) Sword/dagger
C) Special undergarment
D) Uncut hair
  • 94. What is the name given to all Sikh girls?
A) Bibi
B) Devi
C) Kaur
D) Singh
  • 95. Which country has the largest proportion of Sikhs relative to its total population?
A) United Kingdom
B) United States
C) India
D) Canada
  • 96. What is Band Chor Diwas also known as after the 2003 calendar update?
A) Diwali.
B) Bandi Chhor Divas.
C) Guru Nanak Gurpurab.
D) Hola Mohalla.
  • 97. What system did Banda Singh Bahadur abolish or halt during his leadership?
A) The Mughal taxation system
B) The Zamindari system
C) The caste system
D) The Jizya tax
  • 98. What is the name of the ceremonial gathering held in Anandpur Sahib?
A) Diwali
B) Hola Mohalla
C) Vaisakhi
D) Lohri
  • 99. Who did the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan attempt to influence as Guru Hargobind's successor?
A) Dhir Mal
B) Har Rai
C) Guru Gobind Singh
D) Ram Rai
  • 100. In what year was the final version of the Guru Granth Sahib compiled?
A) 1708
B) 1678
C) 1604
D) 1599
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