Guru Hargobind Ji (1595–1644) was the sixth Sikh Guru and the son of the martyred Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
Key Contributions
- Introduced the concept of Miri-Piri — the balance of temporal (political) and spiritual authority, wearing two swords representing each
- Established Akal Takht (Throne of the Timeless) in Amritsar (1606) — the supreme seat of Sikh temporal authority
- Trained a Sikh army and fought four battles against the Mughal Empire, defending the community's right to practice their faith freely
- Was imprisoned by Emperor Jahangir in Gwalior Fort; upon release, he secured freedom for 52 Hindu kings — earning the title Bandi Chhor (Liberator of Prisoners), celebrated on Diwali
Legacy Guru Hargobind Ji transformed the Sikh community from a purely spiritual movement into one that could also defend the weak and uphold justice through arms.