In 1526, Muslims from what is now Afghanistan conquered northern India. The Muslims founded the Mughal Empire. By the time of the 10th guru, Gobind Singh, the Sikhs had to defend themselves from Muslim persecution. In 1699, Gobind Singh organized his followers into a military order called the Khalsa (Pure).

Sikh men and women were initiated into the Khalsa by sharing a drink of sweetened water called amrit (nectar), a symbol of loyalty to the guru and hope for a higher spiritual existence. Men took the name Singh (lion) and women the name Kaur (princess). Initiates wore the "five K's"--kesh (uncut hair), kangha (comb), kirpan (dagger or short sword), kara (steel wrist band), and kachh (breeches worn by soldiers). The ideal of the true Sikh became the "saint-soldier" of the Khalsa who combines the virtues taught by Nanak and Gobind Singh.

Before the 10th guru died, he indicated that the holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, was to become his successor. Consequently, the Guru Granth Sahib is revered by Sikhs and readings from it form a central part of acts of worship in the gurdwara (temple or home of the guru). Devout Sikhs read or listen to hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib and other scriptures at home or at the gurdwara every morning and evening.

Sikhs do not have a weekly holy day. A gurdwara may be ornate or plain and includes a hostel and a place for serving meals to the community and guests. Sikhism forbids representation of God in pictures and the worship of idols. There should be no distinction between social class or caste in the gurdwara and Sikhism has no priesthood or ordained ministry. Many gurdwaras pay a salary to a granthi to carry out such activities as reading from the scriptures and performing marriage ceremonies, but the role is purely functional.

Music plays an important part in worship at the gurdwara, where musicians sing hymns accompanied by a drum, a harmonium, and other instruments. The Sikh religion forbids alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Men wear a distinctive turban, to keep their long hair clean and tidy, and as a symbol of Sikh identity.

In the early 1800's, the Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh established a Sikh kingdom in northern India. In 1849, the kingdom was conquered by the British, who controlled much of India. When India and Pakistan became independent nations in 1947, almost half the Sikhs lived in the area that became Pakistan. Many Sikhs emigrated to India.

By the 1960's, the Sikh community was playing a leading role in India's agriculture, business and professional work, and military life. In 1966, India made the state of Punjab smaller, leaving the Sikhs in the majority. Anandpur, where the Khalsa was founded, and the holy city of Amritsar lie in Punjab.