RAS question
Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru, is known for:
Correct answer: (B) Establishing the Manji and Piri systems and opposing Sati and Purdah.
Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru, is known for establishing the Manji system, introducing the Piri system for women, strengthening langar, and opposing Sati and Purdah.
Explanation
Guru Amar Das served as the third Sikh Guru from 1552 to 1574. He organised Sikh preaching and administration through 22 Manji centres, each led by a devout Sikh, and introduced the Piri system for women as part of his wider emphasis on social reform. He strengthened Guru ka Langar by requiring visitors to sit and eat before meeting him—pangat before sangat. Emperor Akbar followed this rule during his visit and was impressed. Guru Amar Das also opposed Sati and Purdah and supported widow remarriage. Option B therefore uniquely combines his institutional and social contributions.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Building the Golden Temple is associated with Guru Arjan Dev, not Guru Amar Das.
- (C) Creating the Khalsa is associated with Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Amar Das is associated with the Manji and Piri systems, langar, and social reform.
- (D) Developing the Gurmukhi script is associated with Guru Angad Dev, not the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das.
Concept
This question tests the Sikh Gurus section of medieval Indian history, especially matching each Guru with his institutional and social contributions. RAS often asks about this area because it links religious movements with administration, reform, and social practices.