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 became the third Sikh Guru in 1552 and organised Sikh preaching and administration through 22 Manjis, each under a devout Sikh. His Piri system for women also fits his wider emphasis on social reform. He strengthened Guru ka Langar by making visitors sit and eat before meeting him, summed up in the practice of pangat before sangat; the SGPC official, Amritsar account notes that Emperor Akbar followed this rule during his visit and was impressed. His reformist role is also clear in his opposition to Sati and Purdah and his advocacy of widow remarriage, making option B the only choice that combines his administrative and social contributions.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Building the Golden Temple points to Guru Arjan Dev, not Guru Amar Das.
- (C) Creating the Khalsa is associated with Guru Gobind Singh, whereas Guru Amar Das is linked here with Manji, Piri, langar, and social reform.
- (D) Developing the Gurmukhi script is associated with Guru Angad Dev, not the third Guru, Guru Amar Das.
Concept
This tests the Sikh Gurus section of medieval Indian history, especially matching each Guru with his institutional and social contributions. RAS repeats this area because it links religious movements with administration, reform, and social practices.