Question

Write a note on the life and contributions of Guru Ram Das Ji to Sikhism.

Answer 1

Instructions:
The answer to this question can be broken into 2 main parts and 7 sub-parts:

1. Life of Guru Ram Das Ji
   • Birth.
   • Visit to Goindwal.
   • Anointment as successor.
2. Contributions of Guru Ram Das Ji
   • Foundation of Amritsar.
   • Beginning of Masand system.
   • Composition of Bani.
   • Anointment of successor.

Solution:

Guru Ram Das Ji was the fourth Sikh Guru and remained on the Gurgaddi from 1574 to 1581 AD.

• Guru Ram Das Ji was born as Jetha on September 24, 1534, in Chunamandi at Lahore.
• Guru Ram Das ji visited Goindwal and was impressed by Guru Amar Das ji that he became his disciple. Guru Amar Das ji was extremely pleased by the devotion of Bhai Jetha ji that he married his daughter to him.
• Guru Amar Das Ji also appointed Guru Ram Das Ji as his successor.

Guru Ram Das Ji remained on the Gurgaddi from 1574 to 1581 AD. He made significant contributions to the development, promotion, expansion and organisation of the Sikh Panth during this short period.

• He laid down the foundation of the city of Ramdaspur or Amritsar. In 1577 AD, he began digging the Amrit Sarovar or pool. He also directed the Sikhs to come and settle in Ramdaspur, following which 52 traders came and settled in Ramdaspur. A market developed here gradually, which came to be known as Guru ka Bazaar.
• Guru Ram Das Ji initiated the Masand System, which represented the house of Guru to the local Sikh Sangat. They used to resolve common problems of the Sikh Sangat.
• He also completed an important task of the composition of Bani. He composed Bani in 30 ragas. He also composed a specific Bani called ‘Laavan’, which is recited during Anand Karaj - Sikh weddings. Guru Ram Das Ji added this Bani to the ‘pothi’ that he received from Guru Amar Das Ji.
• Guru Ram Das Ji anointed his son Guru Arjan Dev Ji as his successor from among his three sons.

Guru Ram Das Ji breathed his last on September 1, 1581.