Final answer:
Sikhism is a religion that emerged in the Punjab region in 1499, blending elements of Hinduism and Islam. Founded by Guru Nanak, it is a monotheistic faith that rejects the caste system and envisions God as a universal cosmic spirit.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sikhism is a synthetic faith that blends elements of Hinduism and Islam. It emerged in the Punjab region in 1499 under the teachings of Guru Nanak.
Sikhism was influenced by the cultural and religious movements of the time, including the Mughal period and the expansion of Islam. It established a unique identity by opposing the caste system prevalent in India and combined the monotheistic approach of Islam with the spiritual traditions of Hinduism. In Sikhism, the concept of God is non-anthropomorphic, rejecting the idea of God in a human form, advocating for a personal meditation on God's name and message for salvation.
Guru Nanak Dev, born in 1469, was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His revolutionary ideas laid the foundation for a religion that celebrated universal equality and rejected caste distinctions. The Golden Temple in Amritsar symbolizes the spiritual and cultural center of Sikhism, demonstrating the faith's reach and its followers' dedication.