Final answer:
The system of 'masands' was established by Guru Amardas Ji, the third Sikh Guru, to expand and organize the Sikh community and spread the teachings of Sikhism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The system of preachers known as 'masands' was established by Guru Amardas Ji, the third Sikh Guru. This system played a crucial role in the expansion and organization of the Sikh community by collecting dasvandh, or a religious tax in the form of a tithe, and teaching the principles of Sikhism to people in far-reaching areas beyond the immediate vicinity of the Gurus.
Guru Amardas Ji was a significant figure in Sikh history for his contributions to the faith's infrastructure, including the establishment of new centers of Sikh pilgrimage and the reinforcement of the community's identity through practices such as wearing distinct symbols of faith. The masands system was a major step in the development of Sikhism as it enabled the religion to grow and reach a wider audience during a time of increasing challenges and growth.