Final answer:
Guru Arjun Dev critically influenced Sikhism by compiling the Adi Granth, constructing the Golden Temple, and reinforcing Sikh identity and practices. His martyrdom galvanized the community against Mughal oppression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Guru Arjun Dev played a transformative role in the development of Sikhism during the 15th and 16th centuries. As the fifth Guru of Sikhism, he was responsible for compiling the Adi Granth, the first authoritative scripture of the Sikhs, which later became the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. His contribution solidified the Sikh community's religious practices and provided a unifying spiritual and literary foundation for Sikhs.
Furthermore, Guru Arjun Dev constructed the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, which established a central place of worship and significantly enhanced the Sikh cultural identity. Under his leadership, Sikhism further developed its distinct spiritual path that emphasized devotional worship, equality, and social justice, which stood in contrast to both the prevalent Hindu caste system and the religious policies of the Mughal Empire. His martyrdom in 1606, ordered by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, intensified Sikh identity and inspired militancy among Sikhs against Mughal persecution.