Why did Sikhism evolve from a peaceful religion to a militant community?

Answer 1

Because in those times, the kings were very corrupt, and they were converting all the hindus into muslims. If one Hindu would not convert himself to Muslims then the mughal emperor in those times would have ordered to kill that hindu. So, the hindus went to Sikh gurus to ask for help. Then, later things became fine and the mughals stopped doing doing that. Later when Aurangzeb became the emperor, he started doing the same things... but that was to a whole new level. he was worse than his predecessors. He killed many people... including his own families. Later when the Sikhs won the battle then the last guru, guru gobind singh ji sent a letter to aurangzeb telling him about his sins... and how he even broke the laws of Islam!! He told him in that letter that when there was no way left for him, he picked up the sword and vowed to fight for justice.

And if u see Sikhism is still a peaceful religion, even though many baptized sikhs keep swords with them. As a Sikh, we believe in brotherhood, and nonviolent ways. It was just because of those times that Sikhs those days had to pick up sword to fight for justice to prevail.

Answer 2

Sikhism evolved from a peaceful religion to a more militant community in response to the persecution and attacks faced by early Sikhs by Mughal rulers and other oppressive regimes. The militarization was a defensive measure to protect themselves and their faith. The concept of "sant-sipahi" (saint-soldier) emerged to uphold justice and fight against tyranny.