Sikh history began in the late 15th century with the teachings of Guru Nanak, the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. He emphasized the importance of equality, community service, and devotion to one God. Over the years, the Gurus developed the Sikh faith, which includes the Guru Granth Sahib as its holy scripture. The ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was martyred for defending religious freedom, and the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, established the Khalsa in 1699, a collective of initiated Sikhs. Sikh history is marked by resilience against oppression and a commitment to justice, shaping the community's identity and values.