History of 22nd September – Guru Nanak
Explore the captivating history of 22nd September, from Switzerland’s independence in 1499 to Ben Jonson’s dramatic duel in 1598, and Darwin’s fossil discovery in 1832. Learn about key events like the Salem witch trials and the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.
The history of 22nd September tells me that it was on this day in the year 1499 when Switzerland becomes an independent state. Well, it all kicked off in the Swabian War of 1499. What started as a local spat over some mountain passes soon snowballed, with the Swiss giving the Habsburgs a right pasting and by the time Emperor Maximilian threw in the towel, the Swiss were practically running their own show!
You know, reading the history of 22nd September takes me straight back to Tarini Khuro, that marvellous character dreamt up by Satyajit Ray. Why, you ask? Well, it was in one of his stories that I first stumbled upon the notion of a duel. And wouldn’t you know it, on this very day in 1598, the great playwright and poet Ben Jonson found himself in a spot of bother—arrested and tossed into the clink for manslaughter, having skewered actor Gabriel Spenser in a duel. Talk about drama off the stage, eh? Quite the plot twist!
Moving on with the history of 22nd September, here’s a real corker for you – back in 1692, it was on this very day that the last poor souls were strung up for witchcraft in the good old US of A. Eight were hanged, bringing the grand total to 19 during those delightful Salem witch trials. And if that wasn’t enough to make you spill your tea, there were six other unfortunate souls who met their maker through somewhat less theatrical means. A proper witch hunt, that one – not quite the village fête, was it?
Now, let me take you on a little jaunt through the history of 22nd September, 1832. Picture this: young Charles Darwin, on his famous HMS Beagle voyage, pottering about in Punta Alta, Argentina, and what does he stumble upon? A veritable treasure trove of fossils, no less! Yes, on this very day, Darwin was up to his knees in ancient bones, probably grinning like a Cheshire cat. Talk about finding something to sink your teeth into – it was the sort of discovery that would later turn the world on its head. A right cracking day for science!
Furthermore the history of 22nd September tells me that it was this day in the year 1913 when the first batch of Indian passive resisters, consisting of 12 men and 4 women (including Mrs. Kasturba Gandhi) were arrested at Volksrust and imprisoned in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
With this we come to the feature story from the history of 22nd September which is the celebration of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.
Nanak: The Founder of Sikhism and His Enduring Legacy
Nanak, often referred to as Guru or Baba, meaning “great teacher” and “old man” respectively, was born in 1469 and passed away in 1539. He holds the distinction of being the founder of Sikhism, a faith that has grown into one of the world’s major religions. Those who follow Sikhism are known as Sikhs, which translates to “learners” or “disciples”—apt, as Nanak’s teachings form the bedrock of their belief system.
While the Sikh faith was later built upon by nine successive Gurus, it was Nanak who laid the foundation. The tenth and last human Guru, Gobind Singh, made a transformative decision that set Sikhism apart. In 1708, before his death, Guru Gobind Singh declared the Adi Granth, a collection of hymns and sacred verses, as the eternal Guru. Through a process of sanctification, this scripture took on the title Guru Granth Sahib and has since served as the spiritual guide for Sikhs.
But what makes Nanak such a remarkable figure? The answer lies in his poetic hymns. He didn’t leave behind philosophical treatises or detailed expositions about his life or beliefs. Instead, the only writings attributed to him are his 974 hymns, which remain central to the Sikh faith. These poems were compiled and passed down through the generations, starting with Guru Angad, the second Guru, in the form of a poti (book). Nanak’s verses form the heart and soul of Sikhism, offering deep spiritual insights in an artistic form that transcends the boundaries of time and place.
Some of these hymns, like Japji, are recited daily by devout Sikhs, particularly in the quiet solitude of the pre-dawn hours. Others are sung in gurdwaras (Sikh temples) as part of congregational worship, creating an atmosphere of collective reverence. Granthis, ceremonial readers of the Guru Granth Sahib, lead the community in reading and reflecting on the hymns, yet it is important to note that they do not act as intermediaries between Sikhs and the Divine. In Sikhism, every individual has direct access to the Divine, as it resides within each one of us.
Soon after Nanak’s death, a tradition of texts called Janam-Sakhis (literally “birth evidence”) emerged to preserve stories about his life and teachings. These stories, rich in miracles and colourful anecdotes, aren’t so much biographical as they are hagiographical, similar to Punjabi folk traditions. They don’t carry the historical weight of texts like the Gospels or the Hadith, but instead serve as a narrative means to convey Nanak’s spiritual insights.
Nanak’s Immanence: A Lesson for All
One of the central tenets of Nanak’s thought, often overlooked, is his emphasis on God’s immanence. Although Nanak acknowledged God’s transcendence—an unknowable, incomprehensible mystery—he placed great importance on God’s presence within the world and within each individual. For Nanak, the Divine wasn’t something distant or removed; it was something to be found within all beings and experiences.
Nanak rejected the distinctions that we so often draw in life—Hindu-Muslim, male-female, high-low. These divisions, he taught, are nothing but products of our ego, that self-important voice within that says, “I am me.” Nanak believed that in truth, there is no “I” or “You,” only a unified Divine presence within us all.
Nanak’s famous declaration, “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim,” epitomises this outlook. It’s not that he was dismissing religious identity; rather, he was asserting that beyond these labels lies a deeper, shared essence.
Kartarpur: Nanak’s Utopian Village
Much of Nanak’s thought can be understood by looking at Kartarpur, the village he founded. This was no ordinary settlement—it was a revolutionary, egalitarian community where Nanak’s teachings were brought to life. At its heart was the langar, a free communal kitchen where everyone, regardless of caste or creed, would eat together on the floor. In an India rigidly divided by caste and social hierarchy, this was nothing short of radical.
The langar remains an essential feature of Sikh gurdwaras to this day, symbolising the inclusive and egalitarian spirit of Sikhism. Anyone, from any background, can walk into a gurdwara, sit down, and share a meal with others—one of the faith’s most profound expressions of equality.
Nanak’s Lasting Influence
Nanak’s teachings were not merely theological musings; they were grounded in daily life. He rejected asceticism and ritualism, advocating instead for a faith that engages with the world. For Nanak, spirituality wasn’t about retreating into solitude but living in harmony with others, recognising the Divine in every facet of life.
Through his poetic hymns, Nanak challenged the religious orthodoxies of his time and offered a vision of life that is as relevant today as it was in the 15th century. His message of equality, compassion, and unity continues to inspire millions of people around the world, whether they identify as Sikhs or not.
In a world still fractured by divisions—be they religious, social, or political—Nanak’s teachings offer a reminder that beneath all these external differences, we are one. The power, beauty, and truth of life flow through all beings, and it is our task to recognise and honour that shared Divinity in everything we do.
For many, Nanak is a Guru, a great teacher. For others, he is Baba, the wise old man who offers timeless truths. But whatever title we choose to give him, Nanak’s legacy endures, not in the form of institutions or dogmas, but in the simple, yet profound wisdom of his hymns. And that is where his true greatness lies.
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