Khalsa (historical collective)

The Khalsa is a collective body of baptized Sikhs established in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. It represents a spiritual and martial community committed to justice, equality, and righteousness. Members of the Khalsa adhere to specific discipline, including wearing articles of faith such as the turbans and Kirpan (sword). The formation of the Khalsa reinforced Sikh identity, unified followers, and empowered them to resist oppression. Today, it symbolizes the core Sikh principles of courage, faith, and social responsibility, serving as both a religious and cultural cornerstone for Sikh identity worldwide.