Name: Amarinder Caur
Country: India

Year: 2026
Volume: Volume-11, Issue-1, January-June 2026 (Special Issue)
Page Number: 198-200
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19400919

ABSTRACT
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621–1675), the ninth Guru of Sikhism, occupies a singular and exalted place in Indian religious, ethical, and social history. He is revered not only as a profound spiritual philosopher but also as one of the earliest champions of universal human freedom and freedom of conscience. His martyrdom stands as a landmark event in world history, symbolizing resistance to tyranny and the defence of religious liberty for all people, irrespective of faith or community. This research paper examines the life, teachings, and legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, focusing on his role as the “voice of conscience” and a universal defender of human freedom. It analyses his spiritual philosophy rooted in devotion to one God, detachment from materialism, fearlessness, compassion, and moral courage, and situates these teachings within the socio-political context of seventeenth-century Mughal India. The paper further explores the historical significance of his martyrdom and its lasting relevance in contemporary discussions on human rights, pluralism, and ethical leadership.