Sikhs

Sikhs, i.e. "Disciples," members of a peculiar sect, which was founded in the Punjab by Nanak in the 15th century, and which may be described as a mouotheistic reformation of Brahminism developed under Moslem influences. Its tenets are embodied in the Granth or Sacred Books, which are accepted both by the Khalsa or Old Sikhs and the Singhs ("Lions"), as the reformed Sikhs call themselves. The term has acquired a certain ethnical significance from the fact that all the Sikhs belong to the Jat race, and are distinguished by their fine development, courage, and loyalty.