Who among the following Sikh Gurus laid the foundation of the Khalsa Panth ?

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final human Sikh Guru, laid the foundation of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib [2]. This transformative event occurred on the day of Vaisakhi, where he initiated the 'Panj Pyare' (Five Beloved Ones) through the Amrit Sanchar ceremony, creating a community of 'Saint-Soldiers' [1]. The Khalsa was established as a military and political force to defend against religious persecution and social injustice [2]. Guru Gobind Singh defined the distinct identity of the Khalsa by mandating the five symbols (the 5 Ks) and giving the surname 'Singh' to men and 'Kaur' to women [1]. While Guru Nanak founded Sikhism and Guru Hargobind initiated the militarization of the community, it was Guru Gobind Singh who formally institutionalized the Khalsa Panth [2].

Sources

1. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions > 8.2 Baba Guru Nanak and the Sacred Wor d > p. 164
2. [2] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 2: Indian States and Society in the 18th Century > The Sikhs > p. 27