Analyzing Statements on Sikh Gurus and Mirabai

Let's examine each statement provided in the question to determine their accuracy. We are asked to identify the correct statements among those related to Sikh Gurus and Mirabai.

Evaluation of Statement (A): Guru Arjan compiled Guru Nanak's hymns in the Adi Granth Sahib.

This statement is historically correct. Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, took on the significant task of compiling the hymns of the preceding Gurus, starting from Guru Nanak Dev Ji, along with his own compositions and the hymns of some contemporary and historical saints (like Kabir, Namdev, Ravidas, etc.). This compilation was completed in 1604 and is known as the Adi Granth. It later became the Guru Granth Sahib.

Statement (A) is Correct.

Evaluation of Statement (B): Guru Tegh Bahadur laid the foundation of the Khalsa Panth.

This statement is incorrect. The foundation of the Khalsa Panth was laid by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, on Vaisakhi day in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was the ninth Sikh Guru, known for his martyrdom.

Statement (B) is Incorrect.

Evaluation of Statement (C): Guru Nanak composed the Guru Granth Sahib.

This statement is incorrect. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, composed many hymns that are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. However, he did not compose the entire Guru Granth Sahib. As discussed, the compilation was done by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, and the final form, including the hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, was later finalized by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who also declared it the eternal Guru (Guru Granth Sahib) after himself.

Statement (C) is Incorrect.

Evaluation of Statement (D): Mirabai was a Maratha princess.

This statement is incorrect. Mirabai (Meera Bai) was a 16th-century Hindu mystic poet and devotee of Lord Krishna. She was born into a Rajput royal family in Mertaa, Rajasthan, and was married into the ruling family of Mewar (also Rajput). She is not associated with the Maratha kingdom.

Statement (D) is Incorrect.

Evaluation of Statement (E): Mirabai was a Rajput princess.

This statement is correct. Mirabai was born into the Rathore Rajput clan of Merta and was married into the Sisodia Rajput clan of Mewar. Thus, she was indeed a Rajput princess.

Statement (E) is Correct.

Summary of Statement Analysis

• Statement (A): Guru Arjan compiled Guru Nanak's hymns in the Adi Granth Sahib - Correct
• Statement (B): Guru Tegh Bahadur laid the foundation of the Khalsa Panth - Incorrect (It was Guru Gobind Singh)
• Statement (C): Guru Nanak composed the Guru Granth Sahib - Incorrect (He composed hymns within it; compiled by Guru Arjan, finalized by Guru Gobind Singh)
• Statement (D): Mirabai was a Maratha princess - Incorrect (She was Rajput)
• Statement (E): Mirabai was a Rajput princess - Correct

Based on the analysis, statements (A) and (E) are correct.

Conclusion

The correct statements are (A) and (E). Therefore, the option that lists (A) and (E) only is the correct answer.

Revision Table: Key Figures

Additional Information: Sikh Scriptures and Traditions

The central scripture of Sikhism is the Guru Granth Sahib. It is considered the living Guru by Sikhs. Its compilation was a gradual process:

• Adi Granth: Compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1604, it included hymns of the first five Gurus and various saints.
• Guru Granth Sahib: Guru Gobind Singh Ji added the hymns of the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, to the Adi Granth and declared it the eternal Guru in 1708.

The Khalsa Panth is a collective body of initiated Sikhs. Its formation by Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a pivotal moment in Sikh history, establishing a distinct identity and code of conduct for Sikhs.

Mirabai, while not part of the Sikh tradition, was a prominent figure in the Bhakti Movement in North India, contemporary to some of the early Sikh Gurus. Her devotional poetry reflects the widespread spiritual awakening of the time.