Important Sikh Personalities

This article list historic personalites who are important to the Sikh religion:

Bhai Gurdas (1551-1637) is one of the most eminent literary personalities in the history of the Sikh religion. He was a brilliant scholar, poet and the scribe of the Adi Granth. He was an able missionary and an accomplished theologian. Being well versed in Indian religious thought, he was able to elaborate profoundly in the tenants of Sikhism.

Hazrat Mian Mir (c. 1550-August 11, 1635) popularly known as Mian Mir is a famous Sufi saint who resided in Lahore, specifically in the town of Begampura (in present-day Pakistan). He belonged to the Qadiri order of Sufism. He is famous for being a spiritual instructor of Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He is identified as the founder of the Main Khail branch of the Qadiri order.
Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, often visited Lahore, the birth-place of his father (the fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das) to meet his relatives. On the occasion of one of such visit, he called on Mian Mir. The two men of God met and became life-long friends. Mian Mir was thirteen years older than Guru Arjan.

Bhai Mardana (1459-1534) was of the Muslim faith and a long term companion of the Sikh founder guru, Nanak throughout his extensive journeys across the India and abroad. He was son of a Mirasi (A Professional group of genealogits) to the couple, Badra and Lakkho, of Talvandi Rai Bhoe, now Nankana Sahib, in Sheikhupura district of Pakistan. . Mardana came to Guru Nanak to seek help because many members of his family were passing on at a young age. Guru Nanak Dev ji told him not to worry and that his family members will no longer pass before their time hence the name "mar-da-na" meaning 'will not die' (in Punjabi) was given to Bhai Mardana.

Sri Chand (1494-1629[1]) was the first son of Guru Nanak, raised by his sister. Sri Chand was a renounciate yogi. After his father left Sri Chand stayed in Dera Baba Nanak and maintained Guru Nanak's temple. He established the Udasi order who travelled far and wide to spread the Word of Nanak.