Sikh·Quiz
← Index
Gurus

Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Life, contributions, and martyrdom of the fifth Guru

A comprehensive quiz on Guru Arjan Dev Ji - the compilation of the Adi Granth, the founding of Harmandir Sahib, his Sikhs, and his martyrdom as the first Sikh Guru to give his life for faith.

Published · 6/16/2026
79 questions
Difficulty · Intermediate
Study mode

Questions & answers

← Change mode
  1. 01
    Which Guru Sahib was on the Guru Gaddi at the time of Guru Arjan Dev Ji's birth?
    C.Guru Amar Das JiAnswer

    Guru Amar Das Ji (the third Guru) was on the Guru Gaddi and was also Guru Arjan Dev Ji's maternal grandfather.

  2. 02
    Who said 'Dohita Bani Ka Bohitha' and about whom?
    B.Guru Amar Das Ji about Guru Arjan Dev JiAnswer

    Guru Amar Das Ji said it about his grandson Guru Arjan Dev Ji - 'the grandson will be a ship of Gurbani.'

  3. 03
    Which qualities of Guru Arjan Dev Ji made Guru Ram Das Ji consider him worthy of Guruship?
    C.Love for Gurbani, love for God, obedience, humility, seva, and dedication to SikhiAnswer

    Guru Ram Das Ji recognized his qualities of love for Gurbani and God, obedience, humility, seva, and dedication to spreading Sikhi.

  4. 04
    Why were the Bhatt poets surprised on reaching Goindwal?
    B.They expected an elderly Guru but found the 18-year-old Guru Arjan Dev Ji on the throneAnswer

    After hearing the Sangat's praises they expected an elderly Guru, but were surprised by the young 18-year-old Guru Arjan Dev Ji in a householder's form.

  5. 05
    How many Savaiye did the Bhatt poets compose in praise of Guru Arjan Dev Ji?
    C.20 SavaiyeAnswer

    The Bhatts composed 20 Savaiye in praise of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

  6. 06
    How many Bhatt poets came to see Guru Arjan Dev Ji at the time of his turban ceremony?
    C.11Answer

    11 Bhatt poets came to see Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

  7. 07
    Which musical instrument did Guru Arjan Dev Ji play during Kirtan?
    B.SirandaAnswer

    Guru Arjan Dev Ji played the Siranda, a bowed string instrument.

  8. 08
    Which two brothers performed Kirtan in Guru Arjan Dev Ji's court?
    B.Bhai Satta and Bhai BalwandAnswer

    Bhai Satta and Bhai Balwand were the rababi brothers in the Guru's court.

  9. 09
    Who instigated Satta and Balwand against Guru Arjan Dev Ji?
    B.Prithi ChandAnswer

    Prithi Chand instigated them against the Guru.

  10. 10
    Who brought Bhai Satta and Bhai Balwand back to seek forgiveness?
    C.Bhai Laddha JiAnswer

    Bhai Laddha Ji brought them to Amritsar to seek forgiveness.

  11. 11
    Which prominent Sikhs helped break Prithi Chand's blockade on the Guru's Langar?
    B.Bhai Gurdas Ji and Baba Buddha JiAnswer

    Bhai Gurdas Ji and Baba Buddha Ji broke the blockade on the Guru's Langar.

  12. 12
    Which Sarovar was completed first during the construction of Amritsar city?
    B.SantokhsarAnswer

    Santokhsar Sarovar was completed first.

  13. 13
    Through whom did Guru Arjan Dev Ji have the foundation of Harmandir Sahib laid?
    C.Sai Mian Mir JiAnswer

    Sufi saint Sai Mian Mir of Lahore laid the foundation stone.

  14. 14
    What was the real name of Sai Mian Mir?
    A.Sheikh Muhammad Mir ShahAnswer

    His real name was Sheikh Muhammad Mir Shah.

  15. 15
    When was the foundation stone of Harmandir Sahib laid?
    B.October 1588Answer

    The foundation stone was laid in October 1588 AD.

  16. 16
    What tradition was established after the completion of Harmandir Sahib?
    B.Daily congregation (Satsang)Answer

    Daily congregation (Satsang) became a regular tradition.

  17. 17
    In which city did Guru Arjan Dev Ji personally serve people during a famine?
    B.LahoreAnswer

    Guru Ji served the famine-stricken people of Lahore.

  18. 18
    For how many months did Guru Arjan Dev Ji personally serve during the famine in Lahore?
    C.8 monthsAnswer

    Guru Ji served for 8 months.

  19. 19
    In which market of Lahore did Guru Ji have a baoli (well) constructed?
    B.Dabbi BazaarAnswer

    The baoli was built in Dabbi Bazaar.

  20. 20
    On whose request did Akbar forgive Punjab's taxes for one year?
    C.Guru Arjan Dev JiAnswer

    Akbar forgave Punjab's taxes for one year on Guru Arjan Dev Ji's request.

  21. 21
    Which Mughal general did Prithi Chand bring to threaten Guru Sahib, and what happened to him?
    B.Sulahi Khan, who fell into a burning kiln with his horseAnswer

    Sulahi Khan fell into a burning kiln with his horse and died.

  22. 22
    Under whose supervision were copies of the Adi Bir prepared?
    C.Bhai Banno JiAnswer

    Copies were prepared under the supervision of Bhai Banno Ji.

  23. 23
    How did Guru Ji honor Bhai Behlo?
    B.By saying 'Bhai Behlo, Sabh Ton Pehlon'Answer

    Guru Ji honored him with the words 'Bhai Behlo, Sabh Ton Pehlon' (Bhai Behlo, first among all).

  24. 24
    Why did Guru Arjan Dev Ji not include the writings of Kahana, Pilo, and others in the Adi Bir?
    C.They were against Gurmat principlesAnswer

    Their writings were not aligned with Gurmat principles.

  25. 25
    What teaching did Guru Ji give to the scholar from Banaras?
    C.If one has no faith in religious scriptures, merely reading and teaching them is uselessAnswer

    Without faith, reading and teaching scriptures is meaningless.

  26. 26
    In how many Raags did Guru Arjan Dev Ji compose Gurbani?
    C.30Answer

    Guru Arjan Dev Ji composed Gurbani in 30 Raags.

  27. 27
    How many Vars of Guru Arjan Dev Ji are included in Guru Granth Sahib?
    C.SixAnswer

    Six Vars - in Raags Gauri, Gujri, Jaitsri, Ramkali, Maru, and Basant.

  28. 28
    Which of the following is a special composition of Guru Arjan Dev Ji?
    C.Sukhmani SahibAnswer

    Sukhmani Sahib is among Guru Arjan Dev Ji's special compositions, along with Barah Maha (Majh), Bavan Akhri, Bavan Akhri, and others.

  29. 29
    Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi was the leader of which movement?
    B.NaqshbandiAnswer

    He led the Naqshbandi movement.

  30. 30
    What was called a 'Silsila'?
    B.A Sufi order or center that spread IslamAnswer

    A Silsila was a Sufi order or center for spreading Islam.

  31. 31
    Who brought the Naqshbandi order to India?
    C.Khwaja Muhammad Baqi BillahAnswer

    Khwaja Muhammad Baqi Billah brought the Naqshbandi order to India.

  32. 32
    What was the principle of the Chishti order?
    B.Peaceful preaching of religionAnswer

    The Chishtis believed in peaceful preaching.

  33. 33
    What was the principle of the Naqshbandi order?
    C.Using state power to spread religionAnswer

    The Naqshbandis believed in using state power to spread Islam.

  34. 34
    Name two Chishti personalities connected positively with Sikhi.
    B.Hazrat Mian Mir and Pir Buddhu ShahAnswer

    Hazrat Mian Mir and Pir Buddhu Shah were Chishti saints connected positively with the Gurus.

  35. 35
    Sheikh Farid Ji belonged to which Sufi order?
    C.ChishtiAnswer

    Baba Sheikh Farid Ji was of the Chishti order.

  36. 36
    Why did Akbar not consider Salim (Jahangir) suitable for the throne?
    B.He was heavily addicted to wine and immoral livingAnswer

    Akbar found Salim unfit due to addiction to wine and immoral conduct.

  37. 37
    Why did Salim seek the support of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi?
    B.To gain the throneAnswer

    Salim sought their support to secure the throne.

  38. 38
    What title did Jahangir give Sheikh Farid Bukhari?
    B.Murtaza KhanAnswer

    Sheikh Farid Bukhari was given the title 'Murtaza Khan'.

  39. 39
    When and where was Khusro captured?
    A.April 1606, crossing the ChenabAnswer

    Khusro was captured on 27 April 1606 while crossing the Chenab River.

  40. 40
    What accusation was made against Guru Ji by Jahangir?
    C.Helping and blessing Khusro in his rebellionAnswer

    Jahangir accused Guru Ji of helping and blessing Khusro.

  41. 41
    Did Khusro actually meet Guru Ji?
    C.No - Guru Ji was at Tarn Taran when Khusro passed near GoindwalAnswer

    Guru Ji was at Tarn Taran when Khusro passed near Goindwal - they did not meet.

  42. 42
    Who called the Guru's house a 'shop of falsehood', and in which book?
    B.Jahangir in Tuzk-e-JahangiriAnswer

    Jahangir wrote this in his memoir Tuzk-e-Jahangiri.

  43. 43
    Which Mughal emperors before Jahangir respected the Guru's house?
    B.Humayun and AkbarAnswer

    Humayun and Akbar both showed respect to the Gurus.

  44. 44
    Which Mughal emperor ordered the arrest and martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji?
    B.JahangirAnswer

    Jahangir ordered the martyrdom.

  45. 45
    Which Mughal general supervised the order?
    B.Murtaza KhanAnswer

    Murtaza Khan supervised the order.

  46. 46
    To whom did Murtaza Khan hand Guru Ji over for torture?
    C.Chandu ShahAnswer

    Chandu Shah was handed the Guru for torture in Lahore.

  47. 47
    What torture was given to Guru Ji on the first day?
    C.Being made to sit in boiling waterAnswer

    On the first day, Guru Ji was made to sit in a cauldron of boiling water.

  48. 48
    What torture was given on the second day?
    B.Hot sand poured on his body and being seated on a red-hot iron plateAnswer

    Hot sand was poured on his body and he was made to sit on a hot iron plate over fire.

  49. 49
    What did Guru Ji continue doing during these tortures?
    C.Remaining spiritually connected to God and reciting GurbaniAnswer

    Guru Ji remained in Chardi Kala, connected to God, reciting Gurbani.

  50. 50
    Into which river was Guru Arjan Dev Ji's body finally immersed?
    D.RaviAnswer

    His body was immersed in the Ravi River at Lahore.

  51. 51
    From which letter in Maktubat-i-Imam Rabbani does clear evidence of the conspiracy emerge?
    C.Letter No. 193Answer

    Letter No. 193 was written by Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi to Sheikh Farid Bukhari.

  52. 52
    What was the real name of Akbar's courtier Birbal?
    A.Mahesh Das BrahminAnswer

    Birbal's real name was Mahesh Das Brahmin.

  53. 53
    Who were the Sakhi Sarwars?
    B.A sect of Islam that originated in the Tarn Taran regionAnswer

    Sakhi Sarwars were a syncretic Muslim sect prominent around Tarn Taran.

  54. 54
    Why did Guru Ji reject the marriage proposal of Chandu Shah's daughter?
    B.Because of Chandu's arrogant and low-minded nature, respecting the Sangat's opinionAnswer

    The Sangat opposed the match because of Chandu's arrogant words about the Guru's house, and Guru Ji honored their view.

  55. 55
    What was the name of Guru Arjan Dev Ji's father-in-law?
    B.Shri Krishan Chand JiAnswer

    Shri Krishan Chand Ji was Guru Ji's father-in-law.

  56. 56
    Where did Mata Ganga Ji belong to?
    B.Village Mau, Tehsil PhillaurAnswer

    Mata Ganga Ji was from village Mau, Tehsil Phillaur.

  57. 57
    Which Sikh performed the service of writing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji?
    D.Bhai Gurdas JiAnswer

    Bhai Gurdas Ji wrote the Adi Granth at Ramsar Sarovar.

  58. 58
    On the bank of which sarovar did Bhai Gurdas Ji write the Guru Granth Sahib Ji?
    C.RamsarAnswer

    The Adi Granth was written on the bank of Ramsar Sarovar.

  59. 59
    When and where was the first Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib Ji done?
    B.1604 AD at Sri Harmandir SahibAnswer

    The first Parkash was in 1604 AD at Sri Harmandir Sahib.

  60. 60
    Who was appointed the first Granthi at the Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib Ji?
    C.Baba Buddha JiAnswer

    Baba Buddha Ji was appointed the first Granthi.

  61. 61
    Name the two towns founded by Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
    C.Tarn Taran and Kartarpur (Jalandhar)Answer

    Guru Ji founded Tarn Taran and Kartarpur (Jalandhar district).

  62. 62
    When Bhai Manjh Ji fell into a well, what did he say as a rope was lowered?
    B.First take out the wood so that Langar can be preparedAnswer

    Bhai Manjh Ji's first concern was the Langar - he asked that the wood be removed first.

  63. 63
    What did Guru Ji say while embracing Bhai Manjh Ji?
    B.Manjh pyara Guru ko, Guru Manjh pyara - Manjh Guru ka bohetha jag langhan haraAnswer

    Guru Ji honored him with these words, calling him a ship that ferries the world across.

  64. 64
    What did Guru Ji tell Bhai Manjh Ji in order to adopt Sikhism?
    B.Demolish the pir's shrine, give up worship of Sakhi Sarwars, and stop all practices against Sikh teachingsAnswer

    Guru Ji asked him to renounce his prior worship and live by the Guru's command.

  65. 65
    Where did Bhai Kalyana Ji go to bring construction wood?
    B.Mandi, Himachal PradeshAnswer

    He went to the princely state of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.

  66. 66
    Who was the king of Mandi during Bhai Kalyana Ji's time?
    B.Raja Hari SenAnswer

    Raja Hari Sen ruled Mandi at the time.

  67. 67
    Which Sikh did not keep a fast on Janmashtami despite the king's orders?
    C.Bhai Kalyana JiAnswer

    Bhai Kalyana Ji refused to fast, citing the Guru's teaching.

  68. 68
    What did Bhai Kalyana Ji say when the king asked why he did not fast?
    B.Fasting is not a way to worship God; it only causes suffering and is hypocrisy spread by priestsAnswer

    He declared that ritual fasting does not lead to God-realization.

  69. 69
    Where did Bhai Kalyana Ji bring Raja Hari Sen?
    B.AmritsarAnswer

    He brought Raja Hari Sen to Amritsar to meet the Guru.

  70. 70
    What is smallpox called in Hindu households?
    C.Sheetla Devi or Sheetla MataAnswer

    Smallpox is called Sheetla Devi or Sheetla Mata in popular tradition.

  71. 71
    What did Guru Arjan Dev Ji explain to the superstitious worshippers of Sheetla?
    B.That smallpox is not a goddess but a disease to be medically treatedAnswer

    Guru Ji explained smallpox is a disease, not a goddess, and should be medically treated.

  72. 72
    When smallpox spread and Guru Ji went to Lahore with young Hargobind Ji, how old was Hargobind Ji?
    B.One and a half yearsAnswer

    Guru Hargobind Ji was one and a half years old at the time.

  73. 73
    How did Chandu Shah meet his end?
    C.He was handed to the Sikh Sangat and killed by Gurditta the roasted-grain seller with a ladleAnswer

    Paraded through Lahore's markets, he was struck dead by Gurditta with a ladle.

  74. 74
    Name the first martyr Guru of Sikhism.
    C.Guru Arjan Dev JiAnswer

    Guru Arjan Dev Ji is the first martyr Guru of Sikhism.

  75. 75
    How many years did Guru Arjan Dev Ji stay at Goindwal?
    C.11Answer

    Guru Ji stayed at Goindwal for 11 years.

  76. 76
    From whom did Guru Arjan Dev Ji receive the teachings of Gurmat?
    C.From his maternal grandfather, Guru Amar Das JiAnswer

    He received the teachings from his maternal grandfather, Guru Amar Das Ji.

  77. 77
    Who became unhappy when Guru Arjan Dev Ji received the Guruship?
    C.Baba Prithi ChandAnswer

    Prithi Chand, the elder brother, was deeply resentful.

  78. 78
    Which Sikh lady was the wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother of Gurus?
    D.Bibi Bhani JiAnswer

    Bibi Bhani Ji holds this unique distinction.

  79. 79
    What lesson did Guru Ji's martyrdom teach the Sikhs?
    B.To endure hardships for Sikhi and remain in Chardi KalaAnswer

    To endure hardships for faith while remaining in Chardi Kala (eternal optimism).