Guru Amar Das established 22 manjis, or Sikh administrative and missionary districts.
The manji system helped organize Sikh congregations beyond the Guru’s immediate residence at Goindwal. Each manji was placed under a manjidar, a local preacher responsible for teaching Sikh principles, guiding congregations, and overseeing affiliated dharamsals. The structure gave the growing community a practical network for religious instruction.
The number 22 is sometimes confused with the later piri system, which focused on spreading Sikh teachings among women and included 52 appointed leaders. The manji system also should not be confused with the later masand system of regional Sikh representatives and revenue collectors.
Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru, led from 1552 until 1574. His organizational reforms accompanied other major developments, including the expansion of langar, the promotion of festivals such as Vaisakhi and Diwali, and the construction of the Baoli Sahib stepwell at Goindwal. Together, these measures helped transform Sikhism into a more coordinated religious community.