Which Sikh Guru founded the city of Amritsar?

Guru Ram Das founded the city of Amritsar. In 1574, the fourth Sikh Guru established a settlement called Ramdaspur around a man-made pool, creating the beginnings of the city that later became Sikhism’s most important pilgrimage center.

The site had been identified during the time of Guru Amar Das, who asked Ram Das to develop a new town and reservoir. Guru Ram Das completed the pool, built his residence and administrative center nearby, and invited merchants and artisans to settle there. The growing settlement was supported by Sikh donations and voluntary labor.

Amritsar’s best-known shrine, Harmandir Sahib, was developed during the time of his son and successor, Guru Arjan. Guru Arjan expanded the town and installed the Adi Granth in the shrine in 1604. Thus, Guru Ram Das is credited with founding the city, while later Gurus shaped its religious and architectural importance.