Who founded Sikhism in the Punjab in the late 15th century?

Guru Nanak founded Sikhism in the Punjab in the late 15th century.

Born in 1469 at Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, Nanak taught devotion to one God, equality among people, honest work, sharing with others, and remembrance of the divine name. His teachings challenged social divisions and ritual distinctions that he believed distracted from sincere spiritual life.

Guru Nanak travelled widely in South Asia and is traditionally described as making four major journeys, called udasis. He composed hymns in several languages and musical forms; these later became part of Sikh scripture. His closest companion was Bhai Mardana, a Muslim minstrel who accompanied him.

Nanak appointed Bhai Lehna as his successor rather than choosing one of his sons. Lehna became Guru Angad, establishing a line of ten human Gurus. Sikh tradition regards Guru Nanak as the first Guru, while later Sikh scripture preserves many of his hymns.