The city of Amritsar (originally called Ramdaspur) was founded by which Sikh Guru?

The city of Amritsar was founded by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, around 1574-1577; it was originally called "Ramdaspur" or "Guru ka Chak".

How Amritsar was founded:

• According to tradition, the land was granted by the Mughal emperor Akbar (or purchased from local villagers).
• Guru Ram Das began the excavation of a large sacred tank (sarovar), which came to be called "Amritsar" ("pool of nectar").
• The city grew around the tank, and took its name from it.
• He invited traders and craftsmen to settle there, which helped the town grow into a commercial centre.

The Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple):

• The temple in the middle of the tank was built under the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev.
• According to Sikh tradition, its foundation stone was laid by the Sufi saint Mian Mir, in 1588 (some accounts doubt this).
• It has four entrances, one on each side, symbolising that it is open to people of all castes and religions.
• In the early 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered its upper floors with gold, which gave it the name "Golden Temple".

About Guru Ram Das:

• He was born in 1534 at Lahore, as Jetha.
• He was the son-in-law of the third Guru, Guru Amar Das.
• He became Guru in 1574.
• He composed hymns, including the "Laavan", which are recited during Sikh marriages (Anand Karaj).
• He died in 1581, and his son Arjan Dev became the fifth Guru.
• From his time, the guruship remained in his family (the Sodhi family).

Amritsar today:

• It is a major city in Punjab and an important pilgrimage centre.
• Other places in Amritsar include the Akal Takht, the Jallianwala Bagh and the Durgiana Temple.
• It is close to the Attari-Wagah border with Pakistan.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Guru Nanak founded Kartarpur.
• ✗Guru Angad Dev lived at Khadur Sahib.
• ✗Guru Hargobind built the Akal Takht.