As Sikhism places an emphasis on ahisma (non-violence), it may confuse someone as to why this peaceful, non-militaristic religion evolved into one that allowed bearing arms. It began when Guru Hargobind (1595-1644), son of Guru Arjan,convinced his followers that a proper Guru is their spiritual and military leader. He led the army against Shah Jahan, the Mughal emporer. Through this desire to rise politically and become independent, Sikhs went against their own core teachings and formed a military. Sikhism may also have evolved from peaceful to militaristic from their need of protection. Sikhs would carry weaponry such as swords, in case they needed it. With the need to bear arms andform a military, Sikhs did what they had to do to survive during the times.Although Sikhs do not condone murder, Guru Hargobind found a way to change the fundamental teachings to suit what he felt would be best for the people, or quite possibly, himself. Through this drastic change of beliefs, a religious observer can see how the fundamental beliefs of religion changes relative to the people and times in which it evolves from.
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