RAM DAS

born 1534, Lahore, Punjab, India died 1581, Goindwal also called Bhai Jetha fourth Sikh Guru and founder of the great Sikh centre of Amritsar, now headquarters or capital of the religion. Ram Das continued as Guru (157481) the missionary endeavour begun by his predecessor, Amar Das. On land given to him by the Mughal emperor Akbar, he built a holy tank, or pool; then, wishing to build a community around it, he invited businessmen and traders to settle there. The town was first named Ramdaspur and then Amritsar. Following the tradition of his saintly forerunners, Ram Das urged Emperor Akbar to punish graft among his officials and to endow charitable undertakings of all kinds. He was noted for his humility, piety, and service to others. Shortly before the death of Ram Das, his son Arjun succeeded him as Guru.