Sikh Sanskaars

34 Grade 9 Religious Education (HRE) questions on Sikh Sanskaars, with worked marking schemes. 34 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   Which of the following is the correct order of Sikh life-cycle sanskaars from birth?

   A. Amrit Sanskar, Nam Karan, Antam Sanskar, Anand Karaj

   B. Anand Karaj, Nam Karan, Amrit Sanskar, Antam Sanskar

   C. Antam Sanskar, Anand Karaj, Nam Karan, Amrit Sanskar

   D. Nam Karan, Amrit Sanskar, Anand Karaj, Antam Sanskar

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   6 marks

   Describe the main steps followed during the Sikh naming ceremony (Nam Karan).

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   2 marks each, any 3 steps: family brings the baby to the Gurdwara/prepares karah parshad; hymns and prayers (Ardas) are offered thanking God for the child; the Guru Granth Sahib is opened at random (hukam/vak); the first letter of the first hymn is chosen as the initial letter of the child's name; the name is announced with 'Singh' for boys or 'Kaur' for girls; parshad is shared. Max 6.

3. Question 3

   1 mark

   A Sikh couple wishing to marry according to their faith would MOST appropriately hold their ceremony:

   A. In the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib in a Gurdwara

   B. At a graveyard

   C. In a courtroom only

   D. At a river bank at midnight

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   1 mark

   A Sikh couple is married in the gurdwara by walking four times around the Guru Granth Sahib while a special hymn is sung. What is this Sikh marriage ceremony called?

   A. Amrit Sanskar

   B. Anand Karaj

   C. Nam Karan

   D. Antam Sanskar

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   6 marks

   (a) Name the ceremony through which one becomes a member of the Khalsa.

   (b) Describe FOUR features of this ceremony.

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) 1 mark: Amrit Sanskar (Amrit Pahul/initiation). (b) 1 mark each, any 4 (max 5): conducted by the five Panj Pyare; amrit is made by mixing water and sugar stirred with a khanda while reciting hymns; the initiate drinks and is sprinkled with amrit; the initiate vows to keep the Five Ks and the Rehat code; men take the name Singh, women Kaur; the Mool Mantar is recited. Total max 6.

6. Question 6

   1 mark

   At Baisakhi, a Sikh teenager decides to formally join the Khalsa. During the ceremony amrit (sweetened water stirred with a double-edged sword) is administered. What is this initiation sanskaar called?

   A. Anand Karaj

   B. Amrit Sanchar

   C. Naam Karan

   D. Dasvandh

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   During the Anand Karaj (marriage), the four hymns sung as the couple circles the Guru Granth Sahib are called the:

   A. Lavan

   B. Ardas

   C. Mool Mantar

   D. Kirtan Sohila

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   6 marks

   A Sikh teenager decides she is ready to formally commit to her faith and is initiated into the Khalsa community in a special ceremony conducted by five baptised Sikhs.

   (a)(i) Name the initiation ceremony into the Khalsa. (1 mark)

   (a)(ii) Name the group of five baptised Sikhs who conduct the ceremony. (1 mark)

   (b) After initiation she must wear the five articles of faith. State four of these five Ks (Kakaars). (4 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a)(i) The Amrit Sanskaar (Amrit Sanchar / Khande di Pahul) - the Sikh baptism ceremony. (1 mark) (a)(ii) The Panj Pyare (the "Five Beloved Ones"). (1 mark) (b) The five Ks (Kakaars) are: (i) Kesh - uncut hair; (ii) Kangha - a wooden comb; (iii) Kara - a steel/iron bracelet; (iv) Kachhera - cotton undergarment/shorts; (v) Kirpan - a small sword. (any 4 = 4 marks)

9. Question 9

   1 mark

   In the Anand Karaj ceremony, the marriage is considered complete after the couple has:

   A. Signed a marriage register

   B. Been blessed by the parents only

   C. Exchanged rings

   D. Completed the four Lavan rounds around the Guru Granth Sahib

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    The Sikh naming ceremony, in which the Guru Granth Sahib is opened at random and the child's name begins with the first letter of the hymn on that page, is called:

    A. Nam Karan (Naam Sanskar)

    B. Antam Sanskar

    C. Amrit Sanskar

    D. Anand Karaj

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    4 marks

    Describe the role played by the Panj Pyare during the Amrit Sanskar ceremony.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    1 mark each, any 4: they represent the original five beloved ones chosen by Guru Gobind Singh; they prepare the amrit by stirring water and sugar with the khanda; they recite the prescribed hymns/Banis during preparation; they administer the amrit to the initiates (to drink, on eyes and hair); they explain the Rehat/code of conduct to the initiates. Max 4.

12. Question 12

    6 marks

    Explain three beliefs about death and the soul that are reflected in the Sikh funeral ceremony (Antam Sanskar).

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    2 marks each, any 3: the soul is immortal/does not die with the body; death is part of God's will (Hukam) and should be accepted with calm; the body is cremated because it returns to the elements while the soul journeys on; the soul is subject to rebirth until it merges with God; excessive mourning is discouraged as death is a natural passage. Max 6.

13. Question 13

    5 marks

    (a) What are the Five Ks?

    (b) Name any four of the Five Ks that an initiated Sikh commits to keep after the Amrit Sanskar.

    (5 marks)

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14. Question 14

    6 marks

    Naming, marriage and death ceremonies among Sikhs all take place in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. Explain three reasons why the scripture is central to these sanskaars.

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    2 marks each, any 3: the Guru Granth Sahib is regarded as the living/eternal Guru so its presence gives spiritual authority; it makes God the witness/centre of each event; its hymns provide the words and blessings for each rite; it reminds participants of God's teachings/will at every life stage; bowing to it shows submission to God. Max 6.

15. Question 15

    4 marks

    Explain the significance of the four Lavan rounds in the Anand Karaj (Sikh marriage) ceremony.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    1 mark each, any 4: the couple walks around the Guru Granth Sahib showing marriage is centred on God/Guru; each round represents a stage in the spiritual union of the couple; symbolises the couple's journey towards God together; makes God the witness to the marriage; teaches that marriage is a spiritual bond not just a social contract. Max 4.

16. Question 16

    1 mark

    Which of the following BEST explains why Sikhs generally prefer cremation at the Antam Sanskar?

    A. Cremation guarantees the soul goes to heaven

    B. It is cheaper than burial

    C. It is required by Kenyan law

    D. The body returns to the elements while the soul continues its journey

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    1 mark

    During the Amrit Sanskar, the ceremony is conducted by five initiated Sikhs who represent the original Panj Pyare, meaning the:

    A. Five rivers

    B. Five Gurus

    C. Five beloved ones

    D. Five prayers

    (1 mark)

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18. Question 18

    1 mark

    The Sikh marriage ceremony, in which the couple walks around the Guru Granth Sahib four times while the Lavan hymns are sung, is known as:

    A. Antam Sanskar

    B. Anand Karaj

    C. Amrit Sanskar

    D. Nam Karan

    (1 mark)

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19. Question 19

    1 mark

    The Sikh initiation ceremony started by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, through which a person becomes a member of the Khalsa, is the:

    A. Antam Sanskar

    B. Amrit Sanskar (Amrit Pahul)

    C. Anand Karaj

    D. Nam Karan

    (1 mark)

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20. Question 20

    1 mark

    At a Sikh funeral (Antam Sanskar), a commonly recited hymn expressing acceptance of God's will is the:

    A. Kirtan Sohila

    B. Amrit Bani

    C. Mool Mantar

    D. Lavan

    (1 mark)

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21. Question 21

    6 marks

    Explain three lessons a Grade 9 learner can draw from the way Sikhs conduct the Antam Sanskar (funeral).

    (6 marks)

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22. Question 22

    1 mark

    After the Amrit Sanskar, male initiates take the name 'Singh' (lion) and female initiates take the name:

    A. Devi

    B. Kaur (princess)

    C. Rani

    D. Mata

    (1 mark)

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23. Question 23

    1 mark

    The reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib from beginning to end, often held during important sanskaars such as weddings or funerals, is called:

    A. Kirtan

    B. Akhand Path

    C. Ardas

    D. Langar

    (1 mark)

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24. Question 24

    4 marks

    State FOUR ways in which the Sikh sanskaars help to strengthen the community and family in Kenya.

    (4 marks)

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25. Question 25

    1 mark

    Which prayer, meaning 'petition' or 'supplication', is offered to God at the conclusion of almost every Sikh sanskaar?

    A. Lavan

    B. Japji

    C. Ardas

    D. Kirtan Sohila

    (1 mark)

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26. Question 26

    1 mark

    The double-edged sword used to stir the amrit during the initiation ceremony is called the:

    A. Kanga

    B. Khanda

    C. Kirpan

    D. Kara

    (1 mark)

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27. Question 27

    1 mark

    The Sikh funeral rite, in which the body is normally cremated and prayers are said, is referred to as:

    A. Amrit Sanskar

    B. Anand Karaj

    C. Antam Sanskar

    D. Nam Karan

    (1 mark)

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28. Question 28

    6 marks

    At a Gurdwara, several young Sikh men and women receive Amrit (sweetened holy water stirred with a double-edged sword) administered by five initiated Sikhs, after which they take new vows and adopt new names.

    (a) Name this Sikh Sanskaar. (2 marks)

    (b) (i) Identify the group of five initiated Sikhs who administer the Amrit. (1 mark)

    (ii) State THREE commitments a person makes on receiving this Sanskaar. (3 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) The Amrit Sanskaar (Amrit Pahul / Khande di Pahul), the Sikh initiation ceremony into the Khalsa, instituted by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. (b)(i) The Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones). (ii) Any THREE: to keep the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachhera, Kirpan); to recite the daily prayers (Nitnem); to abstain from cutting hair, from tobacco/intoxicants, from adultery, and from eating ritually slaughtered meat (the four cardinal prohibitions/kurahits); to live by the Sikh code of conduct (Rehat Maryada) and serve the community; men adopt the name 'Singh' and women 'Kaur'. (3 x 1 mark)

29. Question 29

    1 mark

    During the Amrit Sanskar (initiation) ceremony, the amrit (holy water) is prepared by mixing water with:

    A. Honey

    B. Sugar (patasas) and stirred with a khanda

    C. Milk

    D. Rose petals

    (1 mark)

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30. Question 30

    1 mark

    When a baby is born into Gurpreet's family, they take the child to the Gurdwara, and the first letter of a random Hukamnama is used to choose the child's name. Which sanskaar is this?

    A. Anand Karaj

    B. Antam Sanskar

    C. Naam Karan

    D. Amrit Sanchar

    (1 mark)

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31. Question 31

    1 mark

    After an initiated Sikh receives amrit, he or she is expected to observe the Rehat (code of conduct), which among other things forbids:

    A. Community service

    B. Cutting the hair

    C. Family life

    D. Honest work

    (1 mark)

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32. Question 32

    1 mark

    Soon after a Sikh baby is born, the family takes the child to the gurdwara, opens the Guru Granth Sahib at random, and chooses a name beginning with the first letter of the hymn on that page. What is this naming sanskaar called?

    A. Nam Karan

    B. Amrit Sanskar

    C. Anand Karaj

    D. Dastar Bandi

    (1 mark)

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33. Question 33

    1 mark

    Which of the following articles of faith (Five Ks) is NOT associated with an initiated (Amritdhari) Sikh?

    A. Kara (steel bracelet)

    B. Kesh (uncut hair)

    C. Kirpan (small sword)

    D. Tilak (forehead mark)

    (1 mark)

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34. Question 34

    1 mark

    The sweet sacramental pudding shared among worshippers at Sikh ceremonies is called:

    A. Amrit

    B. Langar dhal

    C. Karah parshad

    D. Chapati

    (1 mark)

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