Talwandi

Rai Bhoi's Talwandi, later known as Nankana Sahib, is the birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The settlement was established under the Delhi Sultanate by Rai Bhoi of the Bhati Rajputs. Its shrine at the Guru's birthplace became one of the most revered places in the Sikh tradition.

Nanak was born here in 1469. His teachings and hymns spread through his travels across Asia, and his spiritual authority passed to the nine Sikh Gurus who followed him. Around 1600 a gurdwara was built at his birthplace. In 1750 Diwan Kaura Mal sponsored sacred pools and memorial shrines at Talwandi, granting them substantial lands. Those grants supported the shrines and their surrounding estate. Maharaja Ranjit Singh later had the birthplace gurdwara renovated in 1819–1820.