The founding of Sikhism in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji presented a new religious and philosophical outlook that emphasized equality, community service, and devotion to one God. Here’s a brief overview of the key aspects regarding the relationship between Sikhism and the socio-political context of the time, specifically addressing your points:
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Opposition from the Mughal Empire: The Mughal Empire, particularly under emperors like Aurangzeb, did indeed have conflicts with Sikh leaders, resulting in the persecution of some Sikh Gurus, notably Guru Tegh Bahadur, and later Guru Gobind Singh's establishment of the Khalsa. This opposition stemmed from the Mughals' desire to maintain political control and religious orthodoxy in the face of the growing influence of Sikhism.
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Support of the Caste System: Sikhism, as taught by its Gurus, fundamentally opposes the caste system and promotes the idea of equality among all people. While some historical accounts may depict interactions where caste distinctions persisted, the core teachings of Sikh Gurus advocate for egalitarianism, with practices like langar (community kitchen) serving to diminish caste barriers.
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Religious Elites Welcoming Sikhs: The relationship between Sikhs and religious elites of other faiths has varied over time. While some individual leaders or groups may have seen the value in Sikh teachings and formed alliances, the overall reaction often depended on the political landscape and their respective interests. Sikhs often faced opposition and hostility from certain religious elites, especially from Hindus and Muslims who were concerned about Sikhism's challenge to established norms.
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Harsh Treatment of Subjects: It would be inaccurate to generalize that Sikhs treated their subjects harshly. Under the leadership of the later Sikh Gurus and especially during the period of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, policies tended to emphasize fair governance, inclusivity, and welfare for people of various backgrounds. However, it should be noted that like any political entity, there might have been instances of conflicts or harshness during specific events or contexts.
Overall, Sikhism has a rich history characterized by its principles of equality, community, and social justice, which often positioned it in contrast to the prevailing societal norms of the time.