Who established the system of preachers called ‘masands’ ?

Dear Brother Yashdeep Singh ji,
Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh!

You have asked a question as to ‘who established the system of preachers called masands?’.

As per the undersigned’s understanding no one established the system of preachers called masands.

Actually, what happened was that, during the rule of mughals, the Sikhs had to leave their homes and everything and live in jungles, for a very long time. In their absence, the Nirmalas took care of the Gurdwaras and religious institutions and in a very noble manner did the sewa. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time jagirs were attached with the historical Gurdwaras and income started coming in, which made these preachers called masands, corrupt.

When Sikhs tried to take control of the Gurdwaras, to root out the corruption, the Mahants, with the help of British rulers, tried to keep their control and the result was there was confrontation. The Gurdwara Sudhar Lehar started and continued for a long time and as British rulers continued to support the corrupt Mahants, the Sikhs had to suffer huge losses of life, property etc. and remain in jails for a long time. Finally, the Sikhs got control of Gurdwaras and the present day Shiromani Gurdwaras Prabandhak Committee came into existence.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Regards,
Your Brother