In this insightful new study, Pashaura Singh explores the interaction between early Sikhism and other religious movements in the Punjab, focusing in particular on those saints from the devotional tradition who find a place in the Guru Granth Sahib. Pashaura Singh examines the impact of Sufi tradition in the Punjab by studying the Sikh Gurus’ responses to the work of Shaikh Farid. He considers Kabir and the Sant tradition of Northern India and also focuses on the Vaishnava Bhakti tradition as represented by various bhagats (‘devotees’). Finally, the author discusses the status of the Bhagat Bani (‘utterances of the Bhagats’) within the Sikh tradition and its tremendous influence on the people of Punjab. The Bhagat Bani provides an excellent example of scriptural adaptation in a cross-cultural spirit, offering a deeper understanding of religious pluralism and new answers to the basic question of who we are and what we do as a faith community. This lucid and engaging volume will be read with great interest by scholars and students of religious, scriptural, and Sikh studies, as well as general readers interested in Sikhism.
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