The Sikhs

In this compact but informative book, the author presents a concise history of the followers of one of the world’s newest religion – Sikhism. Beginning with the life and times of the founder, the highly revered Guru Nanak, the contents move on to describe the vital contribution made y the following nine Gurus in shaping and developing the Sikh religion. The significance of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, and its centrality to the religion are emphasized. The author then swells upon important events such as the rise of the Sikh confederacy, the acquisition of a kingdom by the Sikhs and how they eventually lost it. The pivotal role of Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been highlighted. The focus then shifts to Punjab under the British rule. The author discusses epoch-making developments such as the movements for religious reformation, the setting up of the Singh Sabha and the accompanying social reform, the decisive Akali agitation for control of various Sikh shrines and the impact of the Ghadr rebellion. The different political groups and their influence on Sikh affairs are then recounted. Next, historically crucial episodes such as the struggle for independence from the British, the partition of India, the communal holocaust that followed and the exodus of vast multitudes are narrated in graphic detail. The author finally rounds off the book with a description of the cultural heritage of the Sikhs and a survey of what the future could hold for this community.