Written over the last two decades, this valuable collection addresses some major issues concerning the Sikhs, even as Hew McLeod traces his eventful and rewarding life in Sikh studies. Examining the fundamental difference between historical sources and traditions, McLeod discusses Sikh hagiography. He presents an analysis of the Jap Sahib of Guru Gobind Singh along with a translation. He looks into various aspects of the Khalsa Rahit–its history, the evolution of the Five Ks, Rahit-namas, especially the problems associated with their study, and the legend of the enigmatic Banda Bahadur. He delves into the Sikh identity–what defines a Sikh and changing notions of what it means to be a Sikh. Various facets of Sikh society like observance of caste, the place of women, and wearing of the Turban are explored. He investigates the story of Sikh migration to Australia and New Zealand, the earliest such settlements, from the first immigrants in the 1860s till the present day. There is also extensive discussion on Sikh art and literature including the Adi Granth, the Janamsakhis, and the works of Bhai Gurdas and Bhai Nandlal among others. A detailed introduction provides an overview of Sikh studies today and places the essays in context. Wide-ranging in the issues covered, lucid of style, insightful and incisive, this volume is an absorbing read. Students and scholars of religion, especially Sikh studies, history, philosophy, and sociology as well as the interested general reader will find this informative and useful.
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