The Legendary Folklore, Medium and Essence of Janam Sakhis

Janam Sakhi is seen as an authentic source of history. The Janam Sakhi manuscripts have a number of pictorial representations containing legends, with their numerous interpretations, on the birth and life Guru Nanak including his enlightenment. This volume studies various styles of Janam Sakhi manuscripts found in different museums and libraries of Punjab. It has detailed explorations of the symbols, motifs and legends that are to be found in the Janam Sakhis, their style, technique and materials and the place of the Janam Sakhi in Indian the painting tradition. With illustrations of the Janam Sakhi paintings depicting Guru Nanak reproduced, it refers to various artistes and works of art, and medieval texts in various languages including Persian and Urdu sources.