In a revised edition of his original book, J. S. Grewal brings the history of the Sikhs from its beginnings in the time of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, right up to the present day. Against the background of the history of the Punjab, the volume surveys the changing pattern of human settlements in the region until the fifteenth century and the emergence of the Punjabi language as the basis of regional articulation. Subsequent chapters explore the life and beliefs of Guru Nanak, the development of his ideas by his successors and the growth of his following. The book offers a comprehensive statement on one of the largest and most important communities in India today.
• Comprehensive treatment of the history of the Sikhs from its beginnings to the present day • Useful appendices including lists of successors/descendants of major players, chronology of events brought up to date, and heads of British administration in colonial Punjab • Author is a distinguished scholar in the field
Contents
Introduction; 1. The Turko-Afghan rule; 2. Foundation of the Sikh Panth; 3. Evolution of the Sikh Panth (1539–1606); 4. Transformation of the Sikh Panth (1606–1708); 5. Rise to political power (1708–1799); 6. The Sikh empire (1799–1848); 7. Recession and resurgence (1849–1919); 8. In the struggle for freedom (1920–1947); 9. Towards the ‘Punjab-Province’ (1947–1966); 10. In the new Punjab state (1966–1984); Epilogue; Appendices.
Reviews
‘... simply the best, most clearly written, and most useful one-volume historical survey of the subject that currently is available.’ Religious Studies Review
‘... a valuable text for students who wish to study Sikh history, and fundamental reading for scholars of South Asian history and religion.’ The Journal of Asian Studies
‘A timely publication which the rulers in Delhi would do well to read.’ The Hindu
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