Contents: 1. Sikhism: the beginnings (1469-1708). 2. Sikhism: challenge and response (1849-1873). 3. Sikhism: the creative half-decade (1965-1969).

"In the summer of 1982, Professor Harbans Singh was somehow prevailed upon to leave the campus of the Punjabi University, Patiala, where he devotes himself to working on the Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, to deliver a series of lectures at Berkeley, California. The university has cause to be congratulated upon its success in persuading the Professor to give the lectures.

"By no means all lectures are worthy of publication, even as articles in a journal, but the essays here portray a brief, clear and analytical introduction to Sikhism. Such outlines are rare and for that reason alone would be worth cherishing. Here is a carefully considered appraisal by a Sikh scholar who has devoted his life to the study of his religion and to laying it before others, especially those who are not his co-religionists. Born of experience and maturity, this book is far more than the often rehearsed story. It is an examination of major events and influences which have made Sikhism what it now is." (jacket)

[Professor Harbans Singh is Editor-in-Chief of The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism in preparation at the Punjabi University at Patiala.]