Encyclopaedia of Sikhism : Religion and Culture/edited by O.P. Ralhan. 1997, 2 volumes, 711 p., $150 (set).
Contents: Vol. I. Preface. 1. The advent of Sikhism. 2. The Adi Granth, or First Book; or the Book of Nanak, the First Guru, or Teacher of the Sikhs. 3. The admonitory letters of Nanak to the Fabulous Monarch Karum; and the prescriptive letters of Gobind for the guidance of the Sikhs. 4. Adi Granth or Guru Granth Sahib and its contribution. 5. Akali struggle at Jaito (1923-1925). 6. The Ardas. 7. Brief history of Bhai Pheru Morcha (1924-25). 8. The birth of the Akal Takht. 9. Casteless society. 10. Chardi Kala. 11. Child naming and initiating ceremony. 12. Classes of Sikhs. 13. Eminent votaries of Sikhs Gurus. 14. First Sikh Martyr. 15. Five Ks' prescribed for the Khalsa. 16. Golden Temple keys affair 1921-22. 17. Growth of the Sikh faith (1469-1708). 18. Guru Gobind Singh--his four sons. 19. Gurdwara Bill (The Sikh movement). 20. Guru-Ka-Bagh Morcha (1992). 21. Gurmukhi script. 22. Impact of Sikh Gurus on society. 23. Institutions, ceremonies and cultural ethos. 24. Japuji: the morning prayer. 25. Karah Parshad. 26. The Khalsa. 27. Land and the people. 28. Life and manners of the Sikhs. 29. Marriage among Sikhs. 30. Moghul emperors and the Sikh Gurus. 31. Origin of Sikhism. 32. The origin of Sikhism and its history.
Vol. II. 33. Pangat. 34. Panj Payaras (five beloved ones). 35. Panj Takht. 36. Panth. 37. Phases of bhakti. 38. Philosophic aspect of the Sikh religion. 39. Prominent Sikh institutions. 40. Prayer (Ardas). 41. Religious ceremonies (Samskaras). 42. Sadh Sangat. 43. Sarbat Khalsa. 44. Sikh Gurus. 45. Some important dates of the gurdwara reform movement. 46. The Sikh Gurus and modification of Sikhism under Gobind 1539-1716. 47. Sikh living. 48. Sikh Religion--I. 49. Sikh Religion--II. 50. Sikh Religion--III. 51. Social and cultural conditions in Punjab under the Sultan period--1000-1526. 52. Social and cultural life in Punjab. 53. Social status of Sikh woman. 54. Syncretism and the formation of the Sikh tradition.
"Encyclopaedia of Sikhism (2 vols), primarily contains all about the great religion which emerged as an independent, conspicuous and sovereign dispensation. The volumes compile comprehensive references from A-Z about the Sikh religion viz. Sikh scriptures, philosophy and doctrine, mythology, theology, Guru Granth Sahib, hymns, the Great Gurudwaras associated with the lives of Great Gurus, and the incidents associated with them, references to socio-religious movements, Sikh culture, Sikh people and their customs, fairs, social status of women. The encyclopaedia traces the emergence of all terms since the days of founder Guru, Guru Nanak and illustrates the contents with historical evidence. It also has references to Sikh wars with the Mughals. Each word which has relevant value and meaning to Sikhs has been selected and included in these volumes. Summarily, the encyclopaedia has tried to gather and narrate all relevant information, from reliable and succinct sources in order to find all information at one place. A large number of documents and monographs on the subject have appeared so far, but the treatment of the subject here is very simple, lucid and easy to understand. At some places etymological treatment has been provided to several terms which appear interesting while consulting. Therefore the present volumes distinguish themselves from others on the basis of several characteristics.
"The encyclopaedia of Sikhism will be of immense value for researchers historian and students of Sikh history. A very useful reference book on the Sikhs and Sikh religion and worthy of acquisition for each library and information centre." (jacket)
[O.P. Ralhan's books includes The Great Gurus of the Sikhs and Indian National Movement.]