Contents: Preface. 1. Background. 2. Akalis and the struggle for representation. 3. Akalis and elections. 4. Akalis and the Congress. 5. Akalis and the World War II. 6. Akali attitude towards partition. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

"This work is a pioneer attempt to explain the regional roots of Indian nationalism in Punjab and also to study the role played by the Akalis in the country's struggle for independence from 1926-47. Based on vast unpublished source materials, it examines their political activities which primarily involves the study of their relations with the British Government of India, Congress and other political organizations.

"The author makes an in-depth study of the participation of the Sikhs in the freedom movement and also lays bare the predicament of the Akalis when their loyalty was divided between national and community interests. This book fills a vital gap in the understanding of minority politics in the pre-partition Punjab by analysing systematically different aspects of the politics of the Sikhs, in general, and Akalis, in particular." (jacket)