The Illustrated History of the Sikhs/Khushwant Singh. New Delhi,
Oxford University Press, 2006, xiv, 280 p., photographs, ISBN
0-19-567747-1.
The Illustrated History of the Sikhs/Khushwant Singh. New Delhi,
Oxford University Press, 2006, xiv, 280 p., photographs, ISBN
0-19-567747-1.
Contents: I. The Punjab and the Birth of Sikhism: 1. The Sikh homeland. 2. The birth of Sikhism. 3. Building of the Sikh Church. 4. The call to arms. 5. From the Pacifist Sikh to the Militant Khalsa. II. The Agrarian Uprising: 6. The rise and fall of Banda Bahadur. 7. Persecution of the Sikhs and the reorganization of the Khalsa Army. 8. Ahmed Shah Abdali and the Sikhs. 9. From the Indus to the Ganges. III. Punjab Monarchy and Imperialism: 10. Rise of the Sukerchakia Misl. 11. Maharajah of the Punjab. 12. Suzerain of Malwa. 13. British annexation of Malwa: treaty of Lahore, 1809. 14. Consolidation of the Punjab. 15. Fall of the Sikh kingdom. IV. Consolidation of British Power in the Punjab: 16. Annexation of the Punjab. 17. Crescat e Fluviis. V. Social and Religious Reforms: 18. Religious movements. 19. Singh Sabha and social reform. VI. Political Movements Marxist, National and Sectarian: 20. Rural indebtedness and peasant agitation. 21. World War I and its aftermath. 22. Xenophobic Marxism. 23. Gurdwara reform: rise of the Akali immortals. 24. Constitutional reforms and the Sikhs. VII. Politics of Partition Independence and the Demand for a Sikh Homeland: 25. Sikhs and World War II (1939-1945). 26. Prelude to the partition of India. 27. Civil strife, exodus, and resettlement. 28. A state of their own. 29. Prosperity and religious fundamentalism. 30. The Anandpur Sahib resolution and other Akali demands. 31. Fatal miscalculation. 32. Assassination and after. 33. Elections and the accord. 34. Foreign connections and Khalistan. 35. Politics and beyond. Photo Gallery. Credits for Photographs and illustrations. About the Author.
"This illustrated chronicle of the Sikhs, written by one of the India's best-loved writers-Khushwant Singh, comprehensively records the story of a remarkable community. Over hundred and fifty rare pictures, including portraits, paintings, etchings, religious prints and photographs collected from a wide variety of sources, complement the compelling narrative.
Paying particular attention to the community's return to the national mainstream in India, after the challenge of violence, exclusion and terrorism, the volume explores a people's achievements across fields--most visible in the elevation of a Sikh to the land's highest political office.
The narrative begins more than 500 years ago with the birth of Sikhism as a Pacifist sect, striking out on its own against the complexity and ritualism of contemporary religion and society. Throughout its colourful, yet at times turbulent history, the Sikh community underwent many changes of fortune, always remaining, however, a social and political force to reckon with.
Its transformation into an activist community, thanks to a troubled and strife-ridden relationship with the Mughals and Afghans; the consolidation of Sikh power under Maharajah Ranjit Singh; the takeover of the Sikh kingdom by the British; the Punjab's emergence as the country's granary; religious reform within the community; the trauma of partition; the troubled years of separatist militancy; and the return of normalcy are all detailed in the book.
Interesting episodes and personalities, presented in Khushwant Singh's trademark style, infuse colour and dynamism in the story of the Sikhs highlighting their determination of carve out a distinct identity, singular bravery in the face of potent threats, and cultural vigour. At the end of the book, a photo gallery showcasing some personalities and a biographical portrait of the author add additional value.
Written with passion and depth and richly embellished, Khushwant Singh's classic will fascinate readers both within and outside the community." (jacket)