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History of the Sikhs #1
A History of the Sikhs: Volume 1: 1469-1839
First published in 1963, this remains the most comprehensive and authoritative book on the Sikhs. The new edition updated to the present recounts the return of the community to the mainstream of national life. Written in Khushwant Singh's trademark style to be accessible to a general, non-scholarly audience, the book is based on scholarly archival research.
407 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1984
About the author
Khushwant Singh
282 books1,315 followersKhushwant Singh, (Punjabi: ਖ਼ੁਸ਼ਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ, Hindi: खुशवंत सिंह) born on 2 February 1915 in Hadali, Undivided India, (now a part of Pakistan), was a prominent Indian novelist and journalist. Singh's weekly column, "With Malice towards One and All", carried by several Indian newspapers, was among the most widely-read columns in the country.
An important post-colonial novelist writing in English, Singh is best known for his trenchant secularism, his humor, and an abiding love of poetry. His comparisons of social and behavioral characteristics of Westerners and Indians are laced with acid wit.
An important post-colonial novelist writing in English, Singh is best known for his trenchant secularism, his humor, and an abiding love of poetry. His comparisons of social and behavioral characteristics of Westerners and Indians are laced with acid wit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
May 2, 2017
I understand that this is considered a definitive history of the Sikh people, and it's certainly well-written and thorough, and accessible even for a relative newbie like me. I really loved the early parts of it, which described the Punjab itself, a land of extreme seasons, and the advent of the first Gurus. Among other things, Sikhism was an attempt to enable different peoples - Hindus and Muslims - to live together without distinctions of caste, and the first hundred years under the first five Gurus was an era of pacifism and equality. I found all that very beautiful to read about in Singh's lucid prose.
The fifth Guru, however, was tortured and died a martyr, and his successors turned militant. The tenth Guru gathered together the holy writings into the Granth Sahib, and also honed the army into a true fighting force. He came to the decision that the leadership should not belong with a line of individual Gurus, with attendant problems of disputed succession. Instead he handed over his power to the Granth and to elected representatives, which together met the Sikhs' spiritual and secular needs. This was all very interesting to me.
Unfortunately, from there on, the History seemed to be almost all about military efforts and occasional political manoeuvres. There must have been so much else going on in the Punjabi culture, in architecture and authorship, agriculture and the arts. Singh barely addresses anything other than conquests, skirmishes and invasions. And even then, some of the more intriguing aspects are dealt with in a mere sentence, such as noting that Sikh women could hardly be considered as 'non-combatants', as they often fought beside the men. I could have done with some more information there!
I did appreciate the appendices which include a consideration of sources, and examples of translated hymns and poems from the Granth. Some of these are really beautiful, and they all provide an insight into a fascinating people.
I will definitely be reading the second volume, though I might pause for now, as I'm currently most interested in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Research, you know. {taps nose knowingly}
The fifth Guru, however, was tortured and died a martyr, and his successors turned militant. The tenth Guru gathered together the holy writings into the Granth Sahib, and also honed the army into a true fighting force. He came to the decision that the leadership should not belong with a line of individual Gurus, with attendant problems of disputed succession. Instead he handed over his power to the Granth and to elected representatives, which together met the Sikhs' spiritual and secular needs. This was all very interesting to me.
Unfortunately, from there on, the History seemed to be almost all about military efforts and occasional political manoeuvres. There must have been so much else going on in the Punjabi culture, in architecture and authorship, agriculture and the arts. Singh barely addresses anything other than conquests, skirmishes and invasions. And even then, some of the more intriguing aspects are dealt with in a mere sentence, such as noting that Sikh women could hardly be considered as 'non-combatants', as they often fought beside the men. I could have done with some more information there!
I did appreciate the appendices which include a consideration of sources, and examples of translated hymns and poems from the Granth. Some of these are really beautiful, and they all provide an insight into a fascinating people.
I will definitely be reading the second volume, though I might pause for now, as I'm currently most interested in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Research, you know. {taps nose knowingly}
September 19, 2015
This is an amazing account on how Sikhs came into existence and in a period of 400 years rose to almost ruling over India north to Indus river.
It starts with how Sikhs came into picture by originating from Hindus and Muslims and became a separate entity than Hindus and Muslims.
This book gives a pretty decent description of life of all ten gurus of Sikhs who were the backbone of Sikhism. How fabric of Sikhism changed from Pacifism under first five gurus to Militant Khalsa nature under the later five ones is well described.
A History of Sikhs is a treat to the history lovers which gives glorious account of an Indian ruler - Maharajah of Punjab - Ranjit Singh who ruled the nation after many hundred years of foreign rule.
Writing style is straight-forward which is unique to Khushwant Singh's writing.
Looking forward to part II of the book.
It starts with how Sikhs came into picture by originating from Hindus and Muslims and became a separate entity than Hindus and Muslims.
This book gives a pretty decent description of life of all ten gurus of Sikhs who were the backbone of Sikhism. How fabric of Sikhism changed from Pacifism under first five gurus to Militant Khalsa nature under the later five ones is well described.
A History of Sikhs is a treat to the history lovers which gives glorious account of an Indian ruler - Maharajah of Punjab - Ranjit Singh who ruled the nation after many hundred years of foreign rule.
Writing style is straight-forward which is unique to Khushwant Singh's writing.
Looking forward to part II of the book.
October 26, 2011
Inimitable Khushwant Singh style and simplicity. Khushwant Singh has provided an informative account of Sikh history, starting with the background on how Sikh religion came to existence and how it propagated in northern India and then culminating (the book) with the end of Sikh empire.
Unlike some other authors Khushwant Singh does not seem to suffer with pre conceived opinions of historic events where the author has its own agenda to press. He has stated events clearly and provided detailed references throughout the book. At times he has clearly rejected the popular Sikh opinion which currently circulates among sikh disciples (including me) and has always followed up with his analysis and reasoning of events.
Overall this is a detailed, untainted and quick read on Sikh history.
Unlike some other authors Khushwant Singh does not seem to suffer with pre conceived opinions of historic events where the author has its own agenda to press. He has stated events clearly and provided detailed references throughout the book. At times he has clearly rejected the popular Sikh opinion which currently circulates among sikh disciples (including me) and has always followed up with his analysis and reasoning of events.
Overall this is a detailed, untainted and quick read on Sikh history.
July 30, 2012
For me this book was a plethora of information. Told in true text book style, the book chronicles all the important events that took place in the said period.
When I first started reading it, i noticed the number of footnotes it had - almost every other page. But dont skip them - they give very good background and supporting information which would otherwise digress from the main narrative.
An apt book for anyone who is looking to gain information on the history of the Sikhs as a people.
I still have trouble remembering every incident and succession - but a flowchart will help with that. More importantly, i dont feel blind towards the knowledge of the history anymore.
When I first started reading it, i noticed the number of footnotes it had - almost every other page. But dont skip them - they give very good background and supporting information which would otherwise digress from the main narrative.
An apt book for anyone who is looking to gain information on the history of the Sikhs as a people.
I still have trouble remembering every incident and succession - but a flowchart will help with that. More importantly, i dont feel blind towards the knowledge of the history anymore.
Read
September 18, 2016The best history of Sikhism ever written. Khushwant is not only a talented story-teller, but is a great historian who is able to give a relatively unbiased account of Sikh history.
April 22, 2024
While this book provides valuable insights, I couldn't help but notice a discernible bias throughout its pages. It's disheartening to see the author repeatedly undermine Hinduism in subtle ways. I had hoped for a more balanced perspective and expected better from the author. It seems he may have been influenced by the prevailing leftist narrative of his time, which often portrayed Hinduism unfavorably compared to other religions.
September 21, 2016
After reading this book I can say that its praise is not exaggerated and Khushwant has written a book based on solid and extensive research and at the same time kept it very lucid and a medium length book. It is highly admirable. It seems khushwant’s non-fiction work is of the highest caliber. Fiction is probably a mixed bag.
In the ‘Sikh History’ book it starts with year 1469 (birth of Nanak). Initially it gives background of Sikh home country (which is essentially undivided Punjab). Then it gives information of other gurus. How the Sikhs enjoyed patronage of King Akbar (who granted the land which became as Golden Temple, Amritsar). However Jahangir did not extended his patronage to the Sikh gurus and started persecuting Gurus. This policy was also continued by Shahjahan and reached the peak with Aurangjeb whose rule is infamous for its prosecution of non-muslims.
It has been well-researched and well-written. It can be safely called as one of his best works. He should have won some award for this book. In last few chapters about establishment of sikh rule under Ranjit Singh (LahoreShahi), It was heartening to read the level of advance Sikh kingdom has achieved. Upto Kabul on the west. Upto Jammu in north and upto Sutlej in east. Infact Ranjit Singh had an eye on conquering Sindh also however British did now allowed that and took Sindh for themselves.
There was also details of Gurkha occupations in hill tracts and related Gurkha-Sikh-English struggles for the occupations. One of the key achievement of Sikhs was subduing Afghans and effectively stopping the menace of their regular raids made by some Afghans every year like Nadir shah, Ahmad shah abdali, Dost Mohammed etc.
Khushwant's accomplishment are many and multi-faceted. His stengths are sheer hard-work, prolific output , various different interests (pursued with passion) i.e. lawyer, diplomat, journalist, editor, columnist, cross-word solver, moderate nature freak, great socializer, almost fully active at the age of 95 , multi-linguist (English, hindi, urdu, Punjabi, Persian, Sanskrit etc.) , Authority on sikh history, regular contributor of reviews .. Wow .. that’s quite a bit I guess .. Few more things come in mind - man with Ribald jokes, Connoisseur of Urdu poetry, translator (Urdu,Punjabi,English), parliamentarian etc. He still answers all his letters on a daily basis. His day starts at 4 am.
In a way he is a blessing - a gift of gab - for us. God bless him!
In the ‘Sikh History’ book it starts with year 1469 (birth of Nanak). Initially it gives background of Sikh home country (which is essentially undivided Punjab). Then it gives information of other gurus. How the Sikhs enjoyed patronage of King Akbar (who granted the land which became as Golden Temple, Amritsar). However Jahangir did not extended his patronage to the Sikh gurus and started persecuting Gurus. This policy was also continued by Shahjahan and reached the peak with Aurangjeb whose rule is infamous for its prosecution of non-muslims.
It has been well-researched and well-written. It can be safely called as one of his best works. He should have won some award for this book. In last few chapters about establishment of sikh rule under Ranjit Singh (LahoreShahi), It was heartening to read the level of advance Sikh kingdom has achieved. Upto Kabul on the west. Upto Jammu in north and upto Sutlej in east. Infact Ranjit Singh had an eye on conquering Sindh also however British did now allowed that and took Sindh for themselves.
There was also details of Gurkha occupations in hill tracts and related Gurkha-Sikh-English struggles for the occupations. One of the key achievement of Sikhs was subduing Afghans and effectively stopping the menace of their regular raids made by some Afghans every year like Nadir shah, Ahmad shah abdali, Dost Mohammed etc.
Khushwant's accomplishment are many and multi-faceted. His stengths are sheer hard-work, prolific output , various different interests (pursued with passion) i.e. lawyer, diplomat, journalist, editor, columnist, cross-word solver, moderate nature freak, great socializer, almost fully active at the age of 95 , multi-linguist (English, hindi, urdu, Punjabi, Persian, Sanskrit etc.) , Authority on sikh history, regular contributor of reviews .. Wow .. that’s quite a bit I guess .. Few more things come in mind - man with Ribald jokes, Connoisseur of Urdu poetry, translator (Urdu,Punjabi,English), parliamentarian etc. He still answers all his letters on a daily basis. His day starts at 4 am.
In a way he is a blessing - a gift of gab - for us. God bless him!
September 11, 2016
The author of Minimalist, Masdul Hasan, who refers a list of books in his thriller novel. It was a thriller,certainly the book creates an thirstiness about Shikism.Thanks to him.
For me this book was a plethora of information. The History of the Sikhs", is about the history of Sikhs. I read this book because I am not from this religion and want to know not only about mine but also other religious faiths.
In the ‘Sikh History’ book it starts with the year 1469 (birth of Nanak). Initially it gives the background of the Sikh home country (which is essentially undivided Punjab). Then it gives information of other gurus. How the Sikhs enjoyed patronage of King Akbar (who granted the land which became as Golden Temple, Amritsar). However Jahangir did not extend his patronage to the Sikh gurus and started persecuting Gurus. This policy was also continued by Shahjahan and reached the peak with Aurangjeb whose rule is infamous for its prosecution of non-Muslims.
Khushwant Singh in his usual inimitable style chronicles the evolution of Sikh religion, complete with the sociopolitical implications and the detailing of important events.
For me this book was a plethora of information. The History of the Sikhs", is about the history of Sikhs. I read this book because I am not from this religion and want to know not only about mine but also other religious faiths.
In the ‘Sikh History’ book it starts with the year 1469 (birth of Nanak). Initially it gives the background of the Sikh home country (which is essentially undivided Punjab). Then it gives information of other gurus. How the Sikhs enjoyed patronage of King Akbar (who granted the land which became as Golden Temple, Amritsar). However Jahangir did not extend his patronage to the Sikh gurus and started persecuting Gurus. This policy was also continued by Shahjahan and reached the peak with Aurangjeb whose rule is infamous for its prosecution of non-Muslims.
Khushwant Singh in his usual inimitable style chronicles the evolution of Sikh religion, complete with the sociopolitical implications and the detailing of important events.
May 18, 2015
I have had tried several books on history of Sikhism but almost each author i found were highly driven by devotional opium or ideologically influenced, which take entire account far from rationality.
Being a Brahmin, I found myself in discomfort with most of contemporary work which are highly Brahmin bashing specially when subject is related to "Bhakti movement". This is surely an unbiased work, would give you totally rational answers to each of your question about Sikhism. Khushwant singh's simplistic style and chronically arrangements of chapters would remind you your history text book.
Best book on subject by the best man with complete command and comprehension on the subject.
Being a Brahmin, I found myself in discomfort with most of contemporary work which are highly Brahmin bashing specially when subject is related to "Bhakti movement". This is surely an unbiased work, would give you totally rational answers to each of your question about Sikhism. Khushwant singh's simplistic style and chronically arrangements of chapters would remind you your history text book.
Best book on subject by the best man with complete command and comprehension on the subject.
June 8, 2015
Very informativ and impartial view.A wonderful book to know about the sikh religion. Every library must preserve this book to educate the students about sikh religion. A life time work of the great khuswant Singh
September 3, 2020
I grew up in Punjab but never had the history of my homeland in our school curriculum.
This book briged the gap. I liked the relatively balanced perspective from an author of the same religion. If one has lived in Punjab, he/she would immediately relate to the book.
This book briged the gap. I liked the relatively balanced perspective from an author of the same religion. If one has lived in Punjab, he/she would immediately relate to the book.
May 4, 2018
Plethora of facts and knowledge are presented in this book about the Punjabi Nationalism Corresponding with Sikh history and the Sikh Empire. Shone light over many historical events of utmost importance in the region which is called cradle of civilization, “Punjab”.
Excited to read Volume 2.
Excited to read Volume 2.
June 28, 2020
This review is for both volume 1 and 2 as I read them one after another.
I think the book are well written and author knew what he was talking about (probably too much). I story started almost 500 years ago and it gave description of different phases of evolution of Sikhs as a stand along body and later somewhat getting tossed around due to unique geographical position they acquire and larger forces of history.
What I don't like about the book was footnotes, there are simply too many of them. At times they were interesting and would take you away from main story line, while other times, they were simply a nuisance taking up 80% of the page.
What I think author was unable to distinguish was between interesting and important stuff, lots of stuff about history is interesting, but that doesn't mean it is relevant to the story being told. Even Epilogue read like a long rambling, which kept on going on and on about different topics without much clarity on what is the context and timeline.
The books can do much better with a bit better editing and cleaning up, it will be a much smaller book (even removing footnotes and placing them at the end can reduce main text probably by 20-30% easily).
But all things said, this is one of best books available on fantastic history of Sikhs.
I think the book are well written and author knew what he was talking about (probably too much). I story started almost 500 years ago and it gave description of different phases of evolution of Sikhs as a stand along body and later somewhat getting tossed around due to unique geographical position they acquire and larger forces of history.
What I don't like about the book was footnotes, there are simply too many of them. At times they were interesting and would take you away from main story line, while other times, they were simply a nuisance taking up 80% of the page.
What I think author was unable to distinguish was between interesting and important stuff, lots of stuff about history is interesting, but that doesn't mean it is relevant to the story being told. Even Epilogue read like a long rambling, which kept on going on and on about different topics without much clarity on what is the context and timeline.
The books can do much better with a bit better editing and cleaning up, it will be a much smaller book (even removing footnotes and placing them at the end can reduce main text probably by 20-30% easily).
But all things said, this is one of best books available on fantastic history of Sikhs.
October 12, 2014
Detailed account of history of sentiments before sikhism in India and specifically region around the five+ rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Rabi, Sutlej, and Dry Ghaggar). How muslim religion gained significance in southern india among the people not happy with hinduism later confusions due to mass bloodshed by Muslim invaders from North India. The rise of Bhakta and Sufi way of worship which was adopted by Sikh Gurus, This book presents a dispassionate account of eventful rich history of people and region that present day fall in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir, Punjab till Delhi. Sikhism the youngest religion, as any, was formed in the midst of anguish and want of new ways of living. Sikh philosophy, formed by Guru Nanak Dev ji, and built on extensively and brought to main stream by all the 9 gurus after him.
This books tries to explain the richness in Punjabi lifestyle due to inter-mingling and cross-breeding of various Hindu, Afghan, Persian, Muslim and Modern cultures and traditions. Be it, poetry, food, clothes, love for music, art of warfare or general way of living. Though this book does not go in details in culture and traditions but allures to the compassionate and accommodating nature of sikh philosophy. It mentions detailed stories of Gurus that took the social cause and misery of peasantry class and brought it fore. This is an amazing story of how the essence of teaching and philosophy of Guru Nanak's ji was preserved over the years by Gurus, Banda Bahadar, Ranjit Singh through their personal sacrifices, act of bravery, compassion towards other religions, reviving the core values and respecting the poorest of the people.
In the writing style, Khushwant Singh has prudently kept his personal perception out and cited throughout the book various facts that he accumulated from famous writings like Zafarmana, Adi granth, Dasam granth, writing of Farid, Kabir etc, British historians, famous travellers, etc. At times goes in to too much detail and one tends to loose track of all the names.
In all, a must read for Sikh history.
This books tries to explain the richness in Punjabi lifestyle due to inter-mingling and cross-breeding of various Hindu, Afghan, Persian, Muslim and Modern cultures and traditions. Be it, poetry, food, clothes, love for music, art of warfare or general way of living. Though this book does not go in details in culture and traditions but allures to the compassionate and accommodating nature of sikh philosophy. It mentions detailed stories of Gurus that took the social cause and misery of peasantry class and brought it fore. This is an amazing story of how the essence of teaching and philosophy of Guru Nanak's ji was preserved over the years by Gurus, Banda Bahadar, Ranjit Singh through their personal sacrifices, act of bravery, compassion towards other religions, reviving the core values and respecting the poorest of the people.
In the writing style, Khushwant Singh has prudently kept his personal perception out and cited throughout the book various facts that he accumulated from famous writings like Zafarmana, Adi granth, Dasam granth, writing of Farid, Kabir etc, British historians, famous travellers, etc. At times goes in to too much detail and one tends to loose track of all the names.
In all, a must read for Sikh history.
August 9, 2019
Ahhhh, i so wanted to like this book. It starts off really well explaining what Guru Nanak's life was and his teachings, and then went into the early Sikh gurus. However, after a while, it became a mindnumbing chronicle of this-battle and that-skirmish without any meaningful insights into sikh culture or society. Didn't manage to finish this. I'm going to give Volume 2 a try, and see if the section on the Khalistan movement is any bit enlightening but my hopes are pretty dim.
March 1, 2016
" The History of the Sikhs", is about the history of Sikhs. I read this book because I am form this religion. Reading this book helped me understand how my religion started and what between now and then. This book informs me about all the things I wanted to know. This book is for people who want to know about different cultures and religions. I hope you enjoy!!!!!!!!
July 21, 2020
It's a thoroughly researched Historical book that does not deviate from the sole purpose, that is to compile the history of one of the newer religions of India.
The book goes into details of certain events when necessary and breaks the myth around a few by citing the sources thag may have given birth to the myth in the first place.
Read it for its quick and short and a good book overall.
The book goes into details of certain events when necessary and breaks the myth around a few by citing the sources thag may have given birth to the myth in the first place.
Read it for its quick and short and a good book overall.
May 28, 2010
Very Informative book a good description of history of northern India in modern history.
January 21, 2024
One would expect a book titled 'A History of the Sikhs' to discuss the lives of the Sikh Gurus in at least some considerable detail. Instead, Singh glosses over the life of Guru Nanak and the subsequent gurus in a hurry, to devote extensive discussion to the political intrigues of the Sikh Empire under Ranjit Singh, as if he cared more about empire than about the history of the religion itself. The rest of this book (Volume 2? my e-book had one combined volume) is devoted to exploring the development of a Sikh political consciousness under the Singh Sabha and the Akali movement.
I was not too impressed by Singh's writing style; it almost seems like he is in a rush to cover as much information as possible. The writing is often too descriptive and there is little analysis. All in all, I'd say this would be a good introduction to someone who knows precious little about the history of Punjab and/or Sikhi, but for anyone who already knows more than that, this book is of little help.
I was not too impressed by Singh's writing style; it almost seems like he is in a rush to cover as much information as possible. The writing is often too descriptive and there is little analysis. All in all, I'd say this would be a good introduction to someone who knows precious little about the history of Punjab and/or Sikhi, but for anyone who already knows more than that, this book is of little help.
November 6, 2023
I ended up reading what I think is a combination of this and the following book, with an afterword by the author’s son! Just called “The Sikhs”
Extremely well researched and thorough - I primarily wanted to read this to learn more about the Khalistan movement now, so this was great context but I’d probably seek out a more specific book in the future to learn about the movement.
My first time reading a full history of the Sikhs in India and in the diaspora, always angered by the violence of colonialism and imperialism and the persistent horrors that are left behind
Extremely well researched and thorough - I primarily wanted to read this to learn more about the Khalistan movement now, so this was great context but I’d probably seek out a more specific book in the future to learn about the movement.
My first time reading a full history of the Sikhs in India and in the diaspora, always angered by the violence of colonialism and imperialism and the persistent horrors that are left behind
September 11, 2022
More of a scholarly work than a readable history. But Khushwant Singh is a great writer and so can carry this off to some extent.
For somebody like me whose knowledge of Punjab geography is scanty past the 5 biggest cities, more maps are a necessity. Constantly having to refer to the one map at the beginning, which is too full of names, is tiring.
Having a selection of hymns in the Appendix is appreciated.
For somebody like me whose knowledge of Punjab geography is scanty past the 5 biggest cities, more maps are a necessity. Constantly having to refer to the one map at the beginning, which is too full of names, is tiring.
Having a selection of hymns in the Appendix is appreciated.
May 18, 2022
A solid and comprehensive history of the Sikhs looking at the culture, religion people in some depth. Maybe not for the total beginner like me as there is a lot here to take in. Lots of footnotes to go along with the narrative which adds to the overall scholarly nature of this book. Hard work for someone who knows very little of this history but worth getting.
February 21, 2024
I finally got around to reading this book, which covers the history of Sikhism as a religion, and its contribution to the development of pan-Punjabi nationalism, as well as the evolution of the nascent Sikh state (later empire). As someone who's played too much Europa Universalis 3 for his own good, it was great to finally sit down and read the political history of the Sikhs. I've long been familiar with their faith's tenets, but I've never comprehensively explored the geographical, social, and political dimensions of the context in which it arose.
For my non-Indian friends: almost all Sikhs are Punjabis, but very few non-Punjabis (relative to the Sikh population at large) are Sikhs.
The fact that Khushwant Singh (author of the *Train to Pakistan*) wrote this history was the cherry on top: his writing style is clear and uncomplicated, amply furnished with relevant citations and footnotes, and his skill at distilling a narrative out of a multitude of sources is evident in how easy and approachable this book is. There are parts where his prose is unabashedly fawning in its depictions of the Sikh gurus, but otherwise neutral.
Medium-long, can finish in < a week.
For my non-Indian friends: almost all Sikhs are Punjabis, but very few non-Punjabis (relative to the Sikh population at large) are Sikhs.
The fact that Khushwant Singh (author of the *Train to Pakistan*) wrote this history was the cherry on top: his writing style is clear and uncomplicated, amply furnished with relevant citations and footnotes, and his skill at distilling a narrative out of a multitude of sources is evident in how easy and approachable this book is. There are parts where his prose is unabashedly fawning in its depictions of the Sikh gurus, but otherwise neutral.
Medium-long, can finish in < a week.
February 28, 2022
To a certain point, Khushwant Singh's impeccable prose works wonders in keeping his narrative flowing. But his sporadic digressions into "maybe" territory and reliance on "Punjabi nationalism" to mitigate Sikhi's revolutionary sociopolitical aspect does him no credit. But his lack of theological finesse is not surprising given his early association with the Master Tara Singh Akali Dal and then the devaluation of his services during the Sant Fateh Singh regime.
His greatest fault is his sole reliance on Anglophonic translations of the Sikh scripture to form a stunted purview of Sikhi in which Nanak is devolved into an "otherworldly" mystic and the Khalsa made a "reaction" rather than the proactive institution which it is. An impartial analysis of the Sikh scripture substantiates the Faith's oral tradition, that the very microcosm of the Khalsa was seeded by Nanak and his successors worked to grow it.
What emerges in Khushwant's "History" then is a relation of the past rather than an exposition of why certain events transpired. One can be forgiven for thinking that the lack of profound detail and nuance points towards some inherent bias in the author's mind towards his forerunners in the field of Sikh history. Not surprisingly, Khushwant's journalist credentials sell the book and not his scope of research which seems limited to colonial era sketches of the community.
"A History of the Sikhs" is a somewhat laudable effort, but an effort nonetheless. It is poignant not for it's content, but for what it could have been had the author not aimed to cement cliched stereotypes of the Sikhs. In light of his fiction, one is left wondering as to what convinced Khushwant to devaluate his own non-fiction.
For serious students of the Sikh past, "A History" is an example of what Sikh history is not. The book is tragic for being a record of missed opportunities.
His greatest fault is his sole reliance on Anglophonic translations of the Sikh scripture to form a stunted purview of Sikhi in which Nanak is devolved into an "otherworldly" mystic and the Khalsa made a "reaction" rather than the proactive institution which it is. An impartial analysis of the Sikh scripture substantiates the Faith's oral tradition, that the very microcosm of the Khalsa was seeded by Nanak and his successors worked to grow it.
What emerges in Khushwant's "History" then is a relation of the past rather than an exposition of why certain events transpired. One can be forgiven for thinking that the lack of profound detail and nuance points towards some inherent bias in the author's mind towards his forerunners in the field of Sikh history. Not surprisingly, Khushwant's journalist credentials sell the book and not his scope of research which seems limited to colonial era sketches of the community.
"A History of the Sikhs" is a somewhat laudable effort, but an effort nonetheless. It is poignant not for it's content, but for what it could have been had the author not aimed to cement cliched stereotypes of the Sikhs. In light of his fiction, one is left wondering as to what convinced Khushwant to devaluate his own non-fiction.
For serious students of the Sikh past, "A History" is an example of what Sikh history is not. The book is tragic for being a record of missed opportunities.
May 30, 2015
As I am a history buff, this book was a delight for me. The book is so well written that it turns History into an interesting read. The Vol 1 takes us through years 1469 to 1839 covering the advent of the religion from guru Nanak Dev Ji to the end of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh of Lahore, Punjab. Covers the lives of people like Banda Bahadur who shook the Mughal Empire in such a way that the the empire could not stamp it's authority again in India. The book touches upon the lives of Sikh Gurus and formation of Khalsa Army by the tenth Guru Gobind Singh Ji to fight the Mughals (Aurangzeb being the King during Guru Gobind's time). From the Guru's the book moves to Banda Bahadur to the various Misls formed in Punjab to fight the Mughals and finally to Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, the first King of Punjab who brought all the Misls together and formed the Punjab Kingdom, the largest during those times. I strongly recommend it to not only every Sikh but to every person who would like to know the history and I can safely say that no one ever can write about history of any religion and make it an interesting read like Khushwant Singh.
Vol 2 & 3 also highly recommended for history buffs.
Vol 2 & 3 also highly recommended for history buffs.
February 26, 2019
A interesting read that builds on all major plot points of how the Sikh religion came in to being and its ever evolving nature with respect to the Hindus and Muslims. It talks of how Sikh word itself derives itself from the Sanskrit work sikh or shishya of Guru Nanak and how it turned more muscular with the 10th guru in 1699.
Further consolidation by Ranjit Singh and his ultimate Sutluj agreement of British have covered and gives an insight of the entire story. The book is definitely a good read but lacks depth because focuses more on individual events than building down on the depth of characters. One of the main reason might have been there was so much history to cover however from such an accomplished writer more of literature depth was expected apart from the background history
Further consolidation by Ranjit Singh and his ultimate Sutluj agreement of British have covered and gives an insight of the entire story. The book is definitely a good read but lacks depth because focuses more on individual events than building down on the depth of characters. One of the main reason might have been there was so much history to cover however from such an accomplished writer more of literature depth was expected apart from the background history
April 16, 2016
The book focuses on how the Sikhs gained contol of the Punjab region and on the endless political and military manoevering (lots and lots of bloody battles) it took to get there. The majority of the book is spent on the reign of Maharajah Ranjit Singh. When I found this at Half-priced Books, I was really hoping for something more about the Sikh religion. I knew close to nothing about the history of the Sikhs or of India, for that matter. Even though I was initially disappointed that the book wasn't exactly what I thought I was getting, it's pretty fascinating, and despite the number of long footnotes, moves along pretty quickly. I'm looking forward to reading vol. 2.
July 25, 2010
The first third of the book was the most interesting. There the history of the religion and its roots to Islam and Hinduism where explained and its evolution from pacifism to armed defense/territorial aggression are related in great detail. The remainder of the book necessarily gets burdened with chronicling the expansion of the Punjab and conflicts with various regional powers; including thwarting the machinations of British imperialism. Overall a thorough and scholarly history of the Sikh, but perhaps less engaging from start-to-finish than I had hoped.
September 27, 2013
Well researched, thorough and completely unbiased version.
Khushwant Singh avoids the preachy road that some scholars tend to venture upon when discussing the lives of Sikh Gurus and their followers; And relies heavily upon the scriptures and documents from that age to provide a holistic and fair viewpoint.
Later chapters cover the history of the Afghan invasion and the rise of the first sovereign state of Punjab under the rule of Ranjeet Singh.
A must read for a brush up with history again.
Khushwant Singh avoids the preachy road that some scholars tend to venture upon when discussing the lives of Sikh Gurus and their followers; And relies heavily upon the scriptures and documents from that age to provide a holistic and fair viewpoint.
Later chapters cover the history of the Afghan invasion and the rise of the first sovereign state of Punjab under the rule of Ranjeet Singh.
A must read for a brush up with history again.
January 26, 2015
For someone unfamiliar with Sikh history, this was a very informative book. It doesn't seem biased at all, and honestly discusses what is admirable and what is not about the history of the Sikhs. The story of how a bunch of peaceful mystics rose to become one of the most powerful empires is far more interesting than I had anticipated. The bonus is how thoroughly the book dismisses the Sikh vs Muslim narrative that some people buy into. Must-read if one is genuinely interested in India's history.
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