History, Literature, And Identity : Four Centuries Of Sikh Tradition

Book Summary

This book examines the entire range of Sikh sacred literature produced between the sixteenth- and nineteenth century to give a comprehensive account of the Sikh tradition. Divided into five parts, it discusses the historical context of the production of Sikh literature and also the development of Sikh identity. The first part of the book (1500-1605) explores the compositions of the first five Gurus and the next analyses the literary genre characterizing the 'phase of confrontation' with the state (1606-75). The third (1675-1708) reveals how Sikhism responded to the external threats and the fourth part (1765-1849) discusses Guru Gobind Singh and literature produced during the period of Khalsa Raj. The last deals with works which have gained entry into the Sikh panth during the colonial period. Readership : This book will interest scholars, students, and researchers of Sikh and Punjab studies, medieval Indian history, religion, and literature. Special Features Author a renowned Sikh scholar. Strongly grounded in primary sources. Well illustrated with 30 black and white and 10 colour visuals. About the Author J.S. Grewal, a Padma Shree awardee, has earlier served as Chairman of the Governing Body and the Director of the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Shimla. Table of Contents Preface Introduction Part One: Articulation of a New Dispensation (c. 1500-1605) 1. The Gurmukh Panth: Guru Nanak 2. In the Master's Footsteps: The Shaloks of Guru Angad 3. An Exclusive Path for the Kaliyuga: Guru Amar Das 4. The 'House of Nanak', an Expression of Divine Grace: Guru Ram Das 5. Halemi Raj, a Parallel Dispensation: Guru Arjan Part Two: In the Context of Confrontation (1606-75) 6. The Nirmal and Nirol Panth: Bhai Gurdas 7. 'Frighten No One and be Afraid of None': Guru Tegh Bahadur Part Three: In Response to External Threat (1675-1708) 8. Declaration of 'Righteous War': The Bachittar Natak 9. Tirumph of the Khalsa: The Var Bhagauti of 'Gurdas' 10. The Guru-Khalsa: Sainapat's Sri Gur Sobha 11. The Singh Way of Life: The Rahitnamas Part Four: In the Context of Sikh Rule (1765-1849) 12. The Sikh Faith and the Khalsa Panth: Chhibber's Bansavalinama 13. Sovereignty of the Third Panth: Bhangu's Guru-Panth Prakash Part Five: In the Context of Colonial Rule (1849-1947) 14. An Argument for Sikh Nationality: Nabha's Ham Hindu Nahin Epilogue Glossary Bibliography Index

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