By Gian Singh Sandhu
History books help readers develop critical thinking skills by challenging them to evaluate and analyze different perspectives and interpretations of historical events. This can help readers form their own opinions and beliefs about the past and its relevance to the present.
I recently read “A Brief History of the Sikhs” by Devinder Singh Mangat. As the title suggests, the multidimensional Sikh struggles book is divided into 15 chapters, each exploring a different aspect of Sikh history and the challenges faced by the Sikh nation.
The first thing I look for in any book is the endorsements, and finding none was somewhat disappointing. The absence of endorsements can make it challenging to quickly assess the quality and accuracy of a book’s research content. However, this can also be an opportunity to read the book more thoroughly and analyze its contents in more detail. This approach can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and help the reader form informed opinions about the book.
The next favourite part of mine in a book is the acknowledgments. It speaks volumes about the author’s character. I was pleased to read the credit given to three Sikh scholars and a couple of others for their assistance.
Let me now take you through the book. Chapter 1 takes you back to the evolution of human life described by Herbert George Wells in his 1920 book ‘The Outline of History’ and R.D. Banerji’s discovery of Harappa and the spread of civilization to the East. The chapter also provides glimpses into the Bhakti (devotional) movement that originated in medieval India around the 12th century and Sufism which emerged in the early centuries of Islam and developed into a distinct tradition during the medieval period.
I really like how the author started the second Chapter on Guru Nanak. Rather than usual genealogy, he delves into who ruled Hindustan during Guru’s period using the backdrop of Guru Nanak’s sabad, “Kal Kati Raje Kasai, Dharam PankhkarUdiriya [SGGS 143]. Though the chapter is titled Guru Nanak Dev, the 70 pages also highlight the brief history of all successive gurus.
Chapter 3 beautifully captures Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s entry into Khalsa Panth and his succession to be the first Sikh ruler and fall in a short period of 8 years. Chapters 4-6 peer into the evolution of misls (independent Sikh confederacies), with particular emphasis on the Shukarchakia confederacy and the rise and fall of the Sikh kingdom. The author backs up all historical events with proper citations from credible sources.
Twenty pages of Anglo-Sikh wars in chapter 7 vividly describe a series of conflicts fought between the Sikh Empire and the British in the mid-19th century. The author starts the chapter with a negative quote about Maharani Jind Kaur by Henry ThobyPrinsep from his book “History of Punjab and the Rise, Progress and Present conditions of the Sect and the Nation of Sikhs (2018), which I consider biased and demeaning for a female ruler and would have avoided. As you dig deeper into the chapter, you learn who, why, when, and where the conflict plans were hatched and nurtured, and the Battle of Mudki on December 18, 1845, and the Battle of Ferozeshahr on December 21-22,1845 are very well described and documented.
Chapter 8 briefly identifies the causes of the 1857 mutiny, and chapter 9 highlights British policies of building infrastructure and economic development and how it helped to bring desert land under cultivation. Chapter 10, while titled The Sikh Resurgence, is the crux of this book 100 plus pages aptly describe Singh Sabha Movement. It is based on the author’s 1972 thesis for his Master of Arts (Religious Studies) degree from Punjabi University Patiala. Chapter 11 summarizes the impact of the Singh Sabha and the Gurdwara Reform movements. Chapter 12 traces the history of Punjabi Sikh journalism and how the cliché “Pen is mightier than the sword” proved to be effective weapon to fight injustice and excesses against the community.
Chapter 13 traces the history of the Ghadar movement and the Sikh participation and how an effective plan emerged in North America and played a significant role in ending British Raj in India. Chapter 14 scratches the surface of World wars and the role of Sikhs.
The final chapter 15 of the book is devoted to the constitutional reforms, and I like author’s honesty in describing the Punjabi psyche “The Punjabis in general have been slow to adapt to the political self-government reforms made available to the Indians by the British.” He refers to the Indian Council[s] Act1861, that provided for the formation of the provincial legislatures, and how it took 37 years for Punjabis to act on it.
What makes this book unique is that each chapter is essentially a standalone essay that can be read independently. Yet, they all come together to form a cohesive narrative of Sikh history. The author has done an excellent job of weaving together historical details and anecdotes to create a compelling and engaging read.
Overall, I highly recommend “A Brief History of the Sikhs,” published by SLM Publishers, Patiala, Punjab, to anyone interested in Sikh history. The book contains fascinating historical details and anecdotes, and the author’s writing style is informative and engaging. It highlights the struggles and triumphs of past generations. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an exciting read, this book is definitely worth checking out.
Gian Singh Sandhu is the Chair, Guru Nanak Institute of Global Studies, and Founding President of the World Sikh Organization of Canada
