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Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

Print Price: $63.95

Format:
Hardback
368 pp.
30 b/w illustrations, 10 colour illustrations, 140 mm x 215 mm

ISBN-13:
9780198070740

Publication date:
April 2011

Imprint: OUP India


History, Literature, And Identity

Four Centuries of Sikh Tradition

J. S. Grewal

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.

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

There are no Instructor/Student Resources available at this time.

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.

Sikhism and Women - Doris R. Jakobsh
The Sikhs - Grewal
Sikh Diaspora Philanthropy in Punjab - Edited by Verne A. Dusenbery and Dr. Darshan S. Tatla
The Darbar of the Sikh Gurus - Louis Fenech
Making Sense - Margot Northey and Joan McKibbin

Special Features

  • Author a renowned Sikh scholar.
  • Strongly grounded in primary sources.
  • Well illustrated with 30 black and white and 10 colour visuals.