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History of the Sikhs #2
A History of the Sikhs: Volume 2: 1839-2004
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.
non-scholarly audience, the book is based on scholarly archival research.
547 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
55 people are currently reading
1736 people want to read
About the author
Khushwant Singh
300 books1,433 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 37 reviews
August 6, 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.
September 21, 2016
Vol 2 continues to be as good as Vol 1. One Is impressed with the research done by KS and the economy and lucidity of his prose. And all this is achieved without any compromises in correctness and quality.
No. of books and sources KS has gone thru for researching this History is mindboggling. Atleast 200 to 300 books in 5 languages (Punjabi, urdu,hindi,Persian,English) has been used by him for this work. One is impressed by his stamina, erudition and exhaustiveness. This explains the prodigious output of his which comes to 100+ books, several syndicated columns , editorship of various magazines/newspapers, 8 years of practice in law and 5-10 yrs career as parliamentarian etc. God bless him. He is 98 right now and still going at a very high level of output and productivity.
No. of books and sources KS has gone thru for researching this History is mindboggling. Atleast 200 to 300 books in 5 languages (Punjabi, urdu,hindi,Persian,English) has been used by him for this work. One is impressed by his stamina, erudition and exhaustiveness. This explains the prodigious output of his which comes to 100+ books, several syndicated columns , editorship of various magazines/newspapers, 8 years of practice in law and 5-10 yrs career as parliamentarian etc. God bless him. He is 98 right now and still going at a very high level of output and productivity.
May 13, 2012
The rating for the content of this book is 5 stars because it has no flaws, completely neutral, detailed and corroborated by facts where needed. I gave 4 stars because there are some things in the book in which I don't have much interest, like successors after ranjit Singh or some other instances. But the book is perfect for getting the knowledge regarding history of Punjab and Sikhs. Especially the part 5 of this book. Every punjabi who wants to understand about the current situation of politics in Punjab must read this part of the book if he don't want to read the complete book. Khuswant Singh done a great work for the people of Punjab.
October 9, 2016
Second Part is as good as the first one. A very detailed account of History of Sikhs posts death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It's an important and indispensable source of reference for those interested in the history of Sikhs.
Must read for those interested in History of Modern India.
Must read for those interested in History of Modern India.
August 11, 2016
Rating : 3 stars
February 11, 2022
Fascinating part 2 of this landmark series. It's not simply a religious history, but covers the culture and the Sikh's very close relations with Hindus and Muslims in India. Though he is sympathetic to the Sikhs himself, he can be critical especially when discussing the failure of certain sects to fulfill their promises, like eliminating caste distinctions for untouchable converts like the original 10 gurus wanted or avoiding political violence in a region known for nonviolent resistance (something the Sikhs previewed before M. Gandhi practiced it).
The pragmatic state of the Punjab lead by Sikhs, but mostly populated by Muslims and Hindus was able to hold off British and Afghan encroachments. It was quite remarkable. It also reflects both their battle prowess, as skilled horsemen who rarely raped and pillaged as was too often the custom and whose discpline earned the respect of most around them. Their state was benevolent enough, especially under leadership of Rajit Singh, the Lion of the Punjab, more tolerable to the three religions, and preferred to the chaos of the other regional powers. Thus, it made a formidable state even to the British who were gobbling up parts of Northern India.
This history is quite clear-eyed when discussing the tragedy of the Sikhs in 20th century India especially during the agitation of the Muslim League for a purely Muslim state in the Punjab, which was also the Sikh homeland (where they were about 15-20% of the population) and also how as a group they were kicked back and forth by the two major religions after Pakistan and India came into being and they were left behind despite their services to the Empire.
The author, K. Singh, does not hesitate to show the false paths that many Sikhs chose while in a desperate position, none more the terrorist path that a very small group followed, leading to the Amritsar Temple attack/Operation Blue Star in 1984 by Indian armed forces. This was the result of the Sikh extremism/anti-Hinduism under Jarnail Bhindranwale and the severe miscalculation of Indian PM Indira Ghandi. As Indian PM, Indira Ghandhi's failures and authoritarian-style of rule pushed the Sikhs in unfamiliar directions, namely into the hands of those wanting violence. This lead not just to her assassination, but the mass slaughter of thousands of innocent Sikhs by Hindu mobs in retaliation. Those pogroms went completely unpunished.
The author leaves the future open for the Sikhs, their various religious divisions, and their place in India. Overall, it's an important window into a fascinating people and culture.
The pragmatic state of the Punjab lead by Sikhs, but mostly populated by Muslims and Hindus was able to hold off British and Afghan encroachments. It was quite remarkable. It also reflects both their battle prowess, as skilled horsemen who rarely raped and pillaged as was too often the custom and whose discpline earned the respect of most around them. Their state was benevolent enough, especially under leadership of Rajit Singh, the Lion of the Punjab, more tolerable to the three religions, and preferred to the chaos of the other regional powers. Thus, it made a formidable state even to the British who were gobbling up parts of Northern India.
This history is quite clear-eyed when discussing the tragedy of the Sikhs in 20th century India especially during the agitation of the Muslim League for a purely Muslim state in the Punjab, which was also the Sikh homeland (where they were about 15-20% of the population) and also how as a group they were kicked back and forth by the two major religions after Pakistan and India came into being and they were left behind despite their services to the Empire.
The author, K. Singh, does not hesitate to show the false paths that many Sikhs chose while in a desperate position, none more the terrorist path that a very small group followed, leading to the Amritsar Temple attack/Operation Blue Star in 1984 by Indian armed forces. This was the result of the Sikh extremism/anti-Hinduism under Jarnail Bhindranwale and the severe miscalculation of Indian PM Indira Ghandi. As Indian PM, Indira Ghandhi's failures and authoritarian-style of rule pushed the Sikhs in unfamiliar directions, namely into the hands of those wanting violence. This lead not just to her assassination, but the mass slaughter of thousands of innocent Sikhs by Hindu mobs in retaliation. Those pogroms went completely unpunished.
The author leaves the future open for the Sikhs, their various religious divisions, and their place in India. Overall, it's an important window into a fascinating people and culture.
March 20, 2022
In the follow-up to the first part, Khushwant Singh gives a poetic and bittersweet final conclusion to the story of the Sikhs. He might have exposed the loopholes in his plotline in the process, but the book is a great read regardless.
Khushwant Singh towards the end describes how he divided the two eras of Sikh history; firstly in three 100-year increments starting with Guru Nanak, then in four 50-year increments after the fall of the Khalsa.
Khushwant Singh seems to have taken every anti-India stance in this book as well, like being anti-Aurangzeb, anti-INC in pre-independence (and ironically even a pro-BJP stance in the post-Operation Blue Star era; this book was written before both 2014 and the 2020 farm bill), but all of this rings aa anything but malicious, and comes from a place of love for the Sikh community regardless.
Khushwant Singh's narrative shows cracks when he tries to explain the duality of Sikhs both demanding the Suba and fighting the Indo-China war for India. Sikhs are not a hivemind; different perspectives exist.
And Khushwant Singh heads out to explain each perspective within the Sikhs as best as he can, with as much Sikh-centrism as he can put into words.
Another thing I couldn't mention in the last review is that the sheer number of footnotes giving context to everything give this book a re-readability that many other books don't have.
The Epilogue reads out like a credit scene with infographics on the various achievements and tribulations of Sikhs outside of the main narrative presented here.
Overall, this book is a great read, just as good as the prequel. If two words could describe Khushwant Singh's writing, it would be- poetic and bittersweet. And I think that mirrors the sentiment of the sikh community world over.
For more reviews, follow @normiesaftersesh on instagram
Khushwant Singh towards the end describes how he divided the two eras of Sikh history; firstly in three 100-year increments starting with Guru Nanak, then in four 50-year increments after the fall of the Khalsa.
Khushwant Singh seems to have taken every anti-India stance in this book as well, like being anti-Aurangzeb, anti-INC in pre-independence (and ironically even a pro-BJP stance in the post-Operation Blue Star era; this book was written before both 2014 and the 2020 farm bill), but all of this rings aa anything but malicious, and comes from a place of love for the Sikh community regardless.
Khushwant Singh's narrative shows cracks when he tries to explain the duality of Sikhs both demanding the Suba and fighting the Indo-China war for India. Sikhs are not a hivemind; different perspectives exist.
And Khushwant Singh heads out to explain each perspective within the Sikhs as best as he can, with as much Sikh-centrism as he can put into words.
Another thing I couldn't mention in the last review is that the sheer number of footnotes giving context to everything give this book a re-readability that many other books don't have.
The Epilogue reads out like a credit scene with infographics on the various achievements and tribulations of Sikhs outside of the main narrative presented here.
Overall, this book is a great read, just as good as the prequel. If two words could describe Khushwant Singh's writing, it would be- poetic and bittersweet. And I think that mirrors the sentiment of the sikh community world over.
For more reviews, follow @normiesaftersesh on instagram
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2022
A History of the Sikhs vol. ii is the sequel to Khushwant Singh's initial History of the Sikhs vol. i. Failings of the first volume aside, vol. ii is somewhat of a remarkable history albeit with a series of its own conspicuous faults. Why remarkable? In the first place it references and quotes multiple primary references which authenticate Singh's narrative to some degree.
Where vol. ii fails is in its lack of impartiality. Khushwant reiterates the usual canards of Sikh identity bad, Hindu identity good intermixed with a less than neutral or realistic summary of the genocidal policies undertaken against the Sikhs in post-independence India. Overall, if you are seeking some linear narrative of progression with a bird's eye view of the Sikh past amalgamated with the author's own prejudices then A History of the Sikhs vol. ii is for you. If you are looking for something more profound then give this one a miss.
Where vol. ii fails is in its lack of impartiality. Khushwant reiterates the usual canards of Sikh identity bad, Hindu identity good intermixed with a less than neutral or realistic summary of the genocidal policies undertaken against the Sikhs in post-independence India. Overall, if you are seeking some linear narrative of progression with a bird's eye view of the Sikh past amalgamated with the author's own prejudices then A History of the Sikhs vol. ii is for you. If you are looking for something more profound then give this one a miss.
June 8, 2021
As good as the first volume. Extremely well written and interesting. As it happens with all modern history books, you can feel the political sympathies (and antipathies) of the author, although I have to say he tries to be as objective as possible. It does not bother the reader, I think.
Using the notes one can find sources and read more on specific topics, which is something I highly appreciate in a book. A good book has good footnotes, and this one is top notch.
Overall highly recommended.
Using the notes one can find sources and read more on specific topics, which is something I highly appreciate in a book. A good book has good footnotes, and this one is top notch.
Overall highly recommended.
June 20, 2023
Ranjeet Singh's death and the Dogra's collusion with the British led to the British taking over Punjab.
Sikhs, recognized as a martial race and contributing over and above their proportion to the British army, led them to expecting favoritism from the British. They did not participate in politics to contest for a just Sikh representation that would safeguard their culture and give them the sovereignty they demanded.
The Muslim and Hindu leaders did not give Sikhs the political representation they deserved even when the British agreed that Sikhs weren't being fairly treated. Sikhs were scattered all over Punjab and were at a geographic disadvantage in the democratic setup where they did not have the numbers to claim the majority in a big contiguous area.
They pulled their weight with the Congress supporting a united India, hoping to get some sort of sovereignty within India. Their other choice was to part with Pakistan, but there was too much ill will between Sikhs and Muslim punjabis, encouraged by political parties.
Partition happens with the full knowledge of everyone involved that the max destruction was to be borne by the Sikhs and that's what happened. Sikhs from West Punjab, being the most prosperous in Punjab, lost all they had.
Singh Sabha and Gurdwara Sudhar movements fight Arya Samaj like Hindu organizations. Bad blood between Hindu and Sikh punjabis is sustained during the Punjabi Subha movement. Sikh leadership is mostly selfish, and Congress party leadership does not treat the Sikhs fairly in their demands.
Indira Gandhi's greed for power leads to her literal death and killing of thousands of Sikhs in planned holocaust.
It's a great reminder that Indian National Congress did exactly what it blames Hindu right wings parties of today. The INC made a demon out of the Sikh community to be made an example out of them for political gains to impress the national Hindu majority electorate.
Sikhs, recognized as a martial race and contributing over and above their proportion to the British army, led them to expecting favoritism from the British. They did not participate in politics to contest for a just Sikh representation that would safeguard their culture and give them the sovereignty they demanded.
The Muslim and Hindu leaders did not give Sikhs the political representation they deserved even when the British agreed that Sikhs weren't being fairly treated. Sikhs were scattered all over Punjab and were at a geographic disadvantage in the democratic setup where they did not have the numbers to claim the majority in a big contiguous area.
They pulled their weight with the Congress supporting a united India, hoping to get some sort of sovereignty within India. Their other choice was to part with Pakistan, but there was too much ill will between Sikhs and Muslim punjabis, encouraged by political parties.
Partition happens with the full knowledge of everyone involved that the max destruction was to be borne by the Sikhs and that's what happened. Sikhs from West Punjab, being the most prosperous in Punjab, lost all they had.
Singh Sabha and Gurdwara Sudhar movements fight Arya Samaj like Hindu organizations. Bad blood between Hindu and Sikh punjabis is sustained during the Punjabi Subha movement. Sikh leadership is mostly selfish, and Congress party leadership does not treat the Sikhs fairly in their demands.
Indira Gandhi's greed for power leads to her literal death and killing of thousands of Sikhs in planned holocaust.
It's a great reminder that Indian National Congress did exactly what it blames Hindu right wings parties of today. The INC made a demon out of the Sikh community to be made an example out of them for political gains to impress the national Hindu majority electorate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2020
Khushwant Singh's "The Sikhs" is a classic, presents a fleeting history of one of the world's newest but most prosperous religions. This is a brilliantly written estimate of Sikh religion, history, tradition, political and cultural achievements.
This book gives explicit information about the history of Sikhs. Not many books have been written on the Sikhs in the English language. Apart from passing references in travellers' diaries and article in journals.
Right from the birth of Sikhism via Guru Nanak Ji and through all ten gurus. It also addresses about Banda Bahadur and rise and fall of Khalsa army. With the inception of misls and the later rise of Ranjit Singh and Sikh kingdom. This classic edition covers the social, religious and political background which led to the formation of the Sikh faith in the fifteenth century. Basing his account on original documents in Persian, Gurmukhi and English, the author traces the growth of Sikhism and tells of the compilation of its sacred scriptures in the Granth Sahib. The transformation of the Sikhs from a pacifist sect to a militant group called the Khalsa led by Guru Gobind Singh is portrayed in detail, as is the relationship of the Sikhs with the Mughals and the Afghans, until the consolidation of Sikh power under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Very well written, easy to grasp. A must-read for everyone.
Warning : There's a lot of typos and errors in this book so please keep in mind.
#𝗾𝗼𝘁𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝘂𝗿𝘂 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗯 𝗝𝗶?
This book gives explicit information about the history of Sikhs. Not many books have been written on the Sikhs in the English language. Apart from passing references in travellers' diaries and article in journals.
Right from the birth of Sikhism via Guru Nanak Ji and through all ten gurus. It also addresses about Banda Bahadur and rise and fall of Khalsa army. With the inception of misls and the later rise of Ranjit Singh and Sikh kingdom. This classic edition covers the social, religious and political background which led to the formation of the Sikh faith in the fifteenth century. Basing his account on original documents in Persian, Gurmukhi and English, the author traces the growth of Sikhism and tells of the compilation of its sacred scriptures in the Granth Sahib. The transformation of the Sikhs from a pacifist sect to a militant group called the Khalsa led by Guru Gobind Singh is portrayed in detail, as is the relationship of the Sikhs with the Mughals and the Afghans, until the consolidation of Sikh power under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Very well written, easy to grasp. A must-read for everyone.
Warning : There's a lot of typos and errors in this book so please keep in mind.
#𝗾𝗼𝘁𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝘂𝗿𝘂 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗯 𝗝𝗶?
November 22, 2021
Am an ardent KS fan … read Volume I and then started this, Volume II almost immediately… but then somewhere it lost momentum
Read some other writers before I got back to finish this one
Vol 2 is equally elaborate but may not be as gripping
A lot of the last part is spent on the politics of punjab .. post independence to 2004… politics is not history, though it shapes history indeed
In both volumes, personalities have been central to the theme of history over the 600 years … What KS did not write was about the many key cities of punjab that have shaped and carried its history over these centuries, the food, the culture, the literature (albeit a small section did cover it)
But then I believe am asking a bit too much
Both Volumes stay in my collection ..
Thank you Mr Singh abs may you have another single malt in the heavens above
Read some other writers before I got back to finish this one
Vol 2 is equally elaborate but may not be as gripping
A lot of the last part is spent on the politics of punjab .. post independence to 2004… politics is not history, though it shapes history indeed
In both volumes, personalities have been central to the theme of history over the 600 years … What KS did not write was about the many key cities of punjab that have shaped and carried its history over these centuries, the food, the culture, the literature (albeit a small section did cover it)
But then I believe am asking a bit too much
Both Volumes stay in my collection ..
Thank you Mr Singh abs may you have another single malt in the heavens above
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
November 11, 2023
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to unravel the origins of Punjab politics. The narrative unfolds with a tragic account of the downfall of the Sikh Kingdom, setting the stage for a gripping exploration into the political and social developments that shape the region.
The second half of the book delves deep into the political landscape, revealing a stark reality – the exploitation of religion by political parties for personal gain.
The true essence of Singh's narrative comes to light on page 409, where he masterfully unveils the harsh realities that underpin Punjab's political history. Kudos to Kushwant Singh for his unflinching commitment to depicting the truth.
The second half of the book delves deep into the political landscape, revealing a stark reality – the exploitation of religion by political parties for personal gain.
The true essence of Singh's narrative comes to light on page 409, where he masterfully unveils the harsh realities that underpin Punjab's political history. Kudos to Kushwant Singh for his unflinching commitment to depicting the truth.
December 14, 2018
The book chronicles the Sikh religion journey in the last century.Khushwant singh chronicles the journey of well known personalities and politicians in abundance. What is missing though are the developments in art and culture,notably the rise of punjabi pop and folk songs with singers like Gurdas Maan and Daler Mehendi. The book also misses to point out the rise in punjabi cuisine and spread of punjabi diaspora across the globe.A must read though for any indian culture afficianado.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2021
A great repository of facts that form the fabric of Sikh, and perhaps more broadly, Punjabi history. Khushwant Singh's diligence in providing appropriate provenance for critical events and refraining from personal opinions to a great extent, make this book a treasure unto itself. Highly recommended for anyone interested not just in Sikh history, but in history of the sub-continent at large.
Reading history is always recommended, so that we don't repeat it :)
Reading history is always recommended, so that we don't repeat it :)
August 2, 2025
Kushwant singh has done full justice to this book. The well deserved journalist to write this book. Feels like the book has chosen him to write Sikh history. Never a dull moment. Kushwant singh has shown the real history and nothing glorifying or undermining the historic moments. All praise for this master piece.
June 30, 2019
An Excellent book that I enjoyed in learning about Sikh history. The Second volume starts with Fall of Sikh Kingdom to Independence and demand of Khalistan. I would recommend anyone who is into Indian history to read this volume.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
January 2, 2021
It took me a while, but I finally finished this excellent history of the Sikh Community's evolution and emergence in the modern era. A thoroughly researched and detailed portrait of this community, it was a bit hard to transition from Dalrymple's flowing narratives of the East India Company and fading of the Mughal Empire to Singh's thoroughly researched and heavily footnoted editions on the Sikhs. That being said my four edition journey from the East India Company to the Raj, the setting of the Mughal Son, and curiosity about this intriguing community that was born out of a cultural crossroads and encompasses elements of Hinduism, Islam, the Sufi's, and their agrarian/warrior/mystic DNA is now complete... Sat Sri Akhal...
March 11, 2021
Most detailed and insightful book on the history of Sikhism I have read till now. It is a shame how we lack books on Sikh history although our history is full of powerful anecdotes and could guide and encourage the young generation to become true Sikh and be proud of our religion and culture.
December 1, 2021
Must read for each and every Sikh!
Of all the books I've read on Sikh history, this is by far the best. In fact, almost all other books appear to cite the content of this book. Sikhs will be indebted forever to Late Khushwant Singh ji for compiling this monumental book together.
Of all the books I've read on Sikh history, this is by far the best. In fact, almost all other books appear to cite the content of this book. Sikhs will be indebted forever to Late Khushwant Singh ji for compiling this monumental book together.
August 4, 2019
Khalsa raj establishment and its fall
May 9, 2020
Great book. Just as well written as Volume 1.
January 5, 2021
Beautifully presented all the facts of Sikhism and how punjab and Punjabi came into existence. Must read for history lovers
January 26, 2022
One of the finest book on Sikh or Punjab history and the unbiased book. This is well researched and good every kind of readers.
November 13, 2022
Lightweight and compact modern history of the Sikhs. Very disappointing take on the violence of 1984 but otherwise informative.
Read
May 10, 2022While I enjoyed the part 1 of this 2 volume History, the second volume was a slightly underwhelming. As Volume 1 was an excellent piece of work, volume 2 fell short of the standards set by volume 1.
The could be divided into 3 parts. The first part mostly deals with the tragic end of the Sikh empire laid down by Maharaja Ranjit Singh by the infighting as well as by the British aggression. The second part perhaps could be skimmed through as it gets confusing with the influx of multiple characters. In most of the book the reader spend more time reading references/footnotes the the actual text.
The last part if around the Punjab extremism, operation Blue star, assassination of Mrs Gandhi and the pogrom thereafter. Overall the style is very typical of Mr Kushwant Sing, very easy flowing and devoid of complex phrases and vocabulary.
I would compliment to the effort put in by late Mr Kushwant Singh to produce such a History.
The could be divided into 3 parts. The first part mostly deals with the tragic end of the Sikh empire laid down by Maharaja Ranjit Singh by the infighting as well as by the British aggression. The second part perhaps could be skimmed through as it gets confusing with the influx of multiple characters. In most of the book the reader spend more time reading references/footnotes the the actual text.
The last part if around the Punjab extremism, operation Blue star, assassination of Mrs Gandhi and the pogrom thereafter. Overall the style is very typical of Mr Kushwant Sing, very easy flowing and devoid of complex phrases and vocabulary.
I would compliment to the effort put in by late Mr Kushwant Singh to produce such a History.
February 13, 2016
A very detailed account of History of Sikhs post death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
It's an important and indispensable source of reference for those interested in history of Sikhs.
Moreover you get a detailed account of post-partition events. And it wont be wrong to say that it gives interesting detailing of all the series of events which towards the end have led to existing circumstances in today's politics of India.
Must read for those interested in History of Modern India.
It's an important and indispensable source of reference for those interested in history of Sikhs.
Moreover you get a detailed account of post-partition events. And it wont be wrong to say that it gives interesting detailing of all the series of events which towards the end have led to existing circumstances in today's politics of India.
Must read for those interested in History of Modern India.
December 27, 2016
An absolute magnum opus encompassing the journey of a community through a wide historical lens. One has to read this book to understand the level of detailing the author deals with and the annotations and notes on almost every page are a delight. An essential reading into the history of the sikh community and it ends with a beautiful epilogue on the challenges ahead.
May 7, 2009
A bit dry, and Kushwant Singh seems a bit wacky these days by the way, but very very comprehensive, detailed, and seemingly thorough. I read it a long time ago, but I don't remember feeling that the book put Sikh history in any larger context of India. It was very digging in the crates - like.
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