History of the Sikhs Vol. I: The Sikhs Gurus, 1469-1708

by Hari Ram Gupta

History of the Sikhs is a five volume survey dealing with all aspects religious, philosophical, political, military, social, economic and cultural, and the contribution of Sikhism to world civilization, in particular to human rights, principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, and to the creed of democracy, secularism and socialism. The aim is to present a comprehensive view of the size, growth and development of Sikh thought and action almost in every direction. The entire series is based on original contemporary sources in English, Gurmukhi, Hindi, Marathi, Persian and Urdu known to exist in India and abroad.

The first volume gives the story of Ten Masters who provided leadership to the down-trodden people of the Punjab both in religious and political fields for about two centuries. Their aim was to remove the bitterness that had persisted between the rulers and their subject for the past five hundred years. They wished to create a new society based upon mutual brotherhood, and freedom of thought, expression and action. It was under the circumstances almost an impossible task. But there is nothing like a dream to create the future. Utopia today, flesh and blood tomorrow.

Man s onward march requires that the heights around him should be ablaze with noble and glorious deeds of valour and self-sacrifice to serve as.guiding lights. Such evolutionary and revolutionary models were furnished by Guru Arjan, Guru Tegh Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh, and his four sons Ajit Singh (18 years), Jujhar Singh (14 years), Zorawar Singh (8 years), and Fatah Singh (5 years) as well as by their numerous disciples like Bhais Mati Das, Sati Das and Dayal Das.

The main features of this book A critical appraisement of Guru Nanak s Janam Sakhis, justification for celebrating Guru Nanak s birthday in November instead of in April, Guru Nanak s compositions, Mardana s death at Baghdad, how Amritsar developed into a Sikh centre, Guru Arjan s martyrdom, why Guru Hargobind took to militarism, Guru Har Rae s residence at Nahan, Hukam Namas of Guru Teg Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh s formula of five into five, his literary works and Hukam Namas, Emperor Bahadur Shah s pious fraud, eminent personalities and instructions, impact of Gurus ; teachings on Indian society, and why Jats became followers of Khatri Gurus.

Genres: India

463 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1994

Reviews

[Karan Vohra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hari Ram Gupta’s History of the Sikhs (Vol. 1) is an essential, masterfully researched deep dive that replaces myth with rigorous historical scholarship. Covering the era of the ten Gurus from 1469 to 1708, Gupta moves beyond simple biography to provide a sophisticated analysis of how the Sikh faith evolved into a powerful socio-political force against the backdrop of Mughal rule. While his prose is dense and academic, prioritizing factual precision and primary source citations over narrative flair,the level of detail regarding the Gurus' travels, the establishment of the Khalsa, and the strategic battles of the 17th century is unparalleled. It is a demanding read, but for anyone seeking a definitive, objective understanding of the foundations of Sikhism, it remains THE GOLD STANDARD OF PUNJAB HISTORY

[Ajay Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book gives a firm foundation to the formation of Sikh religion, which has taken firm roots all over the world.