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Panjab: Journeys Through Fault Lines
Unlike people born in Panjab who have a direct connection with, and hence a memory of the land, I have no liminal or tangible marker of belonging to Panjab. While my family did hail from Panjab, I was neither born here, nor do I live here. I have no address, bank statement, Aadhaar card, passport or land ownership to prove my connection with Panjab.
In 2015, Amandeep Sandhu began an investigation that was meant to resolve the 'hole in his heart', his 'emptiness about matters Panjab'. For three years, he crisscrossed the state and discovered a land that was nothing like the one he had imagined and not like the stories he had heard.
Present-day Panjab prides itself on legends of its military and valorous past even as it struggles with daily horrors. The Green Revolution has wreaked ecological havoc in the state, and a decade and a half of militancy has destabilised its economy and governance. Sikhism-the state's eclectic and syncretic religion- is in crisis, its gatekeepers brooking no dissent and giving little spiritual guidance. And Panjab has yet to recover from the loss of its other half, now in Pakistan.
This revised edition includes a chapter on the 2020-21 farmers' struggle which proved beyond doubt that the old spirit of the land with its undercurrent of resistance to power and hegemony still beats away. The hope that Panjab's unyielding knots can be untied continues to linger.
In 2015, Amandeep Sandhu began an investigation that was meant to resolve the 'hole in his heart', his 'emptiness about matters Panjab'. For three years, he crisscrossed the state and discovered a land that was nothing like the one he had imagined and not like the stories he had heard.
Present-day Panjab prides itself on legends of its military and valorous past even as it struggles with daily horrors. The Green Revolution has wreaked ecological havoc in the state, and a decade and a half of militancy has destabilised its economy and governance. Sikhism-the state's eclectic and syncretic religion- is in crisis, its gatekeepers brooking no dissent and giving little spiritual guidance. And Panjab has yet to recover from the loss of its other half, now in Pakistan.
This revised edition includes a chapter on the 2020-21 farmers' struggle which proved beyond doubt that the old spirit of the land with its undercurrent of resistance to power and hegemony still beats away. The hope that Panjab's unyielding knots can be untied continues to linger.
596 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2023
41 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Amandeep Sandhu
12 books59 followersI was born in Rourkela. I have lived in Orissa, Uttrakhand, Punjab, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. I earned a Masters in English Literature from the University of Hyderabad and am currently settled in New Delhi.
I have worked as a farm-hand, woolen-garment seller, shop assistant, tuition master, teacher, journalist with The Economic Times, technical writer with Novell Inc, Oracle Corporation, and now Cadence Design Systems.
I have worked as a farm-hand, woolen-garment seller, shop assistant, tuition master, teacher, journalist with The Economic Times, technical writer with Novell Inc, Oracle Corporation, and now Cadence Design Systems.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 12, 2020
Yesterday was a productive Sunday because I was able to devote good amount of time to finish reading Amandeep Sandhu’s ‘Panjab - Journeys Through Fault Lines’. I started this book almost a month ago and very quickly I knew that I had to devote much more time than anticipated. Slowly, the book takes you over.
The book is divided into 16 chapters - starting with Satt (wound) and ending with Janamdin (birthday). He covers many aspects of Punjab that one is blissfully ignorant about. The issues of the state are discussed through the voices of the citizenry. You truly are on a journey across Punjab with Amandeep.
Punjab’s contribution to the country has been immense but there is a feeling that the state continues to be shortchanged when it comes to receiving its rightful due. The refreshing part of the book is while the author holds a mirror to the many problems of the state, he doesn’t pontificate. I feel an even greater sense of connect to the state after reading this really well researched and better written book.
The book is divided into 16 chapters - starting with Satt (wound) and ending with Janamdin (birthday). He covers many aspects of Punjab that one is blissfully ignorant about. The issues of the state are discussed through the voices of the citizenry. You truly are on a journey across Punjab with Amandeep.
Punjab’s contribution to the country has been immense but there is a feeling that the state continues to be shortchanged when it comes to receiving its rightful due. The refreshing part of the book is while the author holds a mirror to the many problems of the state, he doesn’t pontificate. I feel an even greater sense of connect to the state after reading this really well researched and better written book.
April 12, 2020
This is a book I wish I had written.
It gives an updated and comprehensive account of Punjab's issues, supported by facts and evidence. Interspersed with historical perspectives are real accounts of life in Punjab, which makes it an engaging read. Although it succumbs to occasional hyperbole, the author's humility shines through and keeps the narrative balanced.
It gives an updated and comprehensive account of Punjab's issues, supported by facts and evidence. Interspersed with historical perspectives are real accounts of life in Punjab, which makes it an engaging read. Although it succumbs to occasional hyperbole, the author's humility shines through and keeps the narrative balanced.
June 18, 2022
This is, hands down, one of the most engaging books I've read on the issues plaguing Panjab. I'm still surprised by how quickly I finished it. Generally, it takes me pretty long to wrap up a non-fiction book, but this one was really hard to put down once started.
Amandeep Sandhu has done a lot of meticulous research on the land and the perspective he brings as an outsider who has a remote connection to Panjab is very interesting. His insights on Farming were what I found most informative, but this rest of it was equally good.
That said, I do not agree with some of his viewpoints on certain things. I'd still wholeheartedly recommend this book though. Honestly, a must-read if you're interested in knowing more about modern-day Panjab.
(4.5 stars)
Amandeep Sandhu has done a lot of meticulous research on the land and the perspective he brings as an outsider who has a remote connection to Panjab is very interesting. His insights on Farming were what I found most informative, but this rest of it was equally good.
That said, I do not agree with some of his viewpoints on certain things. I'd still wholeheartedly recommend this book though. Honestly, a must-read if you're interested in knowing more about modern-day Panjab.
(4.5 stars)
July 28, 2020
I absolutely love this book. It’s a real eye opener for Sikhs all over the world.
This book was selected as our book club read of the month. I was a little wary initially as I’m not too fond of non fiction. However, I’m so glad we read it.
This book makes us aware of the plight of the farmers, students, daughters of Panjab. The issue of drugs, farmer suicide, dowry, various religious cults has been addressed beautifully.
A very well researched and boldly written book. Kudos to the author for having the courage to paint a picture of the real Panjab.
This book was selected as our book club read of the month. I was a little wary initially as I’m not too fond of non fiction. However, I’m so glad we read it.
This book makes us aware of the plight of the farmers, students, daughters of Panjab. The issue of drugs, farmer suicide, dowry, various religious cults has been addressed beautifully.
A very well researched and boldly written book. Kudos to the author for having the courage to paint a picture of the real Panjab.
July 27, 2020
We decided this book for our book club. After reading it, I speak on behalf of all my book club friends, we felt a lot more educated, a lot more aware, and a little heartbroken too, about our beloved state. This is a book that doesn’t leave you Long after you have read it. You see traces of it in everyday news, in everyday drawing room conversations... it peels off the beautiful but pretentious veil covering Panjab layer by layer! Thank you Amandeep Sandhu for giving us this raw, honest literary gem!
December 7, 2019
A book - "Panjab - Journeys through Faultlines" by Amandeep Sandhu... Well, where do I begin to say about it, except that this book sets the bar higher for all later books to follow on diagnosis of issues facing Punjab.
This book must in fact be made mandatory reading for all public policy decision makers of Punjab and Delhi if they really want to understand the root and the magnitude of the issues facing Punjab.
What sets this book apart is not only that it uses a personal anecdotal format to dig deeper into the history and state of affairs in the state, but it manages to single out, segregate and list all issues explicitly in an interesting way. If one is a Punjabi, one feels a lump in the throat; and i am sure even a non-Punjabi for once would feel the pain of Punjab even if for some part.
Also, what makes this book landmark, is the fact that it is not only a lament (a bit too much of a lament sometimes in parts, but that's understandable given the personal touch and emotional quotient of the author), but that it also throws some light at the possible solutions as it seeks to shake Punjab and Punjabis out of their stupor of self-gratifying bombasticity. It took me a while to start and finish the book in midst of my official travels, and I initially reckoned it had a bit too many papers for comfort. But having gone through the book now, I feel it could have gone on and on to dig even deeper into the diagnosis and prognosis of the issues. Perhaps, an opportunity for the author to bring out sequels to his herculean effort.
I hope Modi and Shah read this; I hope the Sanghis read this; I hope the Akalis read this and introspect; I hope Captain reads this and looks at the mirror; I hope the NRIs read this and introspect at their role in the mess; and I hope the Punjabis of Punjab read it; even as I hope the Haryanvis also read it.
More importantly, I feel this is one of the few books on Punjab that appeals outside the echo-chamber of Punjabis and reaches out widely to opinion makers, liberal intelligentsia as well as the right-wingers across India. This book belongs in every shelf of every personal and public library.
In fact, one is tempted to use the same spelling that the author Amandeep has used - "Panjab", just to show unequivocal appreciation for the herculean effort and sentiment gone into penning this landmark book on the state of 'Panjab'.
This book must in fact be made mandatory reading for all public policy decision makers of Punjab and Delhi if they really want to understand the root and the magnitude of the issues facing Punjab.
What sets this book apart is not only that it uses a personal anecdotal format to dig deeper into the history and state of affairs in the state, but it manages to single out, segregate and list all issues explicitly in an interesting way. If one is a Punjabi, one feels a lump in the throat; and i am sure even a non-Punjabi for once would feel the pain of Punjab even if for some part.
Also, what makes this book landmark, is the fact that it is not only a lament (a bit too much of a lament sometimes in parts, but that's understandable given the personal touch and emotional quotient of the author), but that it also throws some light at the possible solutions as it seeks to shake Punjab and Punjabis out of their stupor of self-gratifying bombasticity. It took me a while to start and finish the book in midst of my official travels, and I initially reckoned it had a bit too many papers for comfort. But having gone through the book now, I feel it could have gone on and on to dig even deeper into the diagnosis and prognosis of the issues. Perhaps, an opportunity for the author to bring out sequels to his herculean effort.
I hope Modi and Shah read this; I hope the Sanghis read this; I hope the Akalis read this and introspect; I hope Captain reads this and looks at the mirror; I hope the NRIs read this and introspect at their role in the mess; and I hope the Punjabis of Punjab read it; even as I hope the Haryanvis also read it.
More importantly, I feel this is one of the few books on Punjab that appeals outside the echo-chamber of Punjabis and reaches out widely to opinion makers, liberal intelligentsia as well as the right-wingers across India. This book belongs in every shelf of every personal and public library.
In fact, one is tempted to use the same spelling that the author Amandeep has used - "Panjab", just to show unequivocal appreciation for the herculean effort and sentiment gone into penning this landmark book on the state of 'Panjab'.
May 19, 2020
In a time when Panjab desperately seeks an escape from itself, this book takes us back to the very core of its existence- Panjabiyat.
The book opens the reader's eyes to the precarious socioeconomic foundations of modern Panjab while leaving the reader with hope in its people.
The author juxtaposes the fault lines that run through its institutions with the unrelenting strength of its individuals.
The book qualifies is of the finest pieces of non-fiction literature written on Panjab, only to be matched by the works of Rajmohan Gandhi and Khushwant Singh.
Highly recommended for anyone who associates with Panjab and empathizes with its people.
The book opens the reader's eyes to the precarious socioeconomic foundations of modern Panjab while leaving the reader with hope in its people.
The author juxtaposes the fault lines that run through its institutions with the unrelenting strength of its individuals.
The book qualifies is of the finest pieces of non-fiction literature written on Panjab, only to be matched by the works of Rajmohan Gandhi and Khushwant Singh.
Highly recommended for anyone who associates with Panjab and empathizes with its people.
January 30, 2020
If you want to understand contemporary Punjab in terms of society , economics and politically this well researched and book with unbiased point of view is here . It's great to understand modern Punjab's problems and it's roots via this book.
Great attempt by Amandeep Sandhu.
Great attempt by Amandeep Sandhu.
March 27, 2020
A well researched book. Beautifully brought out the problems of the current Punjab.
January 24, 2021
Moving book by a non resident punjabi
With the farm bill agitation in Dec 2020 and beyond this book is still topical to understand why the average Punjabi may feel aggrieved
With the farm bill agitation in Dec 2020 and beyond this book is still topical to understand why the average Punjabi may feel aggrieved
July 14, 2024
Honestly it's a really good book and I wanted to give it 5 stars but the only problem that is really hard to ignore are the political opinions of amandeep sandhu
Pros - honestly a really detailed and fun book to read especially for people who are from Punjab amandeep sandhu has left no stone unturned to explore Punjab and really mentioned a lot of great places people and the story of Punjab
This is one of those books that makes history really interesting even if you find history boring or difficult to read the writer has tried his best to explain it in a simple and efficient way and succeded mostly
This book really makes you wish to get in your car and visit a lot of places the writer visited and meet the people yourself
Cons - some writers tried to keep their political opinions personal or make it subtle in their writing but amandeep sandhu has failed badly at it , reading this book you can clearly see that the writer has his own personal bias towards political parties and support one party vastly over the other willingly happy to ignore the mistakes of one while constantly ranting about the intentions of the other
Overall i would say that even though I disagree with the political opinions the research and references are spot on and the efforts of the writer can be clearly seen
Thank you so much amandeep sandhu for telling me so much about my own state both it's history and it's problems in a simple and fun manner
Pros - honestly a really detailed and fun book to read especially for people who are from Punjab amandeep sandhu has left no stone unturned to explore Punjab and really mentioned a lot of great places people and the story of Punjab
This is one of those books that makes history really interesting even if you find history boring or difficult to read the writer has tried his best to explain it in a simple and efficient way and succeded mostly
This book really makes you wish to get in your car and visit a lot of places the writer visited and meet the people yourself
Cons - some writers tried to keep their political opinions personal or make it subtle in their writing but amandeep sandhu has failed badly at it , reading this book you can clearly see that the writer has his own personal bias towards political parties and support one party vastly over the other willingly happy to ignore the mistakes of one while constantly ranting about the intentions of the other
Overall i would say that even though I disagree with the political opinions the research and references are spot on and the efforts of the writer can be clearly seen
Thank you so much amandeep sandhu for telling me so much about my own state both it's history and it's problems in a simple and fun manner
March 12, 2021
This well written book is a great source of knowledge on Panjab, it’s history, it’s people, it’s religion and its politics. The author insists on calling it panj ab ( five rivers) and not Punjab.
We know Panjab as the bread basket of India, of its boisterous people, it’s loud music and its pious religion. But this book goes behind this facade and reveals the dark side of its status today, its farming issues, its dilemma on Khalistan, the corruption of its politicians etc.. Very interestingly, the book is divided into various chapters named for instance saat ( wound), berukhi ( apathy), pani ( water), zameen (land), lashaan (corpses) etc.
Although the book takes a hard look at the problems of Panjab today, it fails to suggest possible solutions or how to come out of this quagmire.
We know Panjab as the bread basket of India, of its boisterous people, it’s loud music and its pious religion. But this book goes behind this facade and reveals the dark side of its status today, its farming issues, its dilemma on Khalistan, the corruption of its politicians etc.. Very interestingly, the book is divided into various chapters named for instance saat ( wound), berukhi ( apathy), pani ( water), zameen (land), lashaan (corpses) etc.
Although the book takes a hard look at the problems of Panjab today, it fails to suggest possible solutions or how to come out of this quagmire.
June 24, 2023
If one wants to understand Punjab in detail, this is the book one should opt for. The book tells the story of Punjab in a manner that keeps the reader hooked. I didn't expect to learn so much about the state that I call home but never engaged with, from a book. The author has done justice to the task they took upon themselves. It is a must-read for every Punjabi and every Indian too.
February 1, 2024
An incredibly useful resource for developing a deep understanding of Punjab, its past, its present, and its future.
I've been reading and researching deeply about the Sikhs and Punjab for over two decades now and have written many articles on the subject. And yet I am learning a huge amount from this sincere, thought-provoking, entertaining, and insightful magnum opus from Amandeep Sandhu.
This will go down as one of the definitive works on Punjab in the current era.
I've been reading and researching deeply about the Sikhs and Punjab for over two decades now and have written many articles on the subject. And yet I am learning a huge amount from this sincere, thought-provoking, entertaining, and insightful magnum opus from Amandeep Sandhu.
This will go down as one of the definitive works on Punjab in the current era.
March 29, 2025
Reading this book helped me understand Punjab much better than what I know despite of the fact that I was born and brought up there.
What is written about people, problems of Punjab and how various issues, resonates with my thoughts.
What is written about people, problems of Punjab and how various issues, resonates with my thoughts.
November 28, 2023
Great story telling.
The book touches upon various themes of socio-political life or life as such. The author travels through punjab and explore the present & past of the theme.
The book touches upon various themes of socio-political life or life as such. The author travels through punjab and explore the present & past of the theme.
February 11, 2025
Very good book . Gives lots of insights into the culture and history of panjab.
October 23, 2023
An unflinching account of the social, political, religious, militant, agricultural, and industrial history of modern-day Punjab in India told in a matter-of-fact tone. It's still deeply emotional as the author navigates the various strands of the pains and glories of Punjab through his journeys in the state. It lays bare the various power groups on different sides of the aisle who have left their mark on its fractured history through powerful anecdotes, data/research, and an intrinsic understanding.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews