The Illustrated History of the Sikhs

by Khushwant Singh

This pictorial edition of A History of the Sikhs has updated and edited the most comprehensive two-volume book on the community. Written in Khushwant Singh's trademark style to be accessible to a general audience, it is based on scholarly archival research of original documents in Persian,
Gurmukhi, and English.

It examines the social, religious, and political background that led to the formation of the Sikh faith in the fifteenth century. 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. The continuing Sikh struggle for survival as a separate community marked by the demand for a distinct Sikh state is chronicled, until the events leading up to and following Operation Blue Star
when the Indian army entered the Golden Temple. This edition includes an epilogue that analyzes events following the end of terrorism in Punjab and the achievement of the community's aspirations, never more visible than in the elevation of a Sikh to the country's Prime Ministership.

Genres: India, History

294 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2006

About the author

Khushwant 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.

Reviews

[Subir Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Khushwant Singh's The Illustrated History of the Sikhs is a thorough and well-written account of the Sikh religion and people. The book is divided into three sections: the first covers the early history of the Sikhs, the second covers the period of Sikh rule in Punjab, and the third covers the Sikhs' modern history.

The book is well-written and well-researched. Singh uses a variety of sources, such as historical documents, religious scriptures, and personal accounts. He also provides a balanced and objective account of Sikh history, averting both hagiographic and critical accounts' excesses.
There are over 150 photographs, paintings, and illustrations in the book. These illustrations bring the Sikhs' story to life and provide a visual representation of their religion and culture.
The Illustrated History of the Sikhs is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Sikhs. It is an informative and well-written book that will appeal to students, academics, and general readers equally.

Here are some of the aspects of the book that I enjoyed:
• The book is well-researched and well-written. • The illustrations are stunning and help bring the story of the Sikhs to life. • The book offers a balanced and objective account of Sikh history.
Here are some of the aspects of the book that I disliked:
• The book can be lengthy and plodding at times. • A portion of the historical information is obsolete.

I enjoyed The Illustrated History of the Sikhs overall. It is a useful and informative book that offers a fresh perspective on Sikhs. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about Sikhs.

Five out of five stars.

[Karan Sood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impartial view of Sikh History and path forward. Certainly, its a snapshot would love to read detailed history in 2 volumes written by Khushwant Singh.

[Jaseena AL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating : 4 stars