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History of the Sikhs
In this book, the author not only provides fascinating details about the Sikhs but also displays his penchant for minute observations on subjects as varied as the saffron and shawls of Cashmeer (Kashmir) to the Dogras and Kunnets of the Himalayas. The book traces the birth and rise of Sikhism, and records Punjab's history in the context of the geo-political situation prevailing during the crucial period in the 19th century. Of equal interest are the footnotes, notes and the appendices that provide details of the historic treaties as well as translations of the wonderful poetic renderings of the Sikh Gurus.
474 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 1, 2022
There is a burgeoning wave in India which caustically and offhandedly dismisses European accounts of Indic history on the grounds that they are false literary attempts at Europeanization of the indigenous populaces.
As laughable as the above canard is, it unfortunately has found much leeway in Indian academia given that Indian society fights to come to terms with itself and modernity. After all, in pre-European India myth was the sole foundational stone on which history was established. While the Sikh Gurus inculcated a new literary tradition based on intelligence and observation the fact that the Sikhs had to battle for their survival against the Hindu-Muslim combine post-Guru era disallowed them fro substantially focusing on growing their unique literary heritage.
Cunningham's interaction with the Sikhs originated in 1837 when he served as assistant to Colonel Claude Wade the British political agent appointed to the Sikh Empire under Maharajah Ranjit Singh. An engineer by experience but retaining enough inquisitiveness, Cunningham like many other of his colleagues began recording their observations based on their interactions with specific host communities. For Cunningham, these were the Sikhs.
While his prose is antiquated, given that over two centuries have elapsed since he first put pen to paper, Cunningham's history based on observation allows him to sift fact from fiction without much effort though he commits the occasional gaffe. His analysis of the differences between the Gurus and the Bhagats; the reason behind the inculcation of Bhagat Bani in the Guru Granth Sahib and rare insight into the early life of Nawab Kapur Singh evince a strong and balanced approach to authentically recounting the past. On the other hand his disability to comprehend the prejudiced regression of Banda Singh's historical image and other facets of Sikh history make his history a chronicle carefully approached.
Cunningham wrote when the Western world clashed with the Sikhs. Witness to conspiracies and subterfuges at the highest level of the British East India Company Hierarchy, Cunningham exposed and evidenced the barefaced inhumane schemes of Hardinge and the Hindu Dogra trio to bring about the fall of Sikh sovereignty. This uncompromising stance on the truth cost him his employment and reputation. He finally died heartbroken at the fate which had befallen the Sikhs.
The tragedy of the Sikhs speaks across the ages in Cunningham's A History Of The Sikhs.
As laughable as the above canard is, it unfortunately has found much leeway in Indian academia given that Indian society fights to come to terms with itself and modernity. After all, in pre-European India myth was the sole foundational stone on which history was established. While the Sikh Gurus inculcated a new literary tradition based on intelligence and observation the fact that the Sikhs had to battle for their survival against the Hindu-Muslim combine post-Guru era disallowed them fro substantially focusing on growing their unique literary heritage.
Cunningham's interaction with the Sikhs originated in 1837 when he served as assistant to Colonel Claude Wade the British political agent appointed to the Sikh Empire under Maharajah Ranjit Singh. An engineer by experience but retaining enough inquisitiveness, Cunningham like many other of his colleagues began recording their observations based on their interactions with specific host communities. For Cunningham, these were the Sikhs.
While his prose is antiquated, given that over two centuries have elapsed since he first put pen to paper, Cunningham's history based on observation allows him to sift fact from fiction without much effort though he commits the occasional gaffe. His analysis of the differences between the Gurus and the Bhagats; the reason behind the inculcation of Bhagat Bani in the Guru Granth Sahib and rare insight into the early life of Nawab Kapur Singh evince a strong and balanced approach to authentically recounting the past. On the other hand his disability to comprehend the prejudiced regression of Banda Singh's historical image and other facets of Sikh history make his history a chronicle carefully approached.
Cunningham wrote when the Western world clashed with the Sikhs. Witness to conspiracies and subterfuges at the highest level of the British East India Company Hierarchy, Cunningham exposed and evidenced the barefaced inhumane schemes of Hardinge and the Hindu Dogra trio to bring about the fall of Sikh sovereignty. This uncompromising stance on the truth cost him his employment and reputation. He finally died heartbroken at the fate which had befallen the Sikhs.
The tragedy of the Sikhs speaks across the ages in Cunningham's A History Of The Sikhs.
November 16, 2025
'History of the Sikhs' by Joseph Davery Cunningham is a remarkable book, particularly for the time in which he wrote the text. The book was initially published in 1849 CE, and his sympathetic and balanced approach to Sikh history led to the downfall of his career. He wrote the book at the peak of the East India Company's power, and company officials held South Asians in contempt; no one wished to read a balanced book. Whitewashing history has a glorious tradition.
The book begins with ancient history, then proceeds to describe how Sikhism evolved from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh, and how it gradually acquired a militant aspect. The author also wrote about the formation of the Khalsa and its impact on
Sikh identity.
From there, he provided a detailed description of the formation of the misls and how Maharaja Ranjit Singh consolidated the Sikhs under one kingdom.
Joseph Cunningham concluded the book with the Anglo-Sikh wars and the decline of Sikh power.
Several factors set the book apart—one, the meticulous research. The author consulted Sikh and Persian archives, in addition to English sources. Second, he adopted a scrupulously balanced and sympathetic approach to the narrative: in no part of the book will you detect hints of racism.
While the British of the time criticized the author and his book, it has become a torchbearer and has influenced many later historians, including luminaries such as J.S. Grewal.
The book is not for the faint of heart: the spellings and style reflect the time he lived in, and you must proceed slowly. If you rush through the book, you will not fully understand the material it contains.
If Sikh history interests you, study this book by Joseph Davey Cunningham.
The book begins with ancient history, then proceeds to describe how Sikhism evolved from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh, and how it gradually acquired a militant aspect. The author also wrote about the formation of the Khalsa and its impact on
Sikh identity.
From there, he provided a detailed description of the formation of the misls and how Maharaja Ranjit Singh consolidated the Sikhs under one kingdom.
Joseph Cunningham concluded the book with the Anglo-Sikh wars and the decline of Sikh power.
Several factors set the book apart—one, the meticulous research. The author consulted Sikh and Persian archives, in addition to English sources. Second, he adopted a scrupulously balanced and sympathetic approach to the narrative: in no part of the book will you detect hints of racism.
While the British of the time criticized the author and his book, it has become a torchbearer and has influenced many later historians, including luminaries such as J.S. Grewal.
The book is not for the faint of heart: the spellings and style reflect the time he lived in, and you must proceed slowly. If you rush through the book, you will not fully understand the material it contains.
If Sikh history interests you, study this book by Joseph Davey Cunningham.
May 2, 2020
Written from historical point of view, it felt authentic source of events happened in history of Sikhs/ India. Though it will be more useful to researchers. Book throws light on various things including strength and weaknesses of both British as well as Sikhs, how they had various treaties benefitting each other and lived in harmony. It also educates on how Sikhism evolved. Very nice book if accounts, names, dates matter to you for research otherwise reading could feel little heavier.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews