Sikh History And Religion In The Twentieth Century (south Asian Studies Papers No. 3)

Some fourteen million Sikhs worldwide are heirs today to a tradition of faith recalling the devotional spirituality of Guru Nanak, who lived in the Punjab five hundred years ago. The twentieth century has witnessed a heightening of Sikhs' self-awareness as a community with an identity and aspirations distinct from their Hindu as well as their Muslim neighbours. Overseas migration to countries such as Canada has also produced new challenges to Sikhs to think through the question of what the core of their tradition is and what aspects of their heritage are central in times far removed from Guru Nanak's and places distant from the Punjab. Twenty-four authoritative studies by scholars on four continents range across the contemporary Sikh experience in India and overseas. The contributors include experts on history, religion, literature, linguistics, politics, sociology and anthropology. The 24 essays that make up this unique anthology, subject the Sikh question to a rigorous critical scrutiny. And I find the claim of the editors regarding the twin ideals of detachment and empathy fairly vindicated. The general tone, on the whole is free of rancour and acrimony and the book suggests a culture of ideas. Its range and solidity and intellectual engagement lift the argument to a new level altogether. Considering the fact and the contributing scholars are drawn from 4 continents with varying ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, the bouquet of papers presented here gives off a distinctive perfume of thought. And since the volume ensures a certain level of critical sophistication, it achieves a discipline of idiom and expression. . . . And finally, a comprehensive bibliography and an extended glossary of Punjabi terms make it the finest enterprise of its kind in Sikh studies. Its definitive character is destined to lend it the dignity of a classic. Indian Express The situation . . . today calls from the world of scholarship a serious and sober response. It is good to note that this volume is a good example of what is required. T.N. Madan in South Asia in Review We have tried to represent most of the salient aspects of Sikh experience in the twentieth century. This volume will serve, we hope, as an authoritative account of the topics concerned and as a reference volume. By choosing the twentieth century as our period, we have sought to address very recent events, but with enough historical (as well as religio-cultural) background to allow us to begin to make some sense out of recent events and current crises. Editors. About the Author Joseph T. OConnel was Associate Professor of Religious Studies, St. Michaels College, University of Toronto, Canada. Milton Israel is Professor Emeritus in the History Department at the University of Toronto, Canada. Willard G. Oxtoby was Professor of Religious Studies, Trinity College, University of Toronto, Canada. W.H. McLeod was Professor of History, University of Otago, New Zealand. J.S. Grewal retired as Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla.