SIKH HISTORY BOOKS
Sikh history has been studied by scholars, historians, and chroniclers for over two centuries. The best books on Sikh history can be grouped into four categories:
Classical Sikh Chronicles
Modern Scholarly Works
Books on Sikh Gurus
Books on the Sikh Empire and Later History
Below is detailed content on each category and important books within them.
1. Classical Sikh Chronicles (Primary Sources)
These works were written close to the events they describe. They provide early accounts of Sikh Gurus, Sikh warriors, and the rise of Sikh power.
1.1 Sri Gur Sobha by Kavi Sainapati (1701–1708)
Written during the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Describes the lifestyle, battles, and values of the Sikh community.
Earliest historical record of the formation of the Khalsa (1699).
Very important for understanding Sikh martial tradition.
1.2 Panth Prakash by Rattan Singh Bhangu (1841)
Chronicles Sikh history from Guru Nanak to late 18th century.
Detailed accounts of:
Banda Singh Bahadur
Sikh Misls
Struggles against Mughals & Afghans
Considered the most important 18th-century Sikh historical source.
1.3 Twarikh Guru Khalsa by Giani Gian Singh (1880s)
Multi-volume work.
Blends history with oral tradition.
Covers Gurus, Banda Singh, Misls, and early British period.
These books are essential for understanding Sikh history through early Sikh eyes.
2. Modern Scholarly Works (Research-Based History)
These books use academic methods—historical evidence, documents, analysis—to study Sikh history more objectively.
2.1 A History of the Sikhs (Vol. 1 & 2) — Khushwant Singh
Among the most popular books on Sikh history.
Volume 1 covers:
Guru Nanak to Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Growth of Sikh faith
Sikh militarization
Rise of the Sikh Empire
Volume 2 covers:
Anglo-Sikh wars
British rule
Singh Sabha Movement
Post-1947 Sikh politics
Simple and readable, ideal for beginners.
2.2 The Sikhs of the Punjab — J.S. Grewal
Published by Cambridge University Press.
Very scholarly and detailed.
Covers:
Social and religious evolution
Identity formation
Sikh politics from Gurus to modern times
Trusted academic source worldwide.
2.3 The Sikh Religion (6 volumes) — Max Arthur Macauliffe
British writer who respected Sikh culture deeply.
Includes translations of Gurus’ teachings.
Provides detailed biographies of all 10 Gurus.
Valuable for religious, spiritual, and historical insights.
2.4 The Heritage of the Sikhs — Harbans Singh
Focus on Sikh culture, heritage, values, and contributions.
Covers community practices, festivals, and philosophy.
3. Books Focused on Sikh Gurus
These books concentrate on the lives, teachings, and impact of individual Gurus.
3.1 Guru Nanak in History — J.S. Grewal
Places Guru Nanak's teachings in historical context.
Discusses his travels, messages, and influence.
3.2 Life of Guru Gobind Singh Ji — Various authors
(Famous ones include works by Surjit Singh Gandhi and Bhai Vir Singh)
These books cover:
Childhood and education
Creation of the Khalsa
Major battles
Literary contributions (Dasam Granth)
His spiritual and political vision
The event of declaring Guru Granth Sahib Ji as eternal Guru
3.3 Banda Singh Bahadur — Dr. Fauja Singh
Details the revolutionary life of the Sikh general who:
Ended feudal landlordism
Established Sikh rule
Fought Mughals with courage and equality-based reforms
4. Books on the Sikh Empire & Modern Era
4.1 Empire of the Sikhs — Patrick French / Amarpal Sidhu / various authors
Rich visual history of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s empire
Describes Lahore Durbar, army, diplomacy, and architecture
Based on paintings, manuscripts, and records
4.2 Ranjit Singh: Maharaja of the Punjab — Khushwant Singh
Narrative biography of the “Lion of Punjab.”
Highlights his secular rule, diplomacy, and military genius.
4.3 The Fall of the Sikh Empire — Amarpal Sidhu
Analyzes Anglo-Sikh wars in detail
Uses British and Sikh records
Explains why the empire collapsed despite a powerful army
5. Beginner-Friendly Sikh History Books
If you want simple and easy language:
A Short History of the Sikhs — Teja Singh
Stories from Sikh History — Children-focused but informative
Introduction to Sikhism — Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh
The Sikhs — Patwant Singh
These books are short but accurate.
6. Why These Books Matter
Studying Sikh history books helps you understand:
The spiritual revolution begun by Guru Nanak
How Sikhs defended justice and freedom
The rise of Khalsa and unique Sikh identity
The world’s only Sikh Empire under Ranjit Singh
Sikh contributions to India and the world
The struggles faced in 18th century, Partition, and modern times
These books preserve the memory, achievements, and sacrifices of a remarkable community.
