Panjabi Books UK

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:

1. 
   Classical Sikh Chronicles
   
2. 
   Modern Scholarly Works
   
3. 
   Books on Sikh Gurus
   
4. 
   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.