History, Literature, and Identity

Description

This volume analyses the core Sikh texts from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century to present a comprehensive account of Sikh history and tradition. Underscoring the essential continuity of theology and worldview, it examines compositions by the Gurus and Sikh theologians and historians to reflect upon the changing socio-political context under the Mughal, Sikh, and colonial rule in Punjab. History, Literature, and Identity discusses issues like conscious conceptualization of a new dispensation, processes of community formation, social transformation and politicization leading to the emergence of a new political order. It brings out the cumulative implications of these processes on the evolution of Sikh identity. Interpretation of the Sikh past arising from J.S. Grewal's lifelong engagement with history and historiography is also built into this study. Written by one of the foremost scholars of Sikh history, the book highlights the intricate connections between literature and historical processes.