Western Image of the Sikh Religion: A Source Book

DETAILS : 

• Author : Darshan Singh
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ National Book Organization
  
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 1 October 1999
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
  
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 417 pages
  
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8185135975
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8185135977
  
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 750  g

ABOUT THE BOOK

Western Image of the Sikh Religion: A Source Book is a scholarly compilation that meticulously traces the historical encounter between the Western world and Sikhism. Compiled by Darshan Singh, this source book serves as an essential archival record, gathering various accounts, journals, and reports written by European travelers, British administrators, and Christian missionaries from the 18th century onwards. It highlights how the early Western perception of Sikhs evolved from viewing them as a mere sect of Hinduism or a militant group of "noble savages" to recognizing them as a distinct, organized religion with a sophisticated theological and social framework. The book is particularly valuable for researchers because it presents original texts alongside critical analysis, allowing readers to see how cultural biases and colonial perspectives shaped the early global understanding of the Sikh faith.

The narrative explores how Westerners were simultaneously fascinated and intimidated by the Sikh martial spirit, their egalitarian social structure, and their rejection of the caste system. By documenting these early interactions, Darshan Singh sheds light on the origins of modern Sikh studies in the West and the misconceptions that have persisted over centuries. The book covers a wide timeline, from the first mentions of Sikhs in European memoirs to the more detailed ethnographical studies conducted during the British Raj. It acts as a mirror, showing not just what the West thought of the Sikhs, but also how the Western academic and political gaze sought to categorize and define "the Orient."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darshan Singh is a respected scholar and historian specializing in Sikh studies and Punjabi literature. He has dedicated a significant portion of his career to the preservation and interpretation of Sikh history, often focusing on the intersection of religion and politics. His work is characterized by a deep commitment to primary source research, aiming to provide an authentic voice to the Sikh experience while critically examining how external forces have documented the community. Through his various publications, he has sought to bridge the gap between traditional Sikh scholarship and contemporary academic standards, making the history of the Panth accessible to a global audience.