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SIKHISM IN GLOBAL CONTEXT Edited by Dr. Pashaura Singh. |
Sikhism in Global Context
A Book of Essays Edited by Dr. Pashaura Singh
A Book Review by SARAN SINGH
This latest work on Sikhism is an exquisitely conceived anthology of a dozen essays by some of the most perceptive contemporary sociologists and historians - Western as well as subcontinenal, the outcome of a University of California seminar. The contributors are among the best known living scholars of Philosophy and Comparative Religious Studies and Sociology.
Consequently, the reader of this anthology has the advantage of starting any one essay, and going back and forth, according to his (or her) choice.
Within its covers, women scholars rub shoulders with men; European and American analysts share space with writers of origin in the subcontinent. The 'cocktail' therefore imparts a refreshing elan to the volume.
This is, besides, a welcome contribution to a study of the Sikh philosophy and faith that has, more often than not, been inadequately understood and - at times - misunderstood, 'hedged in' as it is between Hinduism and Islam, in the context of the turbulent history of India, as well as [and, particularly] the titanic events of the 19th and 20th centuries, right up to the Partition in 1947 of Punjab and the subcontinent.
Some history scholars generally dismiss Sikhism as a pan-Hindu 'reformist' movement, or simply, one more instance of syncretism within the sub-continental context. Few scholars care to or show interest in delving deep into its theology or history. Among exceptions are the late Dr Hari Ram Gupta (of pre-Partition days, from Forman Christian College, Lahore) and Bengal's highly regarded scholar, Prof. Emeritus Himadri Banerjee of Jadavpur University, as also, Dr. Chhanda Chaterjee of Viswa Bharti.
It is a joy to find, for example, an illuminating research paper (Chapter 9) by Prof. Banerjee on "The Sikhs of Shillong" - whom the community seems to have all but forgotten.
This timely publication, therefore, needs to be pondered - not only by students of History, but also by those who claim to represent Sikhs globally. A majority of historians of India remains preoccupied with the epochal Mughal dynasty, and tend to bypass - or trivialize - the profound impact of Guru Nanak and the nine succeeding Gurus.
Significantly, however, the course of Sikh history [Guru Nanak to Guru Guru Gobind Singh, 1469 to 1708] is coterminous with the span of Mughal dynasty [1526-1707]. Emperor Akbar briefly visited Goindwal (near Amritsar). Indeed, he typically gifted the 'Parganas' that the Fourth Guru setup as Chak Ram Das Pur, the present Amritsar.
Upon Akbar's demise the tragic irony of the Fifth Guru Arjan being charged wth sheltering Jahangir's rebellious son, Khusro, and in the summer of 1606, being tortured to death at Lahore!
In a sequel, Jahangjr tried to win over Guru Hargobind, the Sixth Guru (1595-1644). Tragically, however, Aurangzeb's zealous policy to convert Kashmiri Pandits to Islam brought the Ninth Guru Teg Bahadar to Delhi to plead their defence with the Emperor - only to be put to the sword in Chandni Chowk in November 1675.
Aurangzeb later travelled to the Deccan to quell the Maratha uprising. He died at Aurangabad in 1707 - but not before he had received from Guru Gobind Singh a letter of protest in Farsi, captioned "Zafarnama", symbolizing the Guru's moral victory!
Much of this is objectively reflected in Professor N. Gerald Barrier's opening essay - which also embodies a touching eulogy of the pioneering historian, late W.H. Mcleod (who died on 24 July, 2009).
Prof Pashaura Singh's Introduction and Nikki Guninder Kaur Singh's article on Guru Granth Sahib are insightful as well as analytical, dwelling on Sikhism's theology, social content and aesthetics.
Western Scholars' perceptions are discussed - lucidly, if critically - by Doris R. Jakobsh. She aptly highlights Sikhism's credal rejection of Hinduism's unsociability and caste-based apartheid!
More interesting (and topical) for the lay reader is Paul Wallace's essay on "Militancy and Non-Violence" - the latter aspect in the context of the struggle ("morcha") for the liberation of historical Sikh shrines, and the frenetic struggle for 'Punjabi Suba'.
The Editor himself - Prof Pashaura Singh - writes a scholarly and insightful essay on the Chaunkies at Darbar Sahib.
Our favourite is Susan E Prill's essay on Naam - "The True Name, and its Miraculous Manifestations".
Dr Jasjit Singh Walia of the University of Louisiana, has narrated the "Miracle of Guru Granth Sahib" in the wake of 'Hurricane Katrina' in 2008. Chapter 5 on the "Kirtan Tradition at Darbar Sahib" and Chapter 6 on 'Miracles" make fascinating reading in terms both of facts as well as interpretation.
The Chapter on Diaspora Philanthropy discusses the desire of the Sikhs of the diaspora to improve - even transform - the Punjab rural scene on an extraordinary scale, a sentiment that derives from Sikhism's daswandh tradition - of giving away tenth of one's earnings for public welfare.
In so far as Indian Constitution provides special treatment of Scheduled Castes, there has been a raging dichotomy among Sikhism's own marginalized groups - Ravidasis, Valmikis, and others - a problem analyzed and amplified in an essay by Opinderjit Kaur Takhar.
In another genre is Prof. Himadri Baherjee's essay, The Other Sikhs", on those living in poverty on the margins of society.
Both these Chapters deserve to be studied in depth, especially by those who control the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee in distant Amritsar!
The Tenth and Eleventh Essays - "Gurbani Kirtan" and "Home and the World" - are in-depth social studies in the traditional Sikh art of Kirtan, or devotional singing of the scriptural gubani that transcends space, time and vicissitudes.
The concluding essay on Children's literature (and identity) is rightly reflected in the book's jacket - as also in the more recent "Sikh Comics" series published by Gyan Khand Media of Sangrur, Punjab.
Altogether, the Anthology marks a milestone in Sikh Studies world-wide.
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The author of this book review is the Editor of The Sikh Review.
[Courtesy: The Sikh Review. Edited for sikhchic.com]