WARRIOR SAINTS BOOK LAUNCH - NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM - THURS 25TH APRIL 2013
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‘Warrior Saints’ charts the journey and origins of the Sikh martial tradition. The first edition was published in 1999 but soon sold out due to high demand and is now sold for far higher rates than its original price. Now, this pioneering feat of historical research has been reprinted under Kashi House with innovative designs, additional rare images and testimonies spread over two volumes.
The official UK book launch took place at the National Army Museum this April and attracted a bustling crowd that included many of those from the Sikh community. In a narrow gallery flanked with regal paintings, Jasdeep Singh addressed the audience by sharing Kashi House’s mission to collect, understand and share history to pass down as cultural heritage to future generations.
A founding director of Kashi House, Paramjit Singh gave a poignant and engaging presentation that ran through the timeline of the book. It tracks the development of the martial tradition that began around the time when the Sikhs were faced with the looming oppression of Mughal emperors. Although a few of the Mughal kings were supportive of Sikh ideals such as Akbar, eventually resistance grew in the face of violent and forceful rulers such as Aurangzeb. With rare insights into archival paintings and photographs, ‘Warrior Saints’ is the first in two volumes that covers the period through the Mughal rule, tracing the ‘Nihang’ tradition through the time of the Gurus, through Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign and ends at the dominance of the British empire. The second volume will continue from the British annexation of Punjab and documents the contribution of Sikh soliders to military ventures that continue to uphold the original values of righteousness and fearless determination. The work of Kashi House, the GT1588 initiative and all the team show that history is all about connecting the dots and finding those that connect to you.
Artwork by Inkquisitive Illustrations and Jatinder Singh Durhailay was also on display along with a photographic exhibition; all enjoyed with a hearty Punjabi meal.
Check out some great behind-the-scenes shots that went on during the process on Vimeo.
The book is available to buy online and be sure to check out their work and keep to date on Facebook and Twitter with events and further info about Volume Two.
- S