In a significant contribution to Sikh literature and historical scholarship, two new books have been released, offering fresh perspectives on the life, vision, and lesser-known journeys of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. These publications aim to deepen public understanding of his enduring legacy and personal interactions.
Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom
The Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) has published a new hardcover volume titled 'Guru Gobind Singh Sahib: Life, Vision & Wisdom'. Spanning 210 pages in English, the book is set for release on Thursday. It moves beyond conventional biography, blending historical analysis with poetic interpretation to honor the Guru's multifaceted legacy.
Authored by Harinder Singh, a co-founder of SikhRI and the Panjab Digital Library, the work draws extensively from the Guru's own compositions, such as 'Saba's Hajare', and the voices of his court poets, including Bhai Nand Lal Goya and Chandra Sain Sainapati. The narrative portrays Guru Gobind Singh as a sovereign who championed ideals of love, a caste-free society, and revolutionary poetry.
"This is an invitation to feel, reflect, and imagine anew," says Singh, emphasizing the transformative power of the Guru's words. The book is complemented by evocative artwork and calligraphy, aiming to transcend religious or national boundaries and speak to universal seekers of meaning and courage.
To mark the launch, SikhRI will host a conversation titled "In the Light of the Tenth Sovereign: A Conversation" at the Randhawa Auditorium, Punjab Kala Bhavan in Sector 16B, Chandigarh. The event, scheduled from 3 to 5 pm on Thursday, will feature author Harinder Singh in dialogue with journalist Roopinder Singh, moderated by Jasmine Kuar Anand.
Unveiling a Historic Relic: The Ganga Sagar of Raikot
Parallel to this release, another book focusing on a specific historical episode was unveiled earlier this month. Titled 'Dasmesh-Pita Bakhshish Pavitar Ganga Sagar' and written in Punjabi by Dr. Gurdev Singh Sidhu, this book details Guru Gobind Singh's visit to Raikot in the Ludhiana district.
The book centers on a personal gift from the Guru to Muslim Nawab Rai Kallah of Raikot. Historical accounts state that after leaving Anandpur Sahib following attacks by hill kings and the Mughal army, Guru Gobind Singh was deeply moved by Rai Kallah's selfless service. In gratitude, he bestowed upon him three sacred items: the Ganga Sagar (a vessel), a wooden rehla (saddle), and a kirpan (dagger).
Over centuries, the rehla decayed, and the kirpan was seized by British authorities. However, the Ganga Sagar was meticulously preserved by the Rai family through wars, Partition, and migrations. The book was officially released on January 2 at Gurdwara Tahliana Sahib in Raikot, with SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami presenting it to readers.
A Fading Connection Revived
Dr. Sidhu explains that the Partition disrupted an annual tradition where devotees would visit the Rai haveli for darshan of the relic. As the Rai family migrated to Pakistan, this tangible connection to the Sikh world began to fade.
The current custodian of the Ganga Sagar is Rai Aziz-ulla-Khan, now based in Surrey, Canada. Driven by a passion for this history, Khan meticulously collected references from various sources, including Gurdwara pamphlets and Prof Piara Singh Padam's 'Guru Kian Sakhiaan'. In 1994, he brought the Ganga Sagar to England at the Sikh community's invitation, sparking global interest and leading to worldwide darshan tours.
The book itself was conceptualized after Khan shared his vision with Ludhiana-based Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill in Surrey during the summer of 2024. Gill recommended Dr. Sidhu to compile the material. The resulting volume is structured in three parts: the first details the historical accounts and personal reflections; the second covers the history of the Rai dynasty; and the third includes comparative analyses and emotional insights from Rai Khan.
Together, these two publications offer profound insights for scholars, devotees, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Sikh history and the timeless wisdom of Guru Gobind Singh. They serve as a bridge connecting deep historical research with the living legacy of the Tenth Master.
