Of Sikh raj and Punjabi journalism
Reviewed by Kanwalpreet

Lokpal that Ruined the Sikh Kingdom
By M.S Chandla
Aurva Publications, Mohali. Pages 242. Rs 250

Some Precious Pages of the Sikh History
By Dr Jasbir Singh Sarna
Unistar, Mohali. Pages 208. Rs 495

Punjabi Journalism Issues and Concerns
By Dr Joginder Singh
Publication Bureau, Punjabi University, Patiala. Pages 186. Rs 200

Sikh History is replete with sacrifices of its soldiers for the Panth. The saga of laying down life for the greater cause started from the Gurus and touched glory when the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, formed the Khalsa. Sikhs then became an organised force to reckon with. Unfortunately, the Sikhs were later divided into groups called misls, but were subjugated and brought together by the Lion of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The author starts his research from Mai Sada Kaur whom he calls the , "Architect Of the Sikh Raj." Students of Sikh history are familiar with the rise, might and fall of Ranjit Singh. What is interesting about the work is the information about the people who were Ranjit Singh's advisors or those who were influential. The essays on Rani Isher Kaur, one of the wives of Kharak Singh or on Sahib Kaur, the Prime Minister of Patiala State or on Mangla, an ordinary girl who was pawned at an early age but managed to influence the Durbar politics makes for interesting reading.The role of Faqir Aziz-ud-Din , a loyal adviser who also took care of Ranjit Singh's health, is an example of the secular leanings of Ranjit Singh. It handles those whose roles have been hidden in obscurity and overshadowed by Ranjit Singh.

The author of this work says that Punjabi journalism has been hitherto unexplored so he decided to take up the study. The period between the Singh Sabha movement and the Akali movement is a crucial period for the Sikhs. Deliberations over Partition and Partition itself and the aspirations of the community are important events which need to be studied in the correct perspective. Promises made to the Sikhs by various parties have to be understood to have an idea of the resentment of the community.

The author's interest started with a paper titled, Resurgence in Sikh Journalism: Early decades of 20th century. It went on to arouse his curiosity to the extent that it became his doctoral work. Regional newspapers always touch the people at the grassroots. Their aspirations and expectations are important because they mould circumstances. Punjabi literature needs to be explored because it was influenced and at many times it influenced the political situation. The book is to be read for the finer details of a period that manages to influence the region's history even today. A serious peep into this kind of journalism is required.

This work by Dr. Jasbir Singh Sarna, is a collection of essays dealing with a myriad subjects. He discusses the relevance of unshorn hair, the important aspect of kirtan, the devotional singing and other subjects like eating of Jhatka meat. He gives details about Guru Nanak's historic visit to Baghdad and also Guru Gobind Singh's visit to Jammu. He also deals with flora imagery in Guru Granth Sahib and the holy shrines of Sikhs in Kashmir. The photographs of these gurdwaras is indeed a treat to the eyes. The rise of the AISSF and its work is highlighted. These essays of the author have been published in different magazines. It was his dream that they should be brought together in a book for the benefit of the young readers.

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