Sikh Reference Library

While the tragic memories of the Operation Bluestar on the Golden Temple complex in June 1984 are also associated with the Sikh Reference Library, some people also recall the cosy days of February 1945 when a group of scholars planned the establishment of the Sikh History Society and laid the foundation of a distinguished research institute for future generations.

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On February 10, 1945, during a winter gathering of scholars, led by Princess Bamba Sutherland, the granddaughter of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a meeting was held at Khalsa College, Amritsar. The gathering, attended by Principal Jodh Singh, Jathedar Mohan Singh, Baba Prem Singh Hoti, Prof Teja Singh and Dr Ganda Singh, decided to form the Sikh History Society, which subsequently established the Sikh Reference Library within the Darbar Sahib complex.

Demonstrating enthusiasm for the preservation and research of Sikh history, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) allocated Rs 500 for initial expenses, with an annual grant announced by Jathedar Akal Takht Mohan Singh Nagoke. Recognising the necessity of a dedicated library for research, the Sikh History Society took its first major initiative by inaugurating the Sikh Reference Library. Initially, the library was housed in Hall No. 4 of Guru Ram Das Niwas, an inn within the Darbar Sahib Complex.

Simranjit Kaur, a research scholar at the Sikh History Research Board, SGPC, who has written a research paper on the formation and function of the Sikh Reference Library, said, “Apart from 1984, the Partition in 1947 had a significant impact on the library. Though it was formally inaugurated on February 9, 1947, it only became fully operational in 1950, after the disturbances of the Partition had settled. Until 1958, the Sikh Reference Library functioned from Guru Ram Das Niwas.”

Through the dedicated efforts of Dr Ganda Singh, research scholar Randhir Singh and Shamsher Singh Ashok, along with the support of the Sikh community, the library amassed a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts. These scholars also initiated a quarterly journal, “Itihasak Patra”, to publish the original historical sources. Several rare documents were subsequently published by the Sikh History Society.

In 1953, a new library building was constructed within the Golden Temple Complex, and a hall was named after the eminent poet Santokh Singh. In 1963, the Sikh History Society was renamed the Sikh History Research Board.

In addition to conducting various research projects, the Sikh History Research Board addresses historical queries raised by the sangat based on Sikh history and ideology. Research scholars contributed numerous books on Sikh history, Sikh institutions and Gurbani. Tragically, all of these invaluable resources were reduced to ashes during Operation Bluestar in 1984.

“Although the Sikh Reference Library was restored, the invaluable treasures that were lost can never be replaced. Efforts are continuously being made to rebuild the collection through contributions from institutions and individuals. At present, apart from its remarkable collection of manuscripts, the library houses over 24,000 books in Punjabi, English, Urdu, Persian and other languages, along with extensive archives of newspapers, magazines, and research literature,” said Simranjit Kaur.