BANI PRAKASH or Sri Guru Bani Prakash is a dictionary of the Guru Granth Sahib compiled by Sodhi Teja Singh. According to the author, he started working on it in December 1928, and got it printed in 1932 at the Phulwari Press, Lahore. The original version of the dictionary, according to the author, was based on the Faridkot Tika of Guru Granth Sahib, but subsequently he incorporated into it a considerable amount of more material from further study of exegetical and lexical works in the field of Sikh learning.
The Bani Prakash is not a dictionary containing vocables arranged in alphabetical, or some other order; rather, it provides explanation of difficult words and phrases on a given page of Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. Selections of words and phrases have been liberally made and in places very simple words have been chosen for explanation. As could expectably happen in a page wise dictionary, repetitions abound. The author has evolved his own technique of arranging entries. The relevant page of the Scripture is printed in bold figures on the top and then entries from that page are placed in runon style.
The portion of first line of the sabda (hymn) from which succeeding entries are taken is followed by the word/phrase entries in bold print with the connotation recorded in smaller type, after the mathematical symbol (=). The connotations recorded are. generally, in line with the Singh Sabha school of thought and the language used is simple, unadorned Punjabi. The author is not fully conversant with the grammar of old Punjabi which was synthetic to some extent, and many nouns had caseendings attached to them. The significance of these case endings has not been understood and the lexical entries, in many cases, have been recorded without these inflexions, resulting in the loss of clarity.
An index of the initial line of each sabda (hymn), arranged in alphabetical order is given in the beginning. At the end there is a short glossary of theological and mythological terms, requiring detailed exposition and explanation. Additional information has been provided wherever necessary in the form of footnotes. The dictionary, short and handy, is fairly exhaustive. In spite of certain obvious shortcomings, the work has its utility. It certainly is helpful to the reader who finds all the important terms occurring in the page he is reading collected and explained at one place.
Bani Prakash: A Unique Dictionary of the Guru Granth Sahib
Bani Prakash stands out as an innovative and indispensable lexicographical tool that unpacks the language of the Guru Granth Sahib. Compiled by Sodhi Teja Singh, this dictionary is far from a conventional alphabetical reference—it is a pagewise elucidation of the sacred text, designed to make its often complex vocabulary accessible to a diverse readership. Let’s explore its multifaceted nature in depth.
Historical Genesis and Purpose
Sodhi Teja Singh began his work on Bani Prakash in December 1928, with the aim of demystifying the language of Sikh scripture. By 1932, his pioneering effort came to print at the Phulwari Press in Lahore. Originally rooted in the Faridkot Tika—a noted commentary tradition—Sodhi Teja Singh expanded the work by incorporating insights from a broader spectrum of exegetical and lexical studies within Sikh learning. His objective was clear: to render the rich, symbolic language of the Guru Granth Sahib into a form that both scholars and devotees could navigate with greater ease.
Unique Structure and Methodology
Unlike most dictionaries arranged alphabetically or thematically, Bani Prakash adopts a pagewise approach. Here’s how it works:
PageCentric Layout: Instead of listing words in isolation, the dictionary follows the layout of the Guru Granth Sahib itself. At the top of each page, the relevant page number is clearly printed, situating the lexical entries in immediate context.
RunOn Style Entries: The words and phrases extracted from that specific page are presented in a continuous, runon format. The initial line of each shabad (hymn) is highlighted in bold, followed by individual entries that explain difficult terms using a distinctive convention—often marked by a mathematical symbol (such as “=”), which separates the term from its explanation.
Explanations Grounded in Tradition: The connotations recorded reflect the scholarly perspectives of the Singh Sabha movement. The language is simple and unadorned Punjabi, making it accessible while remaining faithful to the tradition.
Glossaries and Indexes: To aid the reader further, an index of the initial lines of each shabad is arranged in alphabetical order at the beginning. Additionally, the work concludes with a concise glossary of theological and mythological terms that delve deeper into concepts requiring extensive exposition.
This innovative design helps readers engage with the text in a contextual manner, allowing for immediate reference as one reads through the scripture.
Contributions to Sikh Scholarship
Bani Prakash has become an invaluable resource for anyone working with the Guru Granth Sahib. Its contributions include:
Enhanced Comprehension of Difficult Vocabulary: By collecting and explaining the important terms that appear on any given page, the dictionary ensures that readers can grasp the nuances of words that might otherwise be obscure or laden with layered meanings.
Bridging the Past and Present: While some of the grammatical intricacies of old Punjabi—such as caseendings—remain challenging in the text, the dictionary’s accessible style helps bridge the gap between the era of the original compositions and modern readers.
Extensive Annotations and Footnotes: Additional information, provided in the form of footnotes, enriches the entries with historical and exegetical context. This makes Bani Prakash not only a dictionary but also a compact study aid for deeper exploration of Sikh scripture.
Though there are occasional shortcomings—such as occasional oversimplifications due to the author’s limited familiarity with the synthetic grammar of classical Punjabi—the work remains a remarkably exhaustive and practical guide for understanding the language and meaning vested in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Enduring Legacy and Relevance
Since its inception, Bani Prakash has served as a crucial reference in the fields of Sikh studies and religious scholarship. It continues to be used by researchers, educators, and devotees who are eager to unlock the layered meanings of the sacred hymns. Its design and methodology have inspired other lexicographical endeavors in Sikh literature, affirming Sodhi Teja Singh’s lasting impact on the intellectual heritage of Sikhism.
