GURU GIRARATH KOS is a dictionary of the Guru Granth Sahib compiled by the Nirmala scholar Pandit Tara Singh Narotam. The kos, completed in AD 1889, is in two volumes printed at Rajendra Press, Patiala the first (pp. 702) in 1895 and the second (pp. 706) in 1898. The first volume has a lengthy Introduction which carried no title except the abbreviated form of the mul mantra, i.e. Ik Oankar Satguru Prasad, at the head. The Introduction beginning with a definition of the word kos contains detailed information about the contents of the book, the method of arrangement of words and phrases, abbreviations used, a list of the Sanskrit prefixes, some specimens of the words which have different meanings in Sanskrit and Persian, and a few examples of the words which take different forms in different languages of India.
In accordance with the method employed by some of the lexicographers of ancient and medieval India, vocables have been arranged in the initial letter final consonant order. Unlike some earlier dictionaries, the Guru Girarath Kos contains all categories of words nouns, adjectives, verbal forms, pronominal forms, adverbs, conjunctions and even some post positions, some of them obscure and obsolete. The work is comprehensive in design. Words and word groups requiring explanation have been included and defined very elaborately in some cases.
Some very simple words and words of everyday use also figure in the Kos. No grammatical information about the individual words has been provided, though the language to which each belongs has been alluded to. A long list of languages has been given while preparing a key to the abbreviations, but decisions about assigning a word to a language are on occasions arbitrary. A word is accepted to be of Sanskrit or Arabic or Persian if it has been used in its tatsama (original) form; otherwise it is pronounced desi (indigenous).
In most cases, the verses of the Guru Granth Sahib containing the words or phrases entered have been quoted. As far as possible all possible meanings or shades of meaning of a word in its use in the Guru Granth Sahib have been provided. Interpretations in some instances are preferred which are not in keeping with any of the connotations of the word phrase as used in the Guru Granth Sahib or which may even be contrary to the principles of the Sikh faith. The language of the Kos is Sadh Bhakha.
Guru Girarath Kos, a monumental dictionary that has played a significant role in illuminating the linguistic and cultural intricacies of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Overview and Historical Background
Guru Girarath Kos is a specialized lexicon compiled by the Nirmala scholar Pandit Tara Singh Narotam in the late 19th century. Completed in AD 1889, it was printed in two volumes at Rajendra Press, Patiala—with the first volume (702 pages) appearing in 1895 and the second (706 pages) in 1898. This work was conceived to serve as a gateway to understanding the multifaceted language of the Guru Granth Sahib, offering definitions, explanations, and contextual notes on the sacred words and phrases contained within.
Structure and Methodology
The dictionary was meticulously organized to cater to both scholarly inquiry and devotional study, employing several distinctive features:
- Ordering System:
The vocables are arranged in the order of initial letter followed by the final consonant—a methodology reminiscent of the lexicographical traditions of ancient and medieval India. This unique ordering facilitates a comprehensive search for words, even those that might be obscure or have evolved over time. - Comprehensive Coverage:
Unlike earlier dictionaries that might focus solely on common terms, Guru Girarath Kos includes an array of categories such as nouns, adjectives, verbal forms, pronouns, adverbs, conjunctions, and even post positions. Some of these linguistic elements may seem archaic or are rarely used today, which makes the work especially valuable for historical linguistics and textual criticism. - Detailed Introduction:
The first volume opens with an extensive introduction that sets out the dictionary’s methodology. It explains the rationale behind the arrangement of words, lists abbreviations, and provides a catalog of Sanskrit prefixes. Furthermore, it highlights instances where words may diverge in meaning between Sanskrit and Persian—or appear in variant forms across the many languages of India. This thorough prelude not only informs the user of the book’s structure but also reflects the scholarly precision typical of that era. Linguistic and Cultural Insights
Guru Girarath Kos is more than just a dictionary—it is a window into the linguistic soul of Sikh scripture:
- Interwoven Myth and Meaning:
Every entry is an opportunity to glimpse how language, culture, and spirituality converge. Words drawn from the Guru Granth Sahib take on layers of meaning that encompass theological, historical, and philosophical dimensions. This dual character of the dictionary enhances its utility for both academic and devotional purposes. - Bridging Linguistic Traditions:
By addressing differences in interpretation among Sanskrit, Persian, and regional dialects, the dictionary helps elucidate the complex linguistic environment in which Sikh scripture was composed and transmitted. This cross-linguistic approach not only aids in clarifying ambiguous terms but also reinforces the idea that the divine message of the Sikh Gurus transcends any single language or cultural tradition.
Guru Girarath Kos stands as a landmark in Sikh lexicography—a work that not only catalogs words but also encapsulates a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual heritage. By systematically decoding the language of the Guru Granth Sahib, it has empowered countless individuals to unravel the layers of meaning in Sikh scripture and appreciate the enduring legacy of the Gurus.
