SIKHS, THE, by General Sir John J.H. Gordon, was first published in 1904 by William Black wood and Sons, London, and reprinted in 1970 by the Languages Department, Punjab, Patiala. The author`s own reference as to when and why he thought of writing this book provides an important clue to his treatment of the subject. The universal admiration, which everybody had for the soldierly bearing of the Siklis present among soldiers from all parts of the world representing the strength of the British empire at the coronation ceremonies of Edward VII, inspired him, he says, to write a short sketch of the origin of this “warlike race” and its “rise through much tribulation to power as a nation” which was necessary for understanding its transformation “into loyal and hearty subjects of the Great Queen Victoria.
” The book is divided into fourteen chapters the first four of which relate the origin and development of Sikhism under the Ten Gurus. The next two chapters deal with Sikhs` struggle for domination in the Punjab and the establishment of misis or chief ships, followed by two chapters sketching Maharaja Ranjit Singh`s rise to power. A chapter then prescribes the decline of the Sikh monarchy and the three succeeding are devoted to the two Anglo Sikh wars, with the last two summing up the beliefs and observances of the Sikhs and their position under the British Crown.
Except for the last chapter which the author prepared from his own notes, he admits having based the entire book on published works such as Malcolm, Sketch of the Sikhs, W.L. M`Gregor, The History of the Sikhs, G.C. Smyth, A History of the Reigning Family of Lahore, J.D. Cunningham, A History of the Sikhs and Syad Muhammad Ladf, History of the Punjab, besides Trumpp`s translation into English of portions of the Guru Granth Sahib. However, there are no specific references in the body of the book to any of the sources used and it has no bibliography or index. The book is a simple and straightforward narrative of what Gordon understood Sikh faith and tradition to be. His account is not exempt from tendentious statements and over simplifications. Gordon in fact assesses the Sikhs as “subjects of the British empire,” and, in the process, he lets several factual errors and misconceptions creep into his work.
References :
1. Fauja Singh, ed.. Historians and Historiography of the Sikhs. Delhi, 1978
2. Khurana, Gianeshwar, British Historiography on the Sikh Power in Punjab. Delhi, 1985
3. Darshan Singh, Western Perspective on the Sikh Religion. Delhi, 1991
4. Grewal, J.S., From Guru Nanak to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.. Amritsar, 1972
The Sikhs by General Sir John J. H. Gordon is a seminal work that delves deep into the history, culture, and military prowess of the Sikh community. Written by a distinguished British Army officer, this book offers an unparalleled insight into the Sikh nation, tracing their origins, the evolution of their religious and martial traditions, and their significant role in the Indian subcontinent’s history.
Published originally in the early 20th century, this classic has been meticulously reissued by Leopold Classic Library. The Sikhs explores the transformation of the Sikh community from peaceful followers of Guru Nanak to formidable warriors under Guru Govind Singh. It chronicles their struggles, their rise to power under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and their eventual integration into the British Empire.
This comprehensive account is enriched with illustrations by the author, adding a visual dimension to the historical narrative. General Gordon’s firsthand experience and extensive research make this a vital resource for anyone interested in the rich heritage of the Sikhs. The book is not just a historical recount but a tribute to the resilience and valor of the Sikh people.
With its detailed analysis and engaging storytelling, The Sikhs is a must-read for historians, scholars, and anyone fascinated by the dynamic history of India.
The Sikhs: A 1904 Insight into Sikh History & Heritage is a historical narrative first published in 1904 by William Blackwood and Sons, London, and reprinted in 1970 by the Languages Department, Punjab, Patiala. In this work, General Sir John J.H. Gordon presents a sweeping account of Sikh history, tracing the evolution of Sikhism from its inception under Guru Nanak through the successive teachings of the ten Gurus. The narrative is structured into fourteen chapters:
- Chapters 1–4: These chapters outline the origin and early development of Sikhism, providing insights into the foundational period under the ten Gurus.
- Chapters 5–6: The focus shifts to the tumultuous era of the misls (chiefships) when the Sikhs struggled for regional dominance in the Punjab.
- Chapters 7–8: These sections document the rise to power of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, capturing the transformation of the Sikhs into a formidable martial nation.
- Chapters 9–11: The narrative then details the decline of the Sikh monarchy along with the complexities that followed.
- Chapters 12–14: The final chapters cover the Anglo-Sikh wars and the emergence of the Sikhs as loyal and integral subjects within the British Indian Empire while also reflecting upon Sikh beliefs and cultural practices. Exploration
Historical Context and Motivation:
Gordon’s work was composed at a time when there was widespread admiration for Sikh martial prowess—not only as an indigenous force but also as a valuable complement to the British military might. His writings reflect both an appreciation for the spiritual origins of Sikhism and an interest in documenting the dramatic transformation of the Sikhs into a highly disciplined and courageous martial community.
Sources and Methodology:
In assembling the narrative, Gordon drew on a variety of earlier historical works, official records, and translations of key Sikh texts, such as portions of the Guru Granth Sahib. Although his treatment sometimes simplifies complex historical developments, his detailed genealogies and battle accounts have made this work a useful reference for both colonial and modern scholars. His approach provides insight into how colonial historians sought to understand and represent the history of non-Western peoples through the lens of their own administrative and military concerns.
Cultural and Political Impact:
One of the lasting contributions of The Sikhs is its role in solidifying the image of the Sikhs as a “warlike race” who, despite centuries of tribulation, emerged as passionate, loyal, and courageous subjects of the British Crown. The narrative charts a dramatic transition—from spiritual reform and persecution to the establishment of a sovereign state under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and finally to integration within the colonial framework. This journey not only highlights the resilience and adaptive nature of the Sikh identity but also underscores the importance of martial valor as a key element of that identity.
Modern Relevance and Critical Reflections:
Today, Gordon’s account is both revered and critiqued. It provides an invaluable snapshot of Sikh history at a time when indigenous sources were sparse and often overshadowed by colonial narratives. Modern historians use the work as a starting point, comparing it with local accounts, oral traditions, and subsequent research to present a more nuanced view of Sikh history. Readers and scholars are encouraged to balance Gordon’s detailed narrative with an understanding of the orientalist perspective and colonial administrative agendas that subtly influence the text.