This book analyses the heterogeneous modes of meditation, prayer, initiation, beliefs and practices, codes of conduct, ethics and life-style of the contemporary Sikh Sants, Babas, Gurus and Satgurus in Punjab.

This celebrates the photographic work of artist Sant Khalsa over 40 years highlighting her work with trees and the environment.

History as a social science is arguably more self-reflective than associated disciplines in that family. Other social scientists seem to see little reason to look beyond the paradigm they are developing in the present times. Historians on the other hand, tend to depend on the cumulative process of the development of their craft and the fund of accumulated knowledge. Yet, while this is acknowledged in the practice of research, Historiography in itself as a subject of study has rarely found its place in the syllabi of Indian universities. Knowledge of Historiography is taken for granted when a scholar plunges into research. In an attempt to address this lacuna, the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) has planned a series of volumes on Historiography comprising articles by subject specialists commissioned by the ICHR. The first volume in the series, Approaches to History: Essays in Indian Historiography brings to the readers the first fruits of that endeavour. While the essays encompass areas of research presently at the frontiers of new research, scholars will also find the bibliographies accompanying the essays of significant appeal.

Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations, Third Edition is the ideal textbook for those coming to the study of religion for the first time, as well as for those who wish to keep up-to-date with the latest perspectives in the field. This third edition contains new and upgraded pedagogic features, including chapter summaries, key terms and definitions, and questions for reflection and discussion. The first part of the book considers the history and modern practices of the main religious traditions of the world, while the second analyzes trends from secularization to the rise of new spiritualities. Comprehensive and fully international in coverage, it is accessibly written by practicing and specialist teachers.

The Game of Love tells the story of freedom struggles of Sikhs throughout history. In the fifteenth century, the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak started the revolution of standing up against tyranny and oppression. Sikhs have carried on this tradition to the present day. In the post 9/11 world, the word of the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh resonate, "When all peaceful means have been exhausted it is just to draw the sword." The Game of Love describes the tears, torture and sacrifices of Sikhs. The readers will decide if these warriors are termed freedom fighters, insurgents, militants, revolutionaries or Saints. This edition is updated with new content and design.

The work consists of translation of speeches & conversations from the originals in Punjabi. The popular leader of a Sikh religious revival, Sant Bhindranwale is perhaps one of the most misrepresented figures in recent history. He spoke only Punjabi & authentic material in English has been virtually non-existent. During the religious oppression that followed his death in the 1948 Indian army attack, people hurried to destroy relevant records to avoid persecution. Through this culmination of fifteen years of painstaking research the author has given us a rare opportunity to meet & understand this man through his own words. Also included is an introductory essay describing the Sant's mission & martyrdom. This publication stimulates some provocative questions. Many people in the media & academia, who expect transparency from the state agencies & hold them accountable for their words & deeds, might have to undertake a probing self-analysis. They might ask themselves, where were they when the official media blitz of misinformation completely distorted the truth? The author is Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University.

It is commonly assumed that all Sikhs are the same, but the very existence of different groups who have varying beliefs and practices within the Sikh community shows that a corporate identity for the Sikh community is not possible and serves to alienate a substantial proportion of Sikhs from the overall fold of the Sikh faith. Introducing the beliefs and practices of a range of individual Sikh groups, this book addresses the issue of Sikh identity across the Sikh community as a whole but from the viewpoint of different types of Sikh. Examining the historical development of Sikhism from the period of Guru Nanak to the present day, the author takes an in-depth look at five groups in the Sikh community - the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha; the Namdharis; the Ravidasis; the Valmikis; and the Sikh Dharma of the Western hemisphere (associated with the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization - 3HO). Their history, beliefs and practices are explored, as well as their diverse and shared identities. Concluding that there is no authoritative yardstick with which to assess the issue of Sikh identity, the author highlights Sikhism's links to its Hindu past and suggests a federal Sikh identity with one or two fundamental beliefs at the core and individual groups left to express their own unique beliefs and practices.