We have heard the stories, in bits and pieces from our grandparents, uncles, aunts, parents…in the end, all we had were a clutch of tales, till Har Jagmandar Singh decided to go back to the roots and start from the beginning, the genesis of Sikhism. From there, this author’s journey has taken him from the formation of this religious sect, the rise of the Khalsa, life and death struggle for a hundred years to the golden years under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the fight for freedom, Komagata Maru episode, the Ghadr movement, making of Akalis and SGPC to Operation Blue Star, Bhindranwale, developments like the Kashmir problem, war with China, Bangladesh venture, nuclear explosions, demolition of the Babri Masjid, recurring communal violence – till it all found a way in his book, A Story of the Sikhs. Released at the Chandigarh Press Club, “The book endeavors to be faithful to truth and nail some big lies, which may not please all,” says the author. “It’s a product of 20 years, views the Sikhs and their affairs on an uncommon perspective. It extends from the earliest times to the present day,” adds Har Jagmandar Singh. The function was presided over by Roopinder Singh and AS Paul, manager Punjab Book Centre, was the chief guest.

• Preface / 9
• Mesopotamian Affiliation / 11
• A Great Occupation and Its Great Price / 13
• Invasions / 20
• Advent of Islam / 26
• Great Depredations / 29
• Muslim Rule / 34
• Muslim Power at Its Zenith / 43
• Religion / 58
• Birth and Growth of Sikhism / 61
• A Long, Grim Struggle / 81
• Sikh Empire / 107
• British Rule / 128
• A Great Reform / 148
• Naïve Leaders of the Sikhs / 169
• Tragic Bungling / 182
• Campaign for Homeland / 211
• Cumulative Grievances / 221
• Use of Military Force / 235
• The Battle / 248
• Retribution / 260
• Knavery and Tyranny / 266
• The Root is Healthy / 286
• Some Important Incidents Since Independence / 291
• Present National Scene / 305
• Index / 315