About the Book The influence and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev have swayed the soul of India for centuries. And enriched and ennobled the thoughts and lives of countless generations after him.
Born in 1469 at Talwandi he engaged himself in religious devotions, and aspired to produce a religion acceptable to both the Hindus and the Muslims. He travelled with a faithful servant, preaching and composing hymns, through the length and breadth of the country and to far away Ceylon and Mecca, Those who were motivated and followed him became his Sikhs, a Punjabi word for disciples. The Sikhs of Guru Nanak acquired a separate identity as more joined his movement to purify themselves in thought, word and deed.
This biography of the great seer, savant, and social reformer describes his life and his philosophy of life as only a true Sikh like Sardar Sewaram Singh can accomplish. The beautiful work remains urexcelled in its erudition and lyrical beauty to this day.
About the Author Sardar Sewaram Singh, B.A., LL.B., Vidvan, was a remarkable person who combined material success in life with unique spiritual attainment. An outstanding advocate on pre-Partition Punjab bar, he was elevated to the position of District & Sessions Judge of Lahore.
This classic work on the Divine Master has placed the devout and learned author in the ranks of world-famous biographers.
Foreword Sardar Sewaram Singh's biography of Guru Nanak (first published in 1904) is a unique book in many ways. It is perhaps the first-over volume in the English language, dealing with not only the remarkable life of the founder of the Sikh faith, but also his philosophy of life, inan authentic and scientific way. The writer did have the benefit of Dr. Ernest Trumpp's all-too-literal- and partisan-part translation of the Adi Granth, together with the biography of Guru Nanak based on the India Office Najamsakhi. The learned author must have seen some other histories of the Sikhs as well, like Cunningham's, M 'Gregor's & Malcom's, which gave all too brief accounts of the life of Baba Nanak. Bhai Santokh Singh's magnum-opus, the Gur Partap Surya Granth and Nanak Parkash were also available to him, as also Bhai Bala's hagiography in its various versions. Mr. M.A. Macauliffe's monumental though uncritical-work on "Sikh. Religion" had yet to appear.
Preface Nearly a quarter of the century has passed when I first entured to publish what I then called "A Critical Study of the Life and Teachings of SRI GUR NANAK DEV, the founder of Sikhism;" and then expressed that I should "feel myself satisfied and amply remunerated if the little book which, I then presented to the Public served the useful purpose.of setting the movement for a closer research into the Life and Mission of Guru Nanak Dev agoing." The reception which my book was given by tne Sikhs as well as others was very encouraging, and apart from a Khilaat in cash which was sent to me by His late Highness Maharaja Sir Hira Singh Malvindra Bahadur of Nabha, I received a large number of letters from Sikhs and Euro peans alike, appreciating the attempt that I had made. The whole edition was sold out during a comparatively short period, and the book has now been out of print for nearly twenty years.
Book's Contents and Sample Pages
