Meaningful revision of Sikh History Needed
Meaningful revision of Sikh History Needed
Most of our scholars who have delved into Sikh history be it on Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the guru period and beyond have obtained Phd under guidance of those who apparently were not equipped. I have been particularly concerned to see how stories have misrepresented Sikhi. The basic reasons are lack of study of Gurbani to understand the Baani and lives of Guru Sahiban are concerned.
Here are a few examples.
1. Stories about how Guru Nanak, Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das and Guru Ram Das tested their sons for guruship. There are stories and stories but Gurbani states clearly the principles under which successor gurus were selected.
2. There are stories about Mohan Pothis, Guru Har Sahai pothis and regarding compilation of the Ad-i Granth/Pothi Sahib. The details given in the Baan Ramkali Sad have not been taken into account. It vividly described how guruship was passed from the third to the fourth Guru.
3. The same Baani shows the stories about Baba Buddha applying Tilak on newly anointed gurus actually means passing on the Shabad and spirit of guruship. The Bhatts also say passing on guruship from first to the second guru started the tradition of passing on guruship as “Sabad surat-i ki nee rakhaaee”. No historian has brought this out.
4. There are even some mention of change in words of Guru Nanak in Gurbani by the fifth Guru.
5. The history books talk of the sixth and tenth gurus having multiple wives. This is totally against Gurbani teachings. It shows the gurus did not do what they taught!! The reason given is that this was the custom then. For God’s sake, the gurus’ mission was to reform, not follow, the world.
6. Japji Paurri 22 indicates Guru Nanak had met the Jew scholars, but no historian has brought this out.
7. The fourth Guru mentions about no machinations working in getting guruship in the first four generations (SGGS pp 306-309). These have not been quoted.
Sikh history needs thorough and meaningful revision.
Thursday, 27 February 2020 22:00
Last Updated on Thursday, 27 February 2020 22:00
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