Sikhism

Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh is the Crawford Family Professor of Religious Studies and Chair of the department at Colby College, Waterville, Maine. She is Co-Chair of the Sikh Studies Section of the American Academy of Religion. Her books include The Guru Granth Sahib: its Physics and Metaphysics (1981), The Feminine Principle in the Sikh Vision of the Transcendent (1993) and The Name of My Beloved: Verses of the Sikh Gurus (2001).

'In this delightful study Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh introduces the reader to the history, religion, and culture of the Sikhs, highlighting the various issues related to doctrine, worship, ethics, art, architecture, and diaspora. Her bold critique of patriarchal structures of Sikh society is refreshing. Written in accessible style this exciting book will appeal not only to undergraduate students of Sikh studies, religion, medieval Indian history, and literature, but also to lay readers who will gain firsthand information about the youngest world religion.' - Pashaura Singh, Professor and Dr. Jasbir Singh Saini Endowed Chair in Sikh and Punjabi Studies University of California, Riverside; 'Nikky Singh's latest publication provides an eloquent introduction to Sikhism, grounded in reference to the scriptures and articulate with a sharp awareness of contemporary issues. Students will find Singh's Sikhism: An Introduction a clearly organised text, written in an engaging style, and usefully augmented by a substantial bibliography. Sikhism: An Introduction is the fruit of many years of immersion in Sikh Studies and of sharing it through the author's university teaching. This excellent illustrated guide to the Sikh tradition offers readers not only key factual material but also Singh's own insights into gender and her substantial attention to the arts, to colonial encounters and diasporic life stories.' - Eleanor Nesbitt, Professor of Religions and Education, University of Warwick and author of Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction; 'A solid and lively introduction to key events in Sikh history, Sikhism: An Introduction paints a vivid portrait of Sikh spirituality, arts, politics, and gender and family life. This engaging text takes readers from the origins of Sikhism in Guru Nanak's life and teachings to contemporary Sikh life in India and the Sikh diaspora. Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh's call to Sikhs to reflect on the founding principles of their tradition gives Sikh and non-Sikh readers alike insight into the challenges all religions face as they evolve over time.' - Robin Rinehart, Professor of Religious Studies and Asian Studies Program Chair, Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania; 'Based on years of scholarship and real empathy, this book covers all the major themes in the study of Sikhism. Nikky Singh writes with a deftness and ease that is all too rare these days. This attractive and eminently readable introduction to Sikhism will be of immense value to students, scholars of religion and the wider public.' - Arvind-Pal S. Mandair, S.C.S.B. Endowed Professor of Sikh Studies, University of Michigan

• PrefaceIntroductionGuru Nanak and the Origins of SikhismGuru Arjan and the Crystallization of the Sikh FaithGuru Gobind Singh and the Cultivation of Sikh IdentitySikh Metaphysics, Ethics and AestheticsWorship, Ceremonies, and Rites of PassageFeminist Text in a Patriarchal ContextColonial EncountersSikh ArtSikhs in the DiasporaSelect BibliographyGlossaryIndex