Founded in India five hundred years ago, the Sikh faith has stirred controversy in its homeland and curiosity throughout the world ever since. The Sikhs defied the caste system, rejected the authority of Hindu priests, forbade magic and idolatry, and promoted the equality of men and women-practices that incurred the wrath of both Hindus and Muslims. In our own era, the Sikhs' continuing battle against hostile regimes is epitomized by the1984 burning of the Sikhs' holy shrine, the Golden Temple of Amritsar, by the Indian Army. In retaliation, Sikh bodyguards assassinated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
In the first book written for a mainstream audience in this country, Patwant Singh tells the full story of the Sikhs-their origins, traditions, and beliefs, and their role in history and politics. He shows how a movement based on tenets of compassion and harmony transformed itself, of necessity, into a community that values bravery and military prowess as well as spirituality. He chronicles the daring conquests and the enlightened leadership behind the founding of the Sikh empire and explains the cultural and religious significance of their distinctive codes of dress and conduct including why mate Indian Sikhs bear the surname Singh ("lion").