The Misl Sardar: Jassa Singh Ramgarhia (An Immortal Tale of Ideology and Identity of an Iconoclast)

This book offers an accessible overview of Sikh history in the 18th century, focusing on the life of Jassa Singh Ramgarhia.

Divided into seven sections, it highlights key events in Punjab's history. From humble beginnings, Ramgarhia rose to become a courageous warrior, embodying the strength and resilience of his era. The book also examines his relationships with other Misl leaders and their collaborative efforts in shaping Sikh history.

Against a backdrop of violence and invasions, this work underscores the collective bravery of the Misl leaders in confronting Afghan threats, illustrating how Jassa Singh Ramgarhia provided stability and hope to the local populace.

His pivotal contributions, such as rebuilding the Ram Rauni fort and safeguarding the sanctity of Sri Harimandir Sahib, were instrumental in shaping Sikh identity.

Drawing on extensive research from archives and libraries worldwide, this book celebrates Ramgarhia's creativity and compassion. It intertwines history, art, and architecture, demonstrating how one individual's actions can reflect the aspirations and challenges of a community. His life showcases a profound understanding of self-rule and the importance of unity among the Misl chiefs, overcoming cycles of conflict. Ramgarhia's efforts laid the foundation for the Khalsa's eventual rise under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Ultimately, this book honors Jassa Singh Ramgarhia's enduring legacy in Sikh history, inviting readers to explore the remarkable life of a leader who shaped his community amidst turmoil.

About the Author:

Dr Surinder Kaur, an alumna of Panjab University, is the Head of the History Department at Guru Gobind Singh College for Women in Chandigarh. She holds an MPhil in Chinese and Japanese History from the University of Delhi and her PhD from Panjab University is on The Perception of Science and Technology in Colonial Punjab. With over 23 years of teaching experience, Dr Surinder Kaur has dedicated her career to enriching historical understanding particularly in the areas of Modern Indian History and Colonial Punjab.

Besides teaching, Dr Surinder Kaur takes keen interest in other academic activities. Currently she is the editor of the college online journal Gyankosh [Double Blind, Peer-Reviewed]. She is also the Dean of the Research and Student Welfare Committees promoting an environment that supports academic growth. Further her academic interests extend to her four-year tenure as a member of the Under-Graduate Board of Studies in History at Panjab University.

Dr Surinder Kaur has played a pivotal role in organizing several significant seminars that contribute to historical scholarship and academic dialogue. Notably, she convened the UGC-sponsored National Seminar on the History of Science and Technology in Colonial Punjab (1849-1947), which explored the impact of scientific advancements in the region. She also led the ICHR-sponsored National Seminar on Continuity and Change: Socio-Cultural Changes in Punjab from the Beginning of the Eighteenth Century to Mid-Nineteenth Century, facilitating discussions on the evolving socio-cultural landscape of Punjab. She additionally coordinated seminars focused on Master Tara Singh in Indian History and Secular and Spiritual Music in Punjab.

Her publications include significant papers on topics like Western Science in Vernaculars in the Nineteenth Century, Sino-Japanese Diplomatic Relations, the Sikh Diaspora, Sikh Turban and its Significance, Impact of Scientific Temper in Punjab, Seva in Sikhism, The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Human Rights Violations, Female Genital Mutilation, Right to Food for Human Race and Value Education within Sikhism etc. One of her recent contributions includes an article on Bhagat Singh: His Thought and Ideology published in "Bhagat Singh-Jail Writings" that has been translated into Malayalam. Through her works, she not only contributes to historical scholarship but also inspires future generations to engage with history critically and inclusively.