Historiography is a continuous process of debate in historical scholarship. It provides space for re-examining, rethinking or re-evaluating existing perceptions on particular historical events or developments. It poses a challenge before the scholars to search for new evidences, explore hitherto unknown areas in order to enable new and different interpretations of human history.
The Uprising of 1857 has assumed national character. Particular understanding developed on the nature of this event in 1857 and later on in 1957, during its 100th year of commemoration. Yet this perception is marked by two limitations one, pertaining to the character of the happenings ; two, role of the Sikhs. Further its scope remained limited because it was largely seen as religion oriented and for its failure Sikhs were held responsible.
Later on with the availability of newer evidences and with re-visiting the issue certain facts began to emerge with a country-wide debate generated because of its 150th year of commemoration in 2007. To participate in this opportunity the Department of Punjab Historical Studies organized Seminar on 28 November 2007. The issues taken up are very relevant and pertinent. Apart from discussion on the above mentioned two inter-related themes of the event; other issues explored are the official understanding contemporary non-official perception, early nationalist views, Radical and Marxist perspectives, recent descriptions and evaluations, the event in literature and memory along with its academic and social relevance.
I am hopeful that publication of these research papers will help in re understanding the happenings and also relocating position of the Sikhs in particular historical situations. The Department of Punjab Historical Studies and its Head, Dr Navtej Singh deserve congratulations for hard work and bringing out the volume. Its publication during 150th year of commemoration will certainly contribute to the debate with significant addition to the national historiography.
Foreword | V | |
Commencement | IX | |
Key note address | XIV | |
1 | Changing Perspectives on 1857 | 1 |
2 | Dance of at Death Ajnala: Rising, Repression and Retribution in 1857 | 15 |
3 | Martyrs of I 857—Gurgaon District | 28 |
4 | Princely States of Punjab During the Revolt of 1857 | 39 |
5 | The Uprisingof 1857: Scenario in Punjab | 46 |
6 | Sikhs and 1857: Myths and Facts | 51 |
7 | On Slippery Ground: The British Position in the Punjab During 1857 | 78 |
8 | Punjab in 1857: A Reassessment | 90 |
9 | The Indian Mutiny of 1857 and the Sikhs | 101 |
10 | Uprising of 1857 and Kuka Movement: An Analysis of their Links | 118 |
11 | 1857: Factors of Nationalism and Religion | 137 |
12 | l857 In Vernacular Literature | 140 |
13 | I857 And the Ghadr Party : Image and Utilization | 149 |
14 | Punjab in 1857: Perceptions of Some Englishmen | 157 |
15 | Revoltofl857andthePunjab: Official Perceptions | 171 |
16 | Writings on 1857 : Dominance of Imperialist Approach | 178 |
17 | Reverend James Kennedy on 1857 | 184 |
18 | Alexander Duff on the Revolt of 1857 | 188 |
19 | Sir Colin comb ell on the mutiny of 1857 | 193 |
20 | Punjab and the revolt of 1957 | 198 |
Historiography is a continuous process of debate in historical scholarship. It provides space for re-examining, rethinking or re-evaluating existing perceptions on particular historical events or developments. It poses a challenge before the scholars to search for new evidences, explore hitherto unknown areas in order to enable new and different interpretations of human history.
The Uprising of 1857 has assumed national character. Particular understanding developed on the nature of this event in 1857 and later on in 1957, during its 100th year of commemoration. Yet this perception is marked by two limitations one, pertaining to the character of the happenings ; two, role of the Sikhs. Further its scope remained limited because it was largely seen as religion oriented and for its failure Sikhs were held responsible.
Later on with the availability of newer evidences and with re-visiting the issue certain facts began to emerge with a country-wide debate generated because of its 150th year of commemoration in 2007. To participate in this opportunity the Department of Punjab Historical Studies organized Seminar on 28 November 2007. The issues taken up are very relevant and pertinent. Apart from discussion on the above mentioned two inter-related themes of the event; other issues explored are the official understanding contemporary non-official perception, early nationalist views, Radical and Marxist perspectives, recent descriptions and evaluations, the event in literature and memory along with its academic and social relevance.
I am hopeful that publication of these research papers will help in re understanding the happenings and also relocating position of the Sikhs in particular historical situations. The Department of Punjab Historical Studies and its Head, Dr Navtej Singh deserve congratulations for hard work and bringing out the volume. Its publication during 150th year of commemoration will certainly contribute to the debate with significant addition to the national historiography.
Foreword | V | |
Commencement | IX | |
Key note address | XIV | |
1 | Changing Perspectives on 1857 | 1 |
2 | Dance of at Death Ajnala: Rising, Repression and Retribution in 1857 | 15 |
3 | Martyrs of I 857—Gurgaon District | 28 |
4 | Princely States of Punjab During the Revolt of 1857 | 39 |
5 | The Uprisingof 1857: Scenario in Punjab | 46 |
6 | Sikhs and 1857: Myths and Facts | 51 |
7 | On Slippery Ground: The British Position in the Punjab During 1857 | 78 |
8 | Punjab in 1857: A Reassessment | 90 |
9 | The Indian Mutiny of 1857 and the Sikhs | 101 |
10 | Uprising of 1857 and Kuka Movement: An Analysis of their Links | 118 |
11 | 1857: Factors of Nationalism and Religion | 137 |
12 | l857 In Vernacular Literature | 140 |
13 | I857 And the Ghadr Party : Image and Utilization | 149 |
14 | Punjab in 1857: Perceptions of Some Englishmen | 157 |
15 | Revoltofl857andthePunjab: Official Perceptions | 171 |
16 | Writings on 1857 : Dominance of Imperialist Approach | 178 |
17 | Reverend James Kennedy on 1857 | 184 |
18 | Alexander Duff on the Revolt of 1857 | 188 |
19 | Sir Colin comb ell on the mutiny of 1857 | 193 |
20 | Punjab and the revolt of 1957 | 198 |