The Rise of the Sikh Soldier: The Sikh Warrior Through the Ages, C1700-1900

The might and prowess of the Sikhs has been noted in the annals of history but what actually constitutes this development has seldom been discussed or understood in a meaningful context. The book considers the rise of military methods from the time of the Gurus and what the tenth preceptor Guru Gobind Singh was trying to achieve with the formation of the Khalsa or fraternity of the pure. The development of saint soldiers during the testing time of the Misl or Confederacy period considers the role of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Charat Singh Sukerchakia. while the formation of the Sikh Empire in the nineteenth century considers the role of Maharajah Ranjit Singh and his notorious warriors Akali Phula Singh and Hari Singh Nalwa. Underrepresented female warriors like Sahib Kaur and Sada Kaur are also given coverage to reflect their importance in Sikh history. The change in military methods of the Sikhs is discussed from the predominately favored cavalry, to the Europeanization of the Sikh Army and the deployment of Sikhs in campaigns during the time of the British Indian Army. The Anglo Sikh Wars of (1845-1846) and (1848-1849) are given adequate consideration in terms of the military tactics used by both the British and the Sikhs. The book is supplemented with maps of battles, rare military images, relics and artifacts together with the appendices citing important documents and letters.