'Sikh Sangharsh De Dastavez 1920–2022': Updated Punjabi Edition of Jagtar Singh's Acclaimed Book Published
Historic Documents of Sikh Struggle (1920–2022) Compiled in Updated Punjabi Edition by Jagtar Singh
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 23, 2026: A new book documenting more than a century of Sikh political, religious and social struggles has been released, offering readers a rare opportunity to examine key historical developments through original documents rather than popular narratives or assumptions.
Titled “Sikh Sangharsh De Dastavez 1920–2022”, the book has been authored by veteran journalist Jagtar Singh and serves as an updated Punjabi version of Sikh Struggle Documents 1920–2022.
Drawing upon nearly a century of documentary evidence, the volume seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the Sikh community’s evolving political and religious aspirations from the early twentieth century to the present day.
The author, who has extensively covered Punjab and witnessed many of the state’s major political developments since 1978, argues that historical events can only be properly understood through a close examination of original records, speeches, manifestos and political documents.
The book explores several crucial phases of Sikh history, including the pre-Partition period, the evolution of Sikh political thought, the emergence of the Khalistan discourse, and the turbulent militancy era that gripped Punjab during the 1980s and early 1990s.
According to the book, understanding Sikh leadership during the pre-1947 period requires a careful study of contemporary documents rather than relying on simplified interpretations. Speeches and political positions articulated by leaders such as Master Tara Singh and Giani Kartar Singh provide valuable insight into the challenges and circumstances confronting the Sikh community during the final years of British rule.
A significant portion of the volume is dedicated to tracing the origins and development of the Khalistan idea. The book notes that the concept first emerged in 1940 following the Muslim League’s Pakistan Resolution and was initially proposed by Dr. V.S. Bhatti of Ludhiana. Through original documents, the book attempts to place the Khalistan discourse within its broader historical and political context.
The publication comes at a time when issues related to Khalistan continue to feature in international discussions and influence India’s diplomatic relations with countries such as Canada and, at times, the United States. By presenting original records and political documents, the book seeks to contribute to a more informed understanding of these debates.
Containing nearly 180 documents, the collection includes early constitutions of the Shiromani Akali Dal, speeches by prominent Akali leaders, political manifestos, historical records from the pre-Partition era, and documents linked to various political and militant organisations. Many of these materials have remained difficult to access for researchers and the general public.
The book also examines the period of violence that affected Punjab from the 1980s onward, a conflict that claimed thousands of lives and had significant social, political and international repercussions. Through documentary evidence, the volume aims to help readers understand the factors that shaped one of the most challenging chapters in Punjab’s modern history.
Describing Sikh history as a story of resilience, dignity and aspiration, the author brings together documents spanning both the pre- and post-Partition eras. The collection highlights how Sikh political thought has evolved over time and how various demands, ranging from greater political autonomy to the concept of a separate state, emerged in different historical contexts.
Researchers, students, historians and those interested in Punjab’s political history may find the book a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of Sikh religio-political movements over the last hundred years.
The publication stands out for presenting a continuous documentary record from 1920 to 2022, offering readers an opportunity to examine a century of Sikh struggles through original source material and historical evidence.