Rethinking 1857 and The Punjab

Author: Navtej Singh
Several Contributors/
Foreword/Introduction: Jaspal Singh/P K Shukla/ G D Gulati/Dilip M Menon
Publisher: Punjabi University
Year: 2008
Language: English
Pages: 267
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8130201402

Description

Historiography is a continuous process of debate in historical scholarship. It provides space or 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 happening; two role of the Sikhs. Future 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 evidence 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.

Contents

Foreword
DR JASPAL SINGH
VICE-CHANCELLOR

Commencement
DR NAVTEJ SINGH

Key-Note Address
DR DILIP M. MENON

Changing Perspectives on 1857
- DR P.K. SHUKLA

Dance of at Death Ajnala: Rising, Repression and retribution in 1857
-Dr SUKHDEV SINGH SOHALL

Martyrs of 1857- Gurgaon District
- DR G.D. GULATI

Princely States of Punjab During the Revolt of 1857
- BUTA SINGH

The Uprising of 1857: Scenario in Punjab
- DR JAGDISHPAL SINGH

Sikhs and 1857: Myths and Facts
- DR SHAMSUL ISLAM

On Slippery Ground: The British Position in the Punjab During 1857
-DR BIR GOOD GILL

Punjab in 1857: A Reassessment
DR AMRIT VARSHA GANDHI

The Indian Mutiny of 1857 and Sikhs
-DR GANDA SINGH

Uprising of 1857 and Kuka Movement: An Analysis of their Links
- DR JOGINDER SINGH

1857: Factors of Nationalism and Religion
DR NAZER SINGH

1857 In Vernacular Literature
- Dr K.S. BAJWA

1857 And the Ghadr Party: Image and Utilization
- DR NAVTEJ SINGH

Punjab in 1857: Perceptions of Some Englishmen
-DR SHYAMALA BHATIA

Revolt of 1857 and the Punjab: Official Perceptions
- HARMEEN

Writings on 1857: Dominance of Imperialist Approach
DR SHIV GAJRANI

Reverend James Kennedy on 1857
DR HARISH KUMAR SHARMA

Alexander Duff on the Revolt of 1857
JAGDEEP SINGH

Sir Colin Campbell on the Mutiny of 1857
BALRAJ SINGH

Punjab and The Rovolt of 1857
DR DALJIT SINGH