Patwant Singh Knihy

The definitive biography of Ranjit Singh, contemporary of Napoleon and one of the most powerful and charismatic Indian rulers of his age Ranjit Singh has been largely written out of accounts of the subcontinent's past by recent Western historians, yet he had an impact that lasts to this day. He unified the warring chiefdoms of the Punjab into an extraordinary northern Empire of the Sikhs, built up a formidable modern army, kept the British in check to the south of his realm, and closed the Khyber Pass through which plunderers had for centuries poured into India. Unique among empire builders, he was humane and just, gave employment to defeated foes, honored religious faiths other than his own, and included Hindus and Muslims among his ministers. In person he was a colorful character whose his court was renowned for its splend∨ he had 20 wives, kept a regiment of "Amazons," and possessed a stable of thousands of horses. The authors make use of a variety of eyewitness accounts from Indian and European sources, from reports of Maratha spies at the Lahore Durbar to British parliamentary papers and travel accounts. The story includes the range of the maharaja's military achievements and ends with an account of the controversial period of the Anglo-Sikh Wars following his death, which saw the fall of his empire while in the hands of his successors.

Exploring US interventions in Asia, this book offers a distinctive perspective on historical events from Korea to Iraq. It delves into the geopolitical implications and the consequences of American actions in the region, providing insights into the complexities of foreign policy and its impact on both the US and Asian nations. Through a critical analysis, readers gain a deeper understanding of the motivations behind these interventions and their lasting effects on international relations.

The founding of the Sikh faith by Guru Nanak in India marked a significant challenge to the caste system and religious authority, advocating for gender equality and rejecting idolatry. This progressive stance led to hostility from both Hindus and Muslims, resulting in violence against three of Nanak's successors. The ongoing conflict culminated in the 1984 destruction of the Golden Temple by the Indian Army, which prompted Sikh bodyguards to assassinate Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, highlighting the enduring struggles faced by the Sikh community.