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{{Short description|Sikh historian and author}}
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{{Multiple issues|
{{BLP sources|date=March 2013}}
{{BLP sources|date=May 2026}}
{{COI|date=March 2013}}
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{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2013}}


'''Harjinder Singh Dilgeer''' ([[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]: ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਦਿਲਗੀਰ, born 22 October 1965) He is the only author who has written Complete History of the Sikhs (in 10 volumes, 3716 pages)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jsks.biz/sikh-history-set-of-10-volumes-dr-harjinder-singh-dilgeer |title=Sikh History - Set of 10 Volumes - Book By Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer |website=www.jsks.biz |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403135148/http://jsks.biz/sikh-history-set-of-10-volumes-dr-harjinder-singh-dilgeer |archive-date=2015-04-03}}</ref> and has translated Guru Granth Sahib in English (7 volumes, 3747 pages)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://jsks.biz/Guru-Granth-Sahib?filter_name=dilgeer&limit=50 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2 October 2016 |archive-date=22 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022011439/http://jsks.biz/Guru-Granth-Sahib?filter_name=dilgeer&limit=50 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and has published NEW MAHAN KOSH (ਨਵਾਂ ਮਹਾਨ ਕੋਸ਼) Encyclopedia of Sikh literature and Punjab & Sikh History {3 of the 4 volumes of the NEW Mahan Kosh (3 volumes running into 1900 pages) have been published in March 2021 (all the 4 volumes 848 pages. 4 volumes total 2748 pages).<ref name=toi20040402>{{cite news |title=After Tohra, who? Ask Badal |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-04-02/chandigarh/28339850_1_gurcharan-singh-tohra-sukhdev-singh-bhaur-parkash-singh-badal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023043807/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-04-02/chandigarh/28339850_1_gurcharan-singh-tohra-sukhdev-singh-bhaur-parkash-singh-badal |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 October 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=2 April 2004 |access-date=2009-02-03 |first1=Yudhvir |last1=Rana}}</ref> He has written in detail about the concept and the history of [[Akal Takht]] Sahib,<ref>{{cite news |title=Clash of the titans |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19981229/36350674.html |work=[[Indian Express]] |date=29 December 1998 |access-date=2009-02-03 }}</ref> Sikh culture, [[Shiromani Akali Dal]], the history of [[Anandpur Sahib]], and [[Kiratpur Sahib]], Dictionary of Sikh Philosophy etc. ''The Sikh Reference Book'' is his magnum opus.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nuggets on Sikhism |url=http://sikhtimes.com/books_022506a.html |work=[[The Sikh Times]] |date=25 February 2006 |access-date=2009-02-03 }}</ref> 'The Sikh Reference Book' is an encyclopaedia consisting of more than 2400 biographies, complete chronology of Sikh history, 400 concepts of Sikh philosophy as well more than 800 Sikh shrines. He has produced a ''Sikh Encyclopedia'' CD-ROM. His latest books are ''Encyclopedia of Jalandhar'' (English), Banda Singh Bahadur (Punjabi and English), ''Sikh Twareekh'' in five volumes (a complete Sikh history, from 1469 to 2007, in Punjabi), ''Sikh History'' in ten volumes (a complete Sikh history, from 1469 to 2011, in English); and English translations of ''Nitnaym'' (the Sikh daily prayer) and Sukhmani Sahib.{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}}. His latest work is English translation (with explanation) of Guru Granth Sahib, in seven volumes (published in March 2016) and NEW MAHAN KOSH, published (3rd of the 4 volume work) in March 2021.
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2026}}
Dilgeer as a poet: Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer is a good poet also. He writes both in Urdu and Punjabi. His poetry works include: Eskimo Smile (Punjabi), Jujharoo Kalaam (Punjabi), Dilgeerian (Urdu & Punjabi) and Diwan-i-Dilgeer (Urdu).
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2026}}


==Early life==
{{Infobox person
| name = Harjinder Singh Dilgeer
| native_name = ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਦਿਲਗੀਰ
| native_name_lang = pa
| image =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1965|10|22}}
| birth_place = [[Jalandhar]], [[Punjab, India]]
| nationality = Indian
| citizenship = Norwegian
| occupation = Historian, author
| education = [[Panjab University]]
| known_for = Sikh history and religious studies
| notable_works = ''Sikh History in 10 Volumes'', ''The Sikh Reference Book'', ''The Akal Takht''
}}
 
'''Harjinder Singh Dilgeer''' (Punjabi: ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਦਿਲਗੀਰ; born 22 October 1965) is an Indian-born [[Sikh]] historian, author and commentator known for his writings on [[Sikh history]], Sikh institutions and [[Sikh philosophy]]. He has authored numerous books on Sikh history and religion, including ''Sikh History in 10 Volumes'', ''The Sikh Reference Book'', and works relating to the [[Akal Takht]] and Sikh political movements.
 
Dilgeer has also translated portions of Sikh scripture into English and has published encyclopedic works relating to Sikh history and [[Punjab]]. His writings and public statements have generated controversy within sections of the Sikh community, particularly regarding his interpretations of Sikh institutions and history.
 
==Early life and education==
 
Dilgeer was born on 22 October 1965 in [[Jalandhar]], [[Punjab, India]].<ref>{{cite book
|last=Grewal
|first=J. S.
|title=Five Punjabi Centuries
|publisher=Manohar
|year=1997
|isbn=9788173041754
}}</ref> He studied at [[Panjab University]], [[Chandigarh]], where he completed degrees in English, Punjabi and Philosophy. He later obtained M.Phil., [[Bachelor of Laws|LL.B.]] and Ph.D. qualifications. He subsequently taught at colleges in Punjab and was associated with academic institutions in Chandigarh and [[Patiala]]. He later settled in [[Norway]] and subsequently in [[England]].{{cn}}
 
==Career==
 
Dilgeer has written extensively on Sikh history, Sikh institutions and Punjabi culture. His works include studies of the [[Akal Takht]], the [[Shiromani Akali Dal]], [[Anandpur Sahib]] and [[Banda Singh Bahadur]].{cn}}
 
Among his major publications are:
 
* ''Sikh History in 10 Volumes''
* ''Sikh Twarikh''
* ''The Sikh Reference Book''
* ''The Akal Takht''
* ''Dictionary of Sikh Philosophy''
* ''Lohgarh: Banda Singh Bahadur's Fort''
* ''Historical Sikh Shrines''
* ''Heritage of the Punjab''
* ''Amritsar & Darbar Sahib''
* ''Sanjeeda Panthik Maslay''
 
His encyclopedic work ''Historical Sikh Shrines'' documents historical Sikh [[gurdwara]]s and shrines across several countries, including India and [[Pakistan]]. He has also published English translations and explanatory editions of Sikh religious texts, including ''Guru Granth Sahib: English Translation (with explanation)''.{{cn}}


Dilgeer was born on 22 October 1965, in the family of Gurbakhsh Singh and Jagtar Kaur, at [[Jalandhar]], [[Punjab, India]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Five Punjabi Centuries |last=Grewal |first=J. S. |author2=Indu Banga |year=1997 |publisher=Manohar |isbn=978-81-7304-175-4 |page=240 |quote=Sardar Kapur Singh appears to assume that 'Sikh homeland' was offered to the Akali leaders.<sup>45</sup> This view is taken also by Gurmeet Singh,<sup>46</sup>  a Sirsa-based advocate, and Harjinder Singh Dilgeer,<sup>47</sup> an advocate from Jalandhar.}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=September 2020}} in a family originally from [[Jaisalmer]], in [[Rajasthan]], then Mehraj village (now in Bathinda district). He was later based in Jalandhar and [[Jalalabad]] ([[Firozpur]]), and finally in [[Oslo]]. He is a citizen of Norway, and, presently lives in England.
==Views and controversies==


==Education==
===Excommunication controversy===
Dilgeer passed his [[Master of Arts|M.A.]] in English,  Punjabi and Philosophy. He did his M.A. in history but did not appear in examination. He started teaching in various colleges in the Punjab and finally at the Panjab University Chandigarh.<ref>Panjab University Chandigarh, Annual Report 1982-83</ref> He was awarded degrees of M.Phil. LL.B. and Ph.D. by Panjab University Chandigarh.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} Besides he has several other degrees and diplomas as well. He is visiting teacher of the P.U. Patiala as well.


==Awards==
In 2017, the Akal Takht directed Sikhs to socially boycott Dilgeer after he allegedly failed to appear before the Takht in connection with statements considered objectionable by Sikh religious authorities.<ref>{{cite news
In Denmark in 1995, he was presented with the 'Shan-i-Punjab' award; in 2004 he was given the 'Giani Garja Singh Award' in Ludhiana; in 2005, he was presented with the 'Kohinoor Award', 'National Professor of Sikh Studies' award and a gold medal in Birmingham (England); in 2006 he was given the 'Bhai Gurdas' award in Amritsar; and in 2009 he was presented with the 'National Professor of Sikh History' award at Chandigarh. In 2014 he was awarded gold medal at Toronto (Canada).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sikhreview.org/pdf/may2009/pdf-files/diary.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=17 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113142922/http://www.sikhreview.org/pdf/may2009/pdf-files/diary.pdf |archive-date=13 January 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|title=Sikhs asked to boycott historian Dilgeer if he doesn't appear before Akal Takht
Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer was given award of "Heera-e-Qaum" (Gem of Nation, PANTH RATAN) by the Haryana SGPC, on 11 November 2017.
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/sikhs-asked-to-boycott-historian-dilgeer-if-he-doesnt-appear-before-akal-takht/articleshow/59815306.cms
|work=The Times of India
|date=29 July 2017
}}</ref>


===History Research===
Dilgeer challenged the action before the [[Punjab and Haryana High Court]]. In November 2017, the court issued notices to the [[Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee]] (SGPC) and other respondents regarding his petition against excommunication proceedings.<ref>{{cite news
*''Dr. Thakar Singh Ikolaha India's Freedom Fighter (2013, English) ''
|title=High Court Issues Notice to SGPC for Excommunicating HS Dilgeer over controversial remarks
*''Emergency Ke Atyachaar'', [[Hindi]])
|url=https://www.sikh24.com/2017/11/14/high-court-issues-notice-to-sgpc-for-excommunicating-hs-dilgeer-over-controversial-remarks/
*''Shiromani Akali Dal: A History'' (Revised and enlarged in 2000, Punjabi)
|work=Sikh24
*''The Akal Takht'' (English, revised and enlarged in 1995, revised and enlarged in 2011) {Concept & History}
|date=14 November 2017
*''Akal Takht Sahib'' (revised and enlarged in 2000 and 2005, Punjabi)
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
*''The Sikhs' Struggle for Sovereignty'' (1992, English)
|title=Sikh historian moves HC against excommunication
*''1955 Da Punjabi Suba Morcha'', with 400 photographs (1999 Punjabi),
|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/punjab/sikh-historian-moves-hc-against-excommunication-495264/
*''[[Anandpur Sahib History]] (Light & Sound play, 2000, Punjabi and English)''. Played daily at Anandgarh fort, Anandpur Sahib.
|work=The Tribune
*''Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Kiven Bani'' History (2000, Punjabi)
|date=2017
*''Akal Takht Sahib: Falsfa Te Twarikh'' (2000, Punjabi; it is a revised and enlarged edition of the first edition published in 1986 from Oslo, Norway, fully revised and enlarged  2005)
}}</ref>
*''Shiromani Akali Dal'', History: 1920-2000 (2000, Punjabi; it is an enlarged edition of the first edition of 1978),
*''Guru De Sher'' {Life stories of more then 230 Martyrs of Guru Period}(2001 Punjabi),
*''Keeratpur Sahib Da Itihas'' (2002, Punjabi)
*''Anandpur Sahib, a history'' (Punjabi 1998 & 2003, and English, 2003)
*''Encyclopaedia of Jalandhar'' (2004, English)
*''Mata Gujri Char Sahibzadey Chalih Muktey'' (Punjabi, 2005, fully revised and enlarged 2015)
*''Mahan Sikh Jarnail Banda Singh Bahadur'' (Punjabi, 2006)
*''Sikh Twareekh de Ghallughare'' (Punjabi 2007 2013)
*''Akali Lehar Da Kalam'' (edited, 1998, Punjabi) {poetry of Akali Movement}.
*''Makhan Shah Lubana and Lubana Community'' (Punjabi 2008)
*''[[SIKH TWAREEKH]]'' in 5 volumes (Punjabi, 2008)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikhnet.com/reviews/sikh-twarikh-a-sikh-history-5-volumes|title = Sikh Twarikh - a Sikh History in 5 volumes|date = 30 June 2008}}</ref>
*''Sikh Twareeh'' in 5 volumes (Sikh history in Punjabi, 2008, fully revised and enlarged 2015)
*''Bhai Mani Singh Tay Unhan Da Parvaar?'' (Life of Bhai Mani Singh and 54 martyrs of his family, Punjabi, 2010)
*''100 Sikh Bibian'' (Lives of more than 100 prominent Sikh ladies, Punjabi, 2010).
*''Anandpur Sahib'' - A History (Punjabi 1998, Hindi 2000)
*''[[SIKH HISTORY in 10 VOLUMES]]'' (English, 2010–11)<ref>The Sikh Review, March 2012, review of the 10 volumes by Dr Alka Misra.</ref>
*''[[Damdami Taksaal & other essays]]'' true history of 'damdami taksal' and truth about 'dasam granth'; (Punjabi, December 2014)
*''[[Sikh Itihas vich Ajj Da Din (the day today, in the Sikh History)]]'' 2 volumes (January to June, July to December), (Punjabi, December 2014).
*''[[Lohgarh: Banda Singh Bahadur's Fort]]'', (English) 2018.<ref>Published by:  Haryana Academy of History & Culture, Kurukashetra.</ref>


===Edited works (History)===
===Statements regarding Akal Takht===
*''Jaito Morchey De Akhin Ditthe Hal'' (2000, 2003, Punjabi)
*''Sikh Te Sikhi'' (original by Harinder Singh Roop)
*''Jangan'' (original by Principal Satbir Singh)
*''Babar Akali Lehar Te Is De Agu'' (original by Gurbachan Singh)
*''Punjabi Suba Morcha'' 1955 (original by Mohinder Singh & Karam Singh Zakhmi)
*''Loh Garh - Banda Singh's Capital'' (Punjabi, 2008)
*''Master Tara Singh De Lekh'', two volumes


===Tracts (History)===
Dilgeer has attracted criticism for statements regarding the historical origins and authority of the Akal Takht. In 2025, he stated that the Akal Takht had "no connection with any Sikh Guru", remarks that drew criticism from Sikh organisations and religious figures.<ref>{{cite news
*''Gurdwara Alamgir da Itihas''<ref>Published by the S.G.P.C. in 1999, see: catalogue of SGPC publications</ref>
|title=Akal Takht has no connection with any Sikh Guru: Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgir
*''Master Tara Singh'' (Life & Work)<ref>Published by the S.G.P.C. in 2000, see: catalogue of SGPC publications</ref>
|url=https://face2news.com/news/96725-akal-takht-has-no-connection-with-any-sikh-guru-dr-harjinder-singh-dilgir/
*''Anandpur Sahib Ate Keeratpur Sahib De Gurdware'' (335,000 copies of this work were published in Punjabi, Hindi and English, in 1999 in connection with the tercentenary of Khalsa)<ref>Published by the S.G.P.C. in 1998-99, see: catalogue of SGPC publications</ref>
|work=Face2News
|date=2025
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
|title=Akal Takht has no connection with any Sikh Guru: Sikh historian Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgir
|url=https://www.babushahi.com/full-news.php?id=194844&headline=Akal-Takht-has-no-connection-with-any-Sikh-Guru:-Sikh-historian-Dr.-Harjinder-Singh-Dilgir;-Watch-Video
|work=Babushahi
|date=2025
}}</ref>


===Encyclopedias===
===Lohgarh Fort dispute===
*''The Sikh Reference book'' (1996–97, English) [an encyclopaedia]
*''[[Dilgeer Kosh, ਦਿਲਗੀਰ ਕੋਸ਼]]'', Punjabi, April 2018,.<ref>published by: Sikh University Press, England</ref> It is encyclopedia of Guru Granth Sahib, Punjab and Sikh History.
*''[[NAVAN MAHAN KOSH, ਨਵਾਂ ਮਹਾਨ ਕੋਸ਼]]'', volume 2 of DILGEER KOSH, was published in February 2020; and, ''[NAVAN TE VADDA MAHAN KOSH, ਨਵਾਂ ਤੇ ਵੱਡਾ ਮਹਾਨ ਕੋਸ਼]'', volume 3  of DILGEER KOSH has been published in March 2021. Total pages of 3 volumes are 1900+. There are about 60,000 entries, 1500 biographies (with many photographs), information about more than 600 Gurdwaras and places (with about 700 photos). There are more than 2275 entries of Persian and more than 1703 entries of Arabic words in the first 3 volumes.
*''Dictionary of Sikh Philosophy'' (English 2004).
*''Sikh Philosophy Di Dictionary'' (Punjabi, 2009)


===Introduction to Sikhism and Punjab===
Dilgeer's 2018 book ''Lohgarh: Banda Singh Bahadur's Fort'' was criticised by scholars associated with the SGPC, who described aspects of the work as factually inaccurate. Critics alleged that portions of the historical interpretation regarding Lohgarh Fort and Banda Singh Bahadur lacked sufficient historical basis.<ref>{{cite news
*''Who Are the Sikhs?'' (mini book, in 1991, English; Danish 1994; Norwegian 2010)
|title=Book on Lohgarh Fort factually wrong, claims SGPC scholars
*''(The) Sikh Culture'' (2002, new edition 2010 English)
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/book-on-lohgarh-fort-factually-wrong-claims-sgpc-scholars/articleshow/64579782.cms
*''Sikh Culture'' (1992, and an enlarged edition in 1994 and 1996, Punjabi; 1994)
|work=The Times of India
*''Sikh Sabhayachar'' (2003, Hindi; published by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee)
|date=14 June 2018
*''Sikh Masley'' (1998 Punjabi)
}}</ref>
*''Sikh Philosophy Ki Hai Te Hor Lekh'' (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007 Punjabi. It is an enlarged edition of Sikh Culture).
*''Sikh Kaun Han'' (Punjabi edition in 1999, English edition as ''Who Are the Sikhs?'' in 2000, French 2002; Spanish 2004. Hindi and Urdu 2004-05)
*''[[Who Are the Sikhs]]'' (English, 2000, 2007, 2009, 2011; French 2004; Spanish 2007; Norwegian 2007)
*''Qui Sont Les Sikhs?'' (Who Are the Sikhs in French 2004)<ref>Published by Surjeet Singh Chhadauri, Waremme, Belgium</ref>
*''Quienes Son Los Sikhs?'' (Who Are the Sikhs in Spanish, 2007)<ref>Published by Kulwinder Singh Jadla, Santa Clauma, Spain</ref>
*''Hvem Er Sikhene?'' (Who Are the Sikhs in Norwegian, 2007)<ref>Published by Baljinder Singh, Lier, Drammen, Norway, in 2007</ref>


===Sikh Scripture===
==Selected works==
*''[[Guru Granth Sahib: English translation (with explanation)]]'', 7 volumes (English), March 2016)
*''Nitnaym & Other Baanis'' (English translation of Sikh daily hymns, 2009)
*''Ravidas Baani'' (English translation of hymns by Bhagat Ravidas, 2010)
*''Nitnaym Sateek'' (Punjabi paraphrasing of Sikh daily hymns, 2010)
*''Japuji Sahib''(Punjabi paraphrasing of Sikh hymn, Japuji Sahib, 2010)
*''Sukhmani Sahib'' (English translation of Sukhmani Sahib, April 2010)
*''Spiritual Manifesto of the World: Guru Granth Sahib?'' (English, 2010)


==Literay Works==
===History and Sikh studies===
*''Bewafaian'', a book of romantic poems
* ''The Sikhs' Struggle for Sovereignty''
*''Eskimo Smile'', a novelette Kamu Ronda Rahega
* ''1955 Da Punjabi Suba Morcha''
*''Ikki Ghante'', a book of stories (later published under the title of ''Yaaran Kahanian Te Ikk Novelette''  
* ''Shiromani Akali Dal: A History''
*''1960 Ton Baad Di Navin Punjabi Kavita''. Edited.
* ''Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Kiven Bani''
*''Dilgeerian'' (Punjabi and Urdu poetry, 2007)
* ''Anandpur Sahib: A History''
* ''Keeratpur Sahib Da Itihas''
* ''Mahan Sikh Jarnail Banda Singh Bahadur''
* ''Sikh Twareekh de Ghallughare''
* ''Damdami Taksaal & Other Essays''
* ''Lohgarh: Banda Singh Bahadur's Fort''
* ''Historical Sikh Shrines''
* ''Heritage of the Punjab''
* ''Amritsar & Darbar Sahib''
* ''Sanjeeda Panthik Maslay''
 
===Encyclopedias and reference works===
* ''The Sikh Reference Book''
* ''Dilgeer Kosh''
* ''Navan Mahan Kosh''
* ''Dictionary of Sikh Philosophy''
 
===Scripture translations===
* ''Guru Granth Sahib: English Translation (with explanation)''
* ''Nitnaym Sateek''
* ''Japuji Sahib''
* ''Ravidas Baani''
* ''Sukhmani Sahib''
 
===Literary works===
* ''Bewafaian''
* ''Eskimo Smile''
* ''Dilgeerian''
 
==See also==
 
* [[Sikhism]]
* [[History of Sikhism]]
* [[Akal Takht]]
* [[Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee]]
* [[Guru Granth Sahib]]
* [[Banda Singh Bahadur]]


==References==
==References==


{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{Modern Sikh writers}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Dilgeer, Harjinder Singh}}
[[Category:1965 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian historians]]
[[Category:Sikh writers]]
[[Category:Indian religious writers]]
[[Category:Indian religious writers]]
[[Category:Sikh writers]]
[[Category:People from Jalandhar]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Writers from Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Panjab University alumni]]
[[Category:Panjab University alumni]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian historians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian historians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian novelists]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian historians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian poets]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian biographers]]
[[Category:People from Jalandhar]]
[[Category:Writers from Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]

Latest revision as of 22:40, 29 May 2026



Harjinder Singh Dilgeer
ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਦਿਲਗੀਰ
Born (1965-10-22) October 22, 1965 (age 60)
Jalandhar, Punjab, India
NationalityIndian
CitizenshipNorwegian
EducationPanjab University
OccupationHistorian, author
Known forSikh history and religious studies
Notable work
Sikh History in 10 Volumes, The Sikh Reference Book, The Akal Takht

Harjinder Singh Dilgeer (Punjabi: ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਦਿਲਗੀਰ; born 22 October 1965) is an Indian-born Sikh historian, author and commentator known for his writings on Sikh history, Sikh institutions and Sikh philosophy. He has authored numerous books on Sikh history and religion, including Sikh History in 10 Volumes, The Sikh Reference Book, and works relating to the Akal Takht and Sikh political movements.

Dilgeer has also translated portions of Sikh scripture into English and has published encyclopedic works relating to Sikh history and Punjab. His writings and public statements have generated controversy within sections of the Sikh community, particularly regarding his interpretations of Sikh institutions and history.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Dilgeer was born on 22 October 1965 in Jalandhar, Punjab, India.[1] He studied at Panjab University, Chandigarh, where he completed degrees in English, Punjabi and Philosophy. He later obtained M.Phil., LL.B. and Ph.D. qualifications. He subsequently taught at colleges in Punjab and was associated with academic institutions in Chandigarh and Patiala. He later settled in Norway and subsequently in England.[citation needed]

Career[edit | edit source]

Dilgeer has written extensively on Sikh history, Sikh institutions and Punjabi culture. His works include studies of the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Akali Dal, Anandpur Sahib and Banda Singh Bahadur.{cn}}

Among his major publications are:

  • Sikh History in 10 Volumes
  • Sikh Twarikh
  • The Sikh Reference Book
  • The Akal Takht
  • Dictionary of Sikh Philosophy
  • Lohgarh: Banda Singh Bahadur's Fort
  • Historical Sikh Shrines
  • Heritage of the Punjab
  • Amritsar & Darbar Sahib
  • Sanjeeda Panthik Maslay

His encyclopedic work Historical Sikh Shrines documents historical Sikh gurdwaras and shrines across several countries, including India and Pakistan. He has also published English translations and explanatory editions of Sikh religious texts, including Guru Granth Sahib: English Translation (with explanation).[citation needed]

Views and controversies[edit | edit source]

Excommunication controversy[edit | edit source]

In 2017, the Akal Takht directed Sikhs to socially boycott Dilgeer after he allegedly failed to appear before the Takht in connection with statements considered objectionable by Sikh religious authorities.[2]

Dilgeer challenged the action before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. In November 2017, the court issued notices to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and other respondents regarding his petition against excommunication proceedings.[3][4]

Statements regarding Akal Takht[edit | edit source]

Dilgeer has attracted criticism for statements regarding the historical origins and authority of the Akal Takht. In 2025, he stated that the Akal Takht had "no connection with any Sikh Guru", remarks that drew criticism from Sikh organisations and religious figures.[5][6]

Lohgarh Fort dispute[edit | edit source]

Dilgeer's 2018 book Lohgarh: Banda Singh Bahadur's Fort was criticised by scholars associated with the SGPC, who described aspects of the work as factually inaccurate. Critics alleged that portions of the historical interpretation regarding Lohgarh Fort and Banda Singh Bahadur lacked sufficient historical basis.[7]

Selected works[edit | edit source]

History and Sikh studies[edit | edit source]

  • The Sikhs' Struggle for Sovereignty
  • 1955 Da Punjabi Suba Morcha
  • Shiromani Akali Dal: A History
  • Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Kiven Bani
  • Anandpur Sahib: A History
  • Keeratpur Sahib Da Itihas
  • Mahan Sikh Jarnail Banda Singh Bahadur
  • Sikh Twareekh de Ghallughare
  • Damdami Taksaal & Other Essays
  • Lohgarh: Banda Singh Bahadur's Fort
  • Historical Sikh Shrines
  • Heritage of the Punjab
  • Amritsar & Darbar Sahib
  • Sanjeeda Panthik Maslay

Encyclopedias and reference works[edit | edit source]

  • The Sikh Reference Book
  • Dilgeer Kosh
  • Navan Mahan Kosh
  • Dictionary of Sikh Philosophy

Scripture translations[edit | edit source]

  • Guru Granth Sahib: English Translation (with explanation)
  • Nitnaym Sateek
  • Japuji Sahib
  • Ravidas Baani
  • Sukhmani Sahib

Literary works[edit | edit source]

  • Bewafaian
  • Eskimo Smile
  • Dilgeerian

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Grewal, J. S. (1997). Five Punjabi Centuries. Manohar. ISBN 9788173041754.
  2. ↑ "Sikhs asked to boycott historian Dilgeer if he doesn't appear before Akal Takht". The Times of India. 29 July 2017.
  3. ↑ "High Court Issues Notice to SGPC for Excommunicating HS Dilgeer over controversial remarks". Sikh24. 14 November 2017.
  4. ↑ "Sikh historian moves HC against excommunication". The Tribune. 2017.
  5. ↑ "Akal Takht has no connection with any Sikh Guru: Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgir". Face2News. 2025.
  6. ↑ "Akal Takht has no connection with any Sikh Guru: Sikh historian Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgir". Babushahi. 2025.
  7. ↑ "Book on Lohgarh Fort factually wrong, claims SGPC scholars". The Times of India. 14 June 2018.
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