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Harjinder Singh Dilgeer | |
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ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਦਿਲਗੀਰ | |
| Born | October 22, 1965 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Citizenship | Norwegian |
| Education | Panjab University |
| Occupation | Historian, author |
| Known for | Sikh 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]
- Sikhism
- History of Sikhism
- Akal Takht
- Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee
- Guru Granth Sahib
- Banda Singh Bahadur
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Grewal, J. S. (1997). Five Punjabi Centuries. Manohar. ISBN 9788173041754.
- ↑ "Sikhs asked to boycott historian Dilgeer if he doesn't appear before Akal Takht". The Times of India. 29 July 2017.
- ↑ "High Court Issues Notice to SGPC for Excommunicating HS Dilgeer over controversial remarks". Sikh24. 14 November 2017.
- ↑ "Sikh historian moves HC against excommunication". The Tribune. 2017.
- ↑ "Akal Takht has no connection with any Sikh Guru: Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgir". Face2News. 2025.
- ↑ "Akal Takht has no connection with any Sikh Guru: Sikh historian Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgir". Babushahi. 2025.
- ↑ "Book on Lohgarh Fort factually wrong, claims SGPC scholars". The Times of India. 14 June 2018.