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The relics in Sikhism are considered as living symbols of the Sikh ethos as they have are believed to have been bestowed by the gurus upon their disciples. The volume opens up for readers a sensitive and clear account of the world of Sikh heritage. Based on the authors’ thorough understanding of Sikhism, the book brings out the essence of Sikhism and the history and lore of the people of Punjab. Featuring a rich collection of photographs, it describes the relics belonging to the gurus that are a part of the Sikh heritage, placing each artefact in its historical context. It includes a systematic presentation which places each object within a historical sequence of actions by the earliest founders and developers of the Sikh tradition, based on the oral and localised written traditions of Sikh cultural studies. It discusses how the actions, teachings and relations with individuals of the gurus directly infuse the objects. Included are the priceless artefacts in the custody of the descendants of Bhai Rup Chand and the Maharajas of Patiala and Nabha that constitute significant collections as well as collections of the families at Sursinghwala, Darauli, Bilga and other places. It includes some of the previously unpublished relics in the collections.

Bhayee Sikandar Singh acquired the knowledge of classical languages and scriptures at an early age; he is the co-founder of Nishaan, a journal about Sikhs. The photographs are mostly by Roopinder Singh, at present the deputy editor with The Tribune, Chandigarh.