ABSTRACT
Sikh Dharam explores the social and religious processes through which Sikhism evolved over the past five centuries. It examines the teachings of the founder, Guru Nānak, and the major doctrinal development under subsequent Gurus. Beginning with the examination of the formation of early Sikh tradition in the socio-religious context of North India, it ends with a discussion of Sikh traditions beyond the Indian subcontinent. It introduces the readers to the beliefs, texts, and practices of the Sikhs. It provides a brief overview of the development of various Sikh institutions in response to the changing historical context. It pays attention to the scripture, the Ādi Granth, and other Sikh texts as means to understanding the evolution of the Sikh Panth (“community”). It promotes an awareness of diversity within the Sikh Panth, gender issues, and the question of ultimate authority among the Sikhs, thereby providing an opportunity for students to improve their critical thinking skills.
