Hari Ram Gupta

Hari Ram Gupta was a protegee of Sir Jadhunath Sarkar, the Mughalophile historian who partially ignited interest in Indic history during the British dominance era. A Carrian analysis of Gupta's work reveals that he was heavily invested in racial constructionist myths articulated by the likes of Hindu supremacists and this disallowed him from accepting that Sikhi was miles away from traditional Vedic theology.

That said, another failing of Gupta which is highly conspicuous and does him a major disservice is his lack of textual analysis. At times he fabricates his own myths (Rajputs preventing 9th Guru's execution); refuses to comprehend the reality in historic manuscripts on a pick and choose basis (his unfounded allegations that the 6th, 7th and 9th Gurus once served the Mughals as warriors) and his piecemeal gimcrack logic regarding Banda Singh (disavowed by Banda Singh's own descendants).

So where does all this leave History of the Sikhs vol. i? Nowhere. It lacks the refinement present in successive volumes and provides superficial information on the lives of the Gurus. A disappointing read due to the author's own inadequacies.… (mehr)

History of the Sikhs vol. ii is a meteoric improvement on its predecessor. Within it we witness Gupta's development as a historian. Relying on contemporary subcontinental sources, he portrays the rise of the Sikh Misls under the guidance of the legendary Nawab Kapur Singh.

There are failings in this volume as well but it should be realized that since Gupta's research more comprehensive information has come to light regarding the Khalsa Misls. So how, then, do we treat History of the Sikhs vol. ii? As a foundation stone for further research. It acts as an expanded repository of the Sikhs after Banda Singh and their assemblage into 12 self-governing sovereign entities under the direct Presidency of the Akal Takhat.

Gupta unearths rare information which explains Misl ascendancy. His narrative is simplistic and praiseworthy of the Sikhs. However the lack of textual analysis again lets him down and by default this volume.… (mehr)