
Sikhism - The Basics
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 17. June 2025
Book
Hardback
176 pages
978-1-032-41676-2 (ISBN)
Description
Sikhism: The Basics provides an accessible, up-to-date and gender inclusive introduction to one of the five major world religions. The chronological and geographical parameters of the book are expansive, tracing five and half centuries - from the vision of the founder Guru (Nanak 1469-1539) to its rich diasporic presence across the globe. Sikhism: The Basics includes chapters on:
the ten Sikh Gurus; a historical overview from the post-Guru period to modern times (contextualised by the history of Sikhs' spiritual capital, Amritsar)
theological imaginary, practices
the Sikh diaspora (Sikhs' history in North America, Asia (from west Asia to south-east Asia and China, Australasia, the UK and mainland Europe)
Sikh art and literature;
contemporary challenges and future prospects.
Written by two authors approaching Sikhism from 'insider' (Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh) and 'outsider' (Eleanor Nesbitt) perspectives. Accessible to the general reader, it also offers a fresh approach for students and scholars in the study of religions, Sikh Studies, Asian Religions, Anthropology and Diaspora Studies, South Asia, and history.
the ten Sikh Gurus; a historical overview from the post-Guru period to modern times (contextualised by the history of Sikhs' spiritual capital, Amritsar)
theological imaginary, practices
the Sikh diaspora (Sikhs' history in North America, Asia (from west Asia to south-east Asia and China, Australasia, the UK and mainland Europe)
Sikh art and literature;
contemporary challenges and future prospects.
Written by two authors approaching Sikhism from 'insider' (Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh) and 'outsider' (Eleanor Nesbitt) perspectives. Accessible to the general reader, it also offers a fresh approach for students and scholars in the study of religions, Sikh Studies, Asian Religions, Anthropology and Diaspora Studies, South Asia, and history.
Reviews / Votes
The basics of Sikhism is co-authored by two eminent scholars, reflecting their lifelong engagement with the primary and secondary sources. It is a welcome addition to the field of Sikh studies. Written in lucid style, its main appeal is to students and scholars alike, including the general readers. It belongs to the library of every Sikh household settled throughout the world.- Pashaura Singh, Distinguished Professor and Saini Chair in Sikh Studies, University of California Riverside
This excellent introduction text to Sikhism is both concise and comprehensive and combines engagement with clarity.
- Knut A. Jacobsen, Professor in the Study of Religions, University of Bergen
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
Postgraduate, Undergraduate Advanced, and Undergraduate Core
Illustrations
2 s/w Abbildungen, 2 s/w Zeichnungen
2 Line drawings, black and white; 2 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Weight
300 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-41676-2 (9781032416762)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh | Eleanor Nesbitt
Sikhism - The Basics
Book
06/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€29.90
Shipment within 10-20 days

Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh | Eleanor Nesbitt
Sikhism - The Basics
E-Book
06/2025
Routledge
€23.49
Available for download

Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh | Eleanor Nesbitt
Sikhism - The Basics
E-Book
06/2025
Routledge
€23.49
Available for download
Persons
Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh is Crawford Family Professor and Chair of Religious Studies at Colby College in Maine, USA. She has published extensively in Sikh Studies. Her recent books include Poems from the Sikh Sacred Tradition (Harvard University, 2023), Janamsakhi: Paintings of Guru Nanak in Early Sikh Art (Roli, 2023), and The First Sikh: The Life and Legacy of Guru Nanak (Penguin, 2019).
Eleanor Nesbitt is Professor Emeritus, University of Warwick, UK. Her publications include Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction, Second Edition (Oxford University Press, 2016), Open to New Light: Quakers and Other Faiths (Collective Ink, 2023) and Sikh: Two Centuries of Western Women's Art and Writing (Kashi House, 2024).
Eleanor Nesbitt is Professor Emeritus, University of Warwick, UK. Her publications include Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction, Second Edition (Oxford University Press, 2016), Open to New Light: Quakers and Other Faiths (Collective Ink, 2023) and Sikh: Two Centuries of Western Women's Art and Writing (Kashi House, 2024).
Content
1. Beginnings: The Sikh Gurus 2. A Historical Overview from the Post-Guru Period to Modern Times 3. Theological Imaginary and Existential Reality 4. Practices 5. Sikh Diaspora 6. Art and Literature 7. Contemporary Challenges and Future Prospects