New book uncovers the lost Sikh Heritage in Pakistan
‘LOST HERITAGE – The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan’, by Amardeep Singh, a 60 chapter narrative in over 50,000 words, interspersed with 517 photographs presents the diverse remnants of the community across the country.
Seven decades after the searing partition of 1947, the Sikh community continues to yearn to experience its glorious heritage abandoned across Pakistan. For those fortunate few able to visit the country, they remain confined to a handful of functional gurdwaras. Would the heritage of the land where Sikhism was born and the Sikhs had created an empire have been limited to just these few functional gurdwaras? What about the magnificence of the scores of historic monuments, forts, battlegrounds, places of worship, commercial and residential establishments and art associated with the community?
Fresco of Guru Nanak
Driven by a deep rooted desire to delve into the vestiges, armed with passion, Amardeep Singh ventured deep into Pakistan. During a month long journey across West Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan Administered Kashmir, an invisible force was supporting his pursuit. He had entered the country with just a desire and faith but as he connected with like-minded people, all came together to help. His search, while focused primarily on discovering the state of Sikh legacy, also incorporated Hindu and Muslim aspects that had association with the Sikhs.
The scope of exploration encompassed the community’s cultural, social, philosophical and martial aspects between 15th and 21st century?
On return to Singapore, as Amardeep was revisiting the 19th century travelogues of the Europeans who had then travelled across the Sikh empire, he wondered, whether he too should document his experiences! Could this work serve as a window for future generations to comprehend some aspects of our heritage that will soon cease to exist
You are invited to experience the scope of the book, scheduled to be released in Dec 2015. Lost Heritage is published by the Nagaara Trust in association with Himalayan Books. Visit the books website for more details at http://lostheritagebook.com/
