Sikh Writers & Their Compositions
Sikh Gurus as Writers
Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539)
Founder of Sikhism[cite: 9]
Composed Japji Sahib, Asa di Var, and hundreds of hymns[cite: 9]. Writings emphasized equality, oneness of God, and rejection of caste[cite: 9].
Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563–1606)
Compiled the Adi Granth[cite: 9]
Compiled the Adi Granth (first version of Guru Granth Sahib Ji)[cite: 9]. Added hymns of other saints, making Sikh scripture a universal message[cite: 9].
Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666–1708)
Warrior, poet, and philosopher[cite: 9]
Authored Jaap Sahib, Akal Ustat, Zafarnama, and parts of the Dasam Granth[cite: 9]. Inspired Khalsa identity and devotion to God[cite: 9].
🖋 Classical Sikh Writers
Bhai Gurdas Ji (1551–1636)
Scribe & commentator[cite: 9]
Wrote Vaaran Bhai Gurdas, considered the “key to Guru Granth Sahib Ji.”[cite: 9] Explained Sikh philosophy in Punjabi verses[cite: 9].
Bhai Nand Lal Ji (1633–1713)
Court poet of Guru Gobind Singh Ji[cite: 9]
Wrote in Persian and Punjabi (e.g., Zindaginama, Ganjnama) praising Sikh values and divine love[cite: 9].
Kavi Santokh Singh (1787–1843)
Historian & poet[cite: 9]
Wrote Suraj Prakash, a monumental work on Sikh history and Gurus’ lives[cite: 9].
Rattan Singh Bhangu (d. 1846)
Historian[cite: 9]
Authored Panth Prakash, documenting Sikh struggles and military history[cite: 9].
📖 Modern Sikh Writers
Bhai Vir Singh (1872–1957)
Father of modern Punjabi literature[cite: 9]
Novelist, poet and scholar[cite: 9]. Wrote novels like Sundari, blending Sikh values with modern styles[cite: 9].
Prof. Puran Singh (1881–1931)
Philosopher & writer[cite: 9]
Wrote Spirit of the Sikh and essays on Sikh mysticism that introduced Sikh thought to broader audiences[cite: 9].
Max Arthur Macauliffe (1841–1913)
Scholar & translator[cite: 9]
Translated Sikh scriptures into English and wrote The Sikh Religion (6 volumes)[cite: 9].
Khushwant Singh (1915–2014)
Novelist & historian[cite: 9]
Wrote A History of the Sikhs (2 volumes), Train to Pakistan, and essays making Sikh history accessible[cite: 9].
Dr. Ganda Singh (1900–1987)
Historian[cite: 9]
Renowned historian who edited the Zafarnama and wrote biographies of Sikh rulers[cite: 9].
Harinder Singh Mehboob (1937–2012)
Poet & critic[cite: 9]
Known for Jhanan Di Raat, exploring Sikh heritage through modern poetry[cite: 9].