https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Harjinder_Singh_DilgeerHarjinder Singh Dilgeer - Revision history2026-07-31T20:37:24ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Harjinder_Singh_Dilgeer&diff=549106&oldid=prev2001:67C:198C:906:47:203:0:9D at 17:10, 29 May 20262026-05-29T17:10:32Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Sikh historian and author}}<br />
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{{Infobox person<br />
| name = Harjinder Singh Dilgeer<br />
| native_name = ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਦਿਲਗੀਰ<br />
| native_name_lang = pa<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1965|10|22}}<br />
| birth_place = [[Jalandhar]], [[Punjab, India]]<br />
| nationality = Indian<br />
| citizenship = Norwegian<br />
| occupation = Historian, author<br />
| education = [[Panjab University]]<br />
| known_for = Sikh history and religious studies<br />
| notable_works = ''Sikh History in 10 Volumes'', ''The Sikh Reference Book'', ''The Akal Takht''<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Harjinder Singh Dilgeer''' (Punjabi: ਹਰਜਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਦਿਲਗੀਰ; born 22 October 1965) is an Indian-born [[Sikh]] historian, author and commentator known for his writings on [[Sikh history]], Sikh institutions and [[Sikh philosophy]]. He has authored numerous books on Sikh history and religion, including ''Sikh History in 10 Volumes'', ''The Sikh Reference Book'', and works relating to the [[Akal Takht]] and Sikh political movements.<br />
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Dilgeer has also translated portions of Sikh scripture into English and has published encyclopedic works relating to Sikh history and [[Punjab]]. His writings and public statements have generated controversy within sections of the Sikh community, particularly regarding his interpretations of Sikh institutions and history.<br />
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==Early life and education==<br />
<br />
Dilgeer was born on 22 October 1965 in [[Jalandhar]], [[Punjab, India]].<ref>{{cite book<br />
|last=Grewal<br />
|first=J. S.<br />
|title=Five Punjabi Centuries<br />
|publisher=Manohar<br />
|year=1997<br />
|isbn=9788173041754<br />
}}</ref> He studied at [[Panjab University]], [[Chandigarh]], where he completed degrees in English, Punjabi and Philosophy. He later obtained M.Phil., [[Bachelor of Laws|LL.B.]] and Ph.D. qualifications. He subsequently taught at colleges in Punjab and was associated with academic institutions in Chandigarh and [[Patiala]]. He later settled in [[Norway]] and subsequently in [[England]].{{cn}}<br />
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==Career==<br />
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Dilgeer has written extensively on Sikh history, Sikh institutions and Punjabi culture. His works include studies of the [[Akal Takht]], the [[Shiromani Akali Dal]], [[Anandpur Sahib]] and [[Banda Singh Bahadur]].{cn}}<br />
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Among his major publications are:<br />
<br />
* ''Sikh History in 10 Volumes''<br />
* ''Sikh Twarikh''<br />
* ''The Sikh Reference Book''<br />
* ''The Akal Takht''<br />
* ''Dictionary of Sikh Philosophy''<br />
* ''Lohgarh: Banda Singh Bahadur's Fort''<br />
* ''Historical Sikh Shrines''<br />
* ''Heritage of the Punjab''<br />
* ''Amritsar & Darbar Sahib''<br />
* ''Sanjeeda Panthik Maslay''<br />
<br />
His encyclopedic work ''Historical Sikh Shrines'' documents historical Sikh [[gurdwara]]s and shrines across several countries, including India and [[Pakistan]]. He has also published English translations and explanatory editions of Sikh religious texts, including ''Guru Granth Sahib: English Translation (with explanation)''.{{cn}}<br />
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==Views and controversies==<br />
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===Excommunication controversy===<br />
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In 2017, the Akal Takht directed Sikhs to socially boycott Dilgeer after he allegedly failed to appear before the Takht in connection with statements considered objectionable by Sikh religious authorities.<ref>{{cite news<br />
|title=Sikhs asked to boycott historian Dilgeer if he doesn't appear before Akal Takht<br />
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/sikhs-asked-to-boycott-historian-dilgeer-if-he-doesnt-appear-before-akal-takht/articleshow/59815306.cms<br />
|work=The Times of India<br />
|date=29 July 2017<br />
}}</ref><br />
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Dilgeer challenged the action before the [[Punjab and Haryana High Court]]. In November 2017, the court issued notices to the [[Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee]] (SGPC) and other respondents regarding his petition against excommunication proceedings.<ref>{{cite news<br />
|title=High Court Issues Notice to SGPC for Excommunicating HS Dilgeer over controversial remarks<br />
|url=https://www.sikh24.com/2017/11/14/high-court-issues-notice-to-sgpc-for-excommunicating-hs-dilgeer-over-controversial-remarks/<br />
|work=Sikh24<br />
|date=14 November 2017<br />
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news<br />
|title=Sikh historian moves HC against excommunication<br />
|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/punjab/sikh-historian-moves-hc-against-excommunication-495264/<br />
|work=The Tribune<br />
|date=2017<br />
}}</ref><br />
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===Statements regarding Akal Takht===<br />
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Dilgeer has attracted criticism for statements regarding the historical origins and authority of the Akal Takht. In 2025, he stated that the Akal Takht had "no connection with any Sikh Guru", remarks that drew criticism from Sikh organisations and religious figures.<ref>{{cite news<br />
|title=Akal Takht has no connection with any Sikh Guru: Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgir<br />
|url=https://face2news.com/news/96725-akal-takht-has-no-connection-with-any-sikh-guru-dr-harjinder-singh-dilgir/<br />
|work=Face2News<br />
|date=2025<br />
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news<br />
|title=Akal Takht has no connection with any Sikh Guru: Sikh historian Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgir<br />
|url=https://www.babushahi.com/full-news.php?id=194844&headline=Akal-Takht-has-no-connection-with-any-Sikh-Guru:-Sikh-historian-Dr.-Harjinder-Singh-Dilgir;-Watch-Video<br />
|work=Babushahi<br />
|date=2025<br />
}}</ref><br />
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===Lohgarh Fort dispute===<br />
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Dilgeer's 2018 book ''Lohgarh: Banda Singh Bahadur's Fort'' was criticised by scholars associated with the SGPC, who described aspects of the work as factually inaccurate. Critics alleged that portions of the historical interpretation regarding Lohgarh Fort and Banda Singh Bahadur lacked sufficient historical basis.<ref>{{cite news<br />
|title=Book on Lohgarh Fort factually wrong, claims SGPC scholars<br />
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/book-on-lohgarh-fort-factually-wrong-claims-sgpc-scholars/articleshow/64579782.cms<br />
|work=The Times of India<br />
|date=14 June 2018<br />
}}</ref><br />
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==Selected works==<br />
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===History and Sikh studies===<br />
* ''The Sikhs' Struggle for Sovereignty''<br />
* ''1955 Da Punjabi Suba Morcha''<br />
* ''Shiromani Akali Dal: A History''<br />
* ''Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Kiven Bani''<br />
* ''Anandpur Sahib: A History''<br />
* ''Keeratpur Sahib Da Itihas''<br />
* ''Mahan Sikh Jarnail Banda Singh Bahadur''<br />
* ''Sikh Twareekh de Ghallughare''<br />
* ''Damdami Taksaal & Other Essays''<br />
* ''Lohgarh: Banda Singh Bahadur's Fort''<br />
* ''Historical Sikh Shrines''<br />
* ''Heritage of the Punjab''<br />
* ''Amritsar & Darbar Sahib''<br />
* ''Sanjeeda Panthik Maslay''<br />
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===Encyclopedias and reference works===<br />
* ''The Sikh Reference Book''<br />
* ''Dilgeer Kosh''<br />
* ''Navan Mahan Kosh''<br />
* ''Dictionary of Sikh Philosophy''<br />
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===Scripture translations===<br />
* ''Guru Granth Sahib: English Translation (with explanation)''<br />
* ''Nitnaym Sateek''<br />
* ''Japuji Sahib''<br />
* ''Ravidas Baani''<br />
* ''Sukhmani Sahib''<br />
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===Literary works===<br />
* ''Bewafaian''<br />
* ''Eskimo Smile''<br />
* ''Dilgeerian''<br />
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==See also==<br />
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* [[Sikhism]]<br />
* [[History of Sikhism]]<br />
* [[Akal Takht]]<br />
* [[Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee]]<br />
* [[Guru Granth Sahib]]<br />
* [[Banda Singh Bahadur]]<br />
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==References==<br />
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{{reflist}}<br />
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{{Authority control}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1965 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Indian historians]]<br />
[[Category:Sikh writers]]<br />
[[Category:Indian religious writers]]<br />
[[Category:People from Jalandhar]]<br />
[[Category:Writers from Punjab, India]]<br />
[[Category:Panjab University alumni]]<br />
[[Category:20th-century Indian historians]]<br />
[[Category:21st-century Indian historians]]</div>2001:67C:198C:906:47:203:0:9D