Preface Of The Book 'Guru Nanak and His Times' By Anil Chandra Bannerji

This book is an expanded version of Sitaram Kohli Lectures delivered by me at Punjabi University, Patiala, in March 1970, under the auspices of the Department of Punjab Historical Studies. To the authorities of that University, particularly to its Vice-Chancellor, Sardar Kirpal Singh Narang, I am grateful for their kindness in inviting me to deliver those lectures and in taking up the publication of my book.

More than half a century ago Sir Asutosh Mookerjee, a great educationist whose vision was rivalled only by his wisdom, introduced of Sikh history as a subject for special study in post-graduate classes of Calcutta University. For teaching, as also for carrying on researches in what was then a new subject in the academic field, he selected Indubhusan Banerjee, a young scholar with a brilliant degree. For about forty years Banerjee kept himself engaged in this assignment, taught two generations of students, inspired a band of scholars, and wrote a book (Evolution of the Khalsa) to which every student of Sikh history must acknowledge his heavy debt. He initiated me in the study of this subject, gave me opportunities of teaching it, and stimulated my ideas in different ways.

Guru Nanak's life and teachings raise many historical and philosophical problems and offer a wide scope for conflicting interpretations. I shall consider myself amply rewarded if the points of view put forward in the following pages contribute to fresh analysis.

A.C.BANERJEE

Table Of Contents Of The Book 'Guru Nanak and His Times' By Anil Chandra Bannerji