BRAMPTON, ON-On Saturday, July 25, 2026, the Sikh National Archives of Canada officially released a comprehensive new historical volume in Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar, Mississauga titled "GURU HARGOBIND SAHIB: Spiritual Authority and Sikh Sovereignty." Authored by eminent scholar and historian Dr. Jasbir Singh Sarna, the publication marks a significant contribution to the study of early Sikh history, doctrine, and institutional development.
The book features an insightful Foreword written by Sardar Gian Singh Sandhu O.В.С., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Guru Nanak Institute of Global Studies, who highlights the work's critical importance in presenting a balanced, ethically grounded, and historically rigorous account of the Sixth Guru's life and leadership. The volume is dedicated to the memory of the late Jaiteg Singh Anant (1946-2025), a distinguished scholar, writer, and photojournalist remembered for his lifelong commitment to preserving Sikh heritage. Key Highlights of the Book
* Miri-Piri & Akal Takht Sahib: Explores the organic evolution of dual spiritual authority (Piri) and temporal responsibility (Miri), framing the establishment of Akal Takht Sahib as a centre for collective moral responsibility rather than simple militarization.
*Gwalior Fort & Bandi Chhor: Contextualizes the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib alongside 52 kings, framing the event as a foundational model of collective liberation and leadership ethics.
* Ethical Resistance: Re-evaluates the defensive conflicts during the Sixth Guru's period, detailing the ethical restraints governing warfare within early Sikh tradition.
* Lasānī Sikhs & Living Heritage: Documents the pivotal roles played by devoted contemporary Sikhs (Lasānī Sikhs) and catalogs historical Gurdwaras and sacred sites associated with Guru Hargobind Sahib across South Asia.
*Official Release Ceremony
The formal release of the book took place with community leaders, archive directors, and scholars in attendance.
Pictured from left to right at the release ceremony:Bibi Rapinder Kaur,
Bibi Surinder Kaur Sahota,Dr. Amar Singh,Sardar Ajit Singh Sahota (Director, Sikh National Archives of Canada),Sardar Mohan Singh Bhangoo and Mandeep Singh Engineer.
Publication Details
Title: GURU HARGOBIND SAHIB (Spiritual Authority and Sikh Sovereignty)
Author: Dr. Jasbir Singh Sarna
Publisher: Sikh National Archives of Canada
Edition: First Edition (2026)
Media Contact & Inquiries:
Sikh National Archives of Canada
Email: [email protected]
Author Contact: [email protected]
