This volume of the Encyclopaedia of The Sikh Literature is the English version of the first volume of Gurushabad Ratnakar Mahan Kosh popularly known as Mahan Kosh, Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha's creation of 1930 in four volumes.
Mahan Kosh is the greatest work of scholarship till today published in Punjabi. Since the publication of its first edition, it has often been cited as the most authoritative reference work in the academic world. It is hard to think of a more cherished source of knowledge and general information about Sikhism. It presents the most comprehensive attempt to consolidate, authenticize and synthesize the knowledge of Sikh literature. It sets a trend in making an organized and systematic access to Sikh literature, philosophy, history', culture, Punjabi language as well as other ancient languages. Comprising 64,263 entries on seminal words drawn from all fields of knowledge. Bhai Sahib put in rigorous work for fifteen years to explicate them. It is beyond human power to imagine the labour gone into the composition of this enormous work. The way this Encyclopedia has selected, organized, preserved and disseminated knowledge, is marvellous. It is an eloquent witness to the extraordinary phenomena of the genius of a race, the exquisite sensibility of a highly evolved and unique personality and the ethos of a particular epoch. What Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha did, was nothing short of a miracle.
The Encyclopaedia of The Sikh Literature was designed to provide comprehensive and authentic version about the growth and development of Sikh literature. Sikh scriptures, Guru Granth Sahib, Dasam Granth, writings by Sikh savants form the kernal of this huge Writing. No source of philosophical, historical or lexicographical skill has been spared to fulfil the purpose. To explicate the meanings of seminal words, illustrations are drawn from original sources. To my mind, the scope of this unimaginably grand work goes beyond these realms of knowledge. Hindu scriptures, literary epics, myths and chronicles have also been explained with equal authority. Thereby, Bhai Sahib's memorable work achieves cross-cultural proportions. To the discerning eye, the notes reveal a striking continuity of tradition from ancient to modern times. Etymologies or word-histories give interesting insights into the richness and versatility of Punjabi language. There is no discounting of Bhai Sahib's understanding and felicity of expression.
It is with great pleasure that Punjabi University, Patiala presents the translation of this wealth of knowledge, to the English speaking public. We believe that the scope of this work is global, and reflects the needs of the present-day world at large.
In an informal meeting with Major A.P. Singh and myself the novel and significant idea of this project was first mooied by Sardar Swarn Singh Boparai, Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala. Sardar Swarn Singh Boparai has an excellent futuristic vision of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat in the fast changing world. While conceptualising this project, the Vice-Chancellor held that the rich cultural heritage of the Punjab should be presented and projected for global requirements. Convinced of the validity of this project, I discussed it with scholars of Sikh philosophy, history, literature and language. All praised the proposal and recommended its urgent need. Some highlighted the hardships as well. They underlined how much intellectual acumen was required. We weighed the pros and cons of our capacities and resources. After detailed deliberations with officials and scholars, we decided to take up this challenging task. We submitted the proposal to the Department of Higher Education, Government of Punjab for financial help. The Department cautioned us about the numerous difficulties the proposed project entailed and directed us to submit some specimens of translation. We did the job and the concerned officials got convinced of our capacity and commitment and the grant was sanctioned without any delay.
List of Maps and Pictures |
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1. Akalbunga-Sri Amritsar Ji
2. Darbar Baba Attalrai Ji-Sri Amritsar
3. Sant Atar Singh Ji Mastuana
4. Sardar Sir Atar Singh, Bhadaur
5. Map of Abchal Nagar
6. Takhat Sri Abchal Nagar (Hazoor Sahib)
7. Sri Harimandir-Amritsar Ji
8. Sri Amritsar City
9. Khalsa College, Amritsar Ji
10. Map of Amritsar
11. Weapons of Sri Dashmesh Ji at Takhat Kesgarh Sahib
12. Takhat Kesgarh Sahib-Sri Anandpur
13. Map of Anandpur
14. Name of Weapons and their pictures in serial order
15. Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib-Sirhind
16. Map of Sirhind-Fatehgarh
17. Musical Instruments
18. Saragarhi Memorial-Sri Amritsar
19. Birds of prey
20. Lion, Tiger
21. Leopard, Panther
22. Map of Sultanpur
8130200759|9788130200750, Encyclopaedia of the Sikh Literature, Vol. 1 English translation of Gurushabadaratanakara Mahana Kosha published in the year 2006 was published by Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. View 385 more books by Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. The author of this book is Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha. This is the Hardback version of the title "Encyclopaedia of the Sikh Literature, Vol. 1 English translation of Gurushabadaratanakara Mahana Kosha" and have around pp. xxxviii + 644 pages. Encyclopaedia of the Sikh Literature, Vol. 1 English translation of Gurushabadaratanakara Mahana Kosha is currently Available with us.