The Story Of The Sikhs

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The power of storytelling meets the colorful history of the Sikh faith in the Story of the Sikhs.

Sarbpreet Singh


    • Jan 1, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 58m AVG DURATION
    • 56 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Story of the Sikhs podcast is an incredible resource for anyone interested in Sikh history. The narrator, Sarbpreet Singh, has done a remarkable job in presenting the stories in a concise and well-researched manner. As someone who was born in Punjab and lived there until adulthood, I have never encountered such a comprehensive exploration of Sikh history. This podcast has provided me with a deeper understanding and appreciation for my own heritage.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the way in which the stories are presented. They are engaging, well-researched, and relevant to both Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike. The inclusion of gurbani and contemporary poetry adds depth and connection to the tradition that has been passed down through the ages. The commentary is balanced and invites curiosity from listeners of all ages. Additionally, the production quality is exceptional, with well-timed pauses, thoughtful interjections, and great musical selection.

    There are very few negative aspects to this podcast. One minor issue is that some listeners have reported difficulties with accessing episodes in sequential order on certain platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Another request from listeners is to make sure that all episodes are available on Spotify for easier sharing with others. These issues can be easily resolved by ensuring proper organization within podcast directories.

    In conclusion, The Story of the Sikhs is a must-listen for all young Sikhs or anyone interested in Sikh history. Sarbpreet Singh's storytelling skills and thorough research make this podcast an invaluable resource for understanding the rich history of the Sikh community. It not only educates but also inspires respect for the struggles faced by Sikhs against religious bigotry, caste system oppression, gender inequality, and authoritarianism. I would highly recommend this podcast to anyone seeking knowledge about Sikh history or wanting to deepen their understanding of this vibrant tradition.



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    Latest episodes from The Story Of The Sikhs

    (38) The Grandsons

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2024 71:30


    Shah Zaman, the grandson of Ahmad Shah Abdali, who had been the scourge of the Punjab for decades crosses the Indus again. As the Sikhs prepare to abandon their cities in the face of the Afghan juggernaut, Sardarni Sada Kaur persuades them to dig their heels in and resist. The young Ranjit Singh, the grandson of the legendary Sikh warrior Sardar Charat Singh Shukerchakia, challenges the Afghan King to single combat. An ambitious new British Governor General arrives in Calcutta and lays out an aggressive, expansionist vision, which promises to have a profound impact on the powers jockeying for position in the remains of the crumbling Mughal Empire.

    (37) A Young Lion Comes Into His Own

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2023 72:05


    The Afghan King Shah Zaman, the grandson of Ahmed Shah Abdali invades the Punjab providing an opportunity for the young Ranjit Singh to start building his reputation.

    punjab young lion ranjit singh
    (36) The Rising Sons

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2022 85:27


    Ghulam Qadir Rohilla returns to Delhi and blinds the Emperor Shah Alam, replacing him with his puppet. George Thomas becomes the commander of one of the four battalions of Sardhana, the kingdom of Begum Samru and also becomes her paramour. Ghulam Qadir is defeated and killed by the Marathas, who restore Shah Alam to the throne. Maha Singh lays siege to the fort of Sodhra, which is under the control of the Bhangis and falls ill during the expedition. Before passing away he formally anoints his son as his successor. Taimur Shah, the King of Afghanistan passes away and is succeeded by his son Shah Zaman. In late 1793, Shah Zaman, who wants to reassert Afghan control over the Punjab,  crosses the Indus and arrives at Hasan Abdal in early 1794, skirmishing with the Sikhs before returning to Peshawar. Madhaji Scindia passes away and is succeeded by his great nephew Daulat Rao Scindia, who is confirmed by the Emperor Shah Alam as the new regent. 

    (35) The Reconciliation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2022 61:49


    Maha Singh Shukerchakia takes his six year old son Ranjit Singh with him on a successful expedition to Jammu, which yields great wealth, but disaster strikes and the child is stricken with smallpox. The boy recovers but the attack leaves him blind in one eye and scars his face permanently. As Ranjit Singh's mother goes to Jwalamukhi to pray at the temple there for her son's recovery, she gets an unexpected visitor. Sada Kaur has decided to bury her bitterness against the man who was responsible for her husband's death; in a bold strategic move, designed to bolster the fortunes of both her Misl and her only child, Mehtab Kaur, she proposes an alliance between Ranjit Singh and her daughter.

    reconciliation jammu misl ranjit singh
    (34) The Rupture

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2022 89:52


    A squabble over plunder realized from an attack on the kingdom of Jammu creates a rupture between Maha Singh Shukerchakia and his mentor Jai Singh, the Kanhaiya patriarch. After Jai Singh insults his protégé and threatens him, Maha Singh conspires with Raja Sansar Chand and Jassa Singh Ramgarhia against the Kanhaiyas. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, Baghel Singh and other Sikh chiefs launch raids across the Yamuna River, almost to the borders of Awadh, which is under British protection. This brings them to the attention of Madhaji Scindia, who sees them as a threat to Delhi and considers forming an alliance with them. After the raid, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia returns to the Punjab and joining hands with Maha Singh and Raja Sansar Chand attacks the Kanhaiyas. The brave son of Jai Singh Kanhaiya, Gurbaksh Singh is killed in battle and his wife, Sada Kaur moves center stage, picking up the reins of the Kanhaiya Misl from her ageing father in law, who is devastated. 

    (33) The Birth of a Lion

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 89:27


    The story opens in the year 1774, when the mighty Mughal Empire, which had ruled the Indian subcontinent has crumbled, leaving the Punjab in chaos. Ahmad Shah Abdali the ruler of Afghanistan and the scourge of the Sikhs, who had wrested the Punjab from the Mughals has also passed away recently. The Sikhs, who are organized into twelve bands, known as The Misls, have stepped into the power vacuum and have become the de facto rulers of the Punjab. The young chief, Maha Singh Shukerchakia is mentored by Sardar Jai Singh, the patriarch of the powerful Kanhaiya Misl who arranges his marriage with Raj Kaur, daughter of Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind.  Maha Singh becomes a powerful chief whose Misl starts to rise as the power of the mighty Bhangi Misl declines. There is great rejoicing when a son is born to Raj Kaur and Maha Singh. The boy is named Ranjit Singh.

    (32) The Road to Delhi

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 74:17


    With the passing of Ahmad Shah Abdali and the utter collapse of the Mughal Empire, the Sikhs see unbounded opportunities to consolidate their power. New threats appear on the horizon as the Marathas rise again and the British East India Company turns its eyes towards Delhi.

    (31) Masters of the Punjab

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2021 103:13


    Ahmad Shah Abdali returns to the Punjab, this time determined to destroy the Sikhs. Thousands are killed in the Wadda Ghallughara or the great holocaust, but the Sikhs, unbowed, stand up to him and end up the de-facto rulers of their homeland, the Punjab.

    (30) Abdali and the Sikhs

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2021 96:36


    Ahmed Shah Abdali invades Hindustan again and decimates the tottering Mughal Empire. The Afghans occupy Lahore and desecrate the Golden Temple. Baba Deep Singh falls while battling the Afghans in Amritsar. The Marathas enter Punjab and try to reassert Mughal control over the province. Ahmad Shah Abdali returns and breaks the back of Maratha power in a great battle fought at Panipat.

    (29) The Sickle of Mir Mannu

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2021 113:37


    Mir Mannu,  who takes command of Lahore, views the Sikhs as a threat. Ahmed Shah Abdali, returns to avenge his defeat. The Sikhs start growing in power as the Punjab stays turbulent

    (28) The First Holocaust - Chhota Ghallughara

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2021 83:22


    Bhai Taru Singh is tortured and put to death by Zakriya Khan. Thousands of Sikhs are slain by his deputy Lakhpat Rai. A new king, who will cast a long shadow on the homeland of the Sikhs, rises in the west.

    (27) A Tale of Two Emperors

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 83:57


    A new threat approaches from the West, which threatens the Mughal Empire and creates an opportunity for the Sikhs. 

    (26) Martyrdom, Desecration and Punishment

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 60:27


    The respite for the Sikhs is very brief. Once again Nawab Zakriya Khan unleashes a reign of terror and new heroes rise in the face of terrible oppression. 

    (25)The rise of Nawab Kapur Singh

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2021 55:35


    Nawab Zakriya Khan of Lahore decides to extend an olive branch to the Sikhs. An emissary is sent with a title and land and the Sikhs get their own Nawab.

    (24) A murder sparks a rebellion

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2021 73:20


    Banda Singh Bahadur's rebellion is over  and Lahore is the hands of an oppressive ruler intent on destroying the Sikhs. It is a time when men who can ride, lead and wield a sword might make a reputation for themselves.

    (23) The Ashes of the Iron Fort

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2021 82:35


    The might of the Mughal Empire descends on the Sikhs and a fierce battle is fought at Lohgarh. Banda Bahadur manages to escape but is besieged by powerful Mughal commanders at Gurdas Nangal, where he fights his last battle. 

    (22) Cauldron, Sword and Victory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2021 61:23


    Guru Gobind Singh's chosen deputy, the former sorcerer Banda Singh Bahadur has managed to amass an army, He is ready to bring Nawab Wazir Khan, who mercilessly murdered the Guru's younger sons to justice.

    (21) The Guru and the Sorcerer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2020 68:00


    Guru Gobind Singh, traveling South, meets a powerful sorcerer on the banks of the Godavari. The sorcerer, transformed by the encounter, becomes a beloved disciple of the Guru's and is given a mission.

    Night of the Restless Spirits - Sarbpreet Singh's new collection of short fiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 23:34


    NIGHT OF THE RESTLESS SPIRITS is a collection of heart-rending short stories that attempt to capture the 1984 massacre in all its complexity and contradictions. Sarbpreet Singh's stories take the reader on a journey fraught with love and tinged with tragedy, frayed relationships, the breaking down of humanity and resilience in the face of absolute despair, blurring the lines between the personal and political. Published by Penguin

    Bonus Episode 16 : Rejoice my heart, this blessed rain

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2020 88:43


    A musical feast of shabads in various forms of Raga Malhar

    Bonus Episode 15 : The Jaap Sahib Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 16:53


    Recitation and English translation of the Jaap Shib (continued)

    Bonus Episode 14 : Sikhs for Black Lives

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2020 19:08


    Why Black Lives Matter to Sikhs

    Bonus Episode 13: The Jaap Sahib Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2020 12:56


    The Jaap Sahib of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in translation Part 2

    Bonus Episode 12: The Jaap Sahib Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 16:02


    The Jaap Sahib of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in translation Part 1

    Bonus Episode 11: A musical feast to mark Vaisakhi of 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2020 56:59


    A translation and four fabulous renditions of the Savaiyya, Jagat Jot Jape Nis Basur, which is a succinct and elegant definition of the Khalsa

    Bonus Episode 10 : Rogan Te Ar Sogan Te Jal Jogan Te Bahu Bhant Bachavai

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2020 27:03


    Rogan Te Ar Sogan Te Jal Jogan Te Bahu Bhant Bachavat - A soulful quatrain of praise in Raga Malkauns

    Bonus Episode 9 : Bhagat Kabir unabashedly asks for what he needs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2020 22:02


    Bhagat Kabir 's beautiful relationship with God. Tweet your favorite shabad @sarbpreetsingh to be included in future episodes

    Bonus Episode 8 : Prabh Jio Tu Mero Sahib Data

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2020 17:45


    The sanctuary of the Guru's word in a time of fear and anxiety. Tweet your favorite shabad @sarbpreetsingh to be featured on a subsequent episode.

    (20) Chamkaur, Sirhind, Muktsar : Tales of Valor

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2020 105:20


    In a time treachery and deceit Guru Gobind Singh leads his Sikhs and his family out of the fortified city of Anandpur, where disaster strikes.

    (19) The birth of The Khalsa

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2020 77:56


    Guru Gobind Singh completes his divine mission by creating the Khalsa.  At a gathering in Anandpur on the momentous Vaisakhi of 1699 the vision of Guru Nanak is fully realized as Guru Gobind Singh puts a final seal on the egalitarian faith that was created by the first Guru.

    (18e) The Dasam Granth extended version

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2020 135:05


    An extended version of Episode 18 The Dasam Granth. It has complete recordings of all the shabads referenced and is a feast for lovers of Gurmat Sangeet (Sikh Sacred Music)

    (18) The Dasam Granth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2020 71:22


    The Dasam Granth, the book of the tenth master is completed. In addition to the devotional writings of Guru Gobind Singh, it contains translations of heroic Hindu epics from Sanskrit to Braj, designed to inspire a population beaten down by centuries of oppression.

    (17) In the Guru's Court

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2019 59:07


    Guru Gobind Rai sets up a magnificent court that is the catalyst of a renaissance in poetry, music and scholarship. He himself composes sublime poetry and his court is studded with accomplished poets, musicians and scholars.

    (16) The Battle of Bhangani

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2019 52:58


    The young Guru Gobind Rai reflects upon the martyrdom of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur. The lad prepares himself to meet his destiny and realize the grand vision of Guru Nanak. He is tested by powerful kings who surround him, driven to jealousy by his increasing power and fame.

    (15) Caste Mark and Sacred Thread

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2019 63:44


    Tegh Bahadur, the youngest son of the late Guru Hargobind, is anointed the ninth Guru of the Sikhs in the face of competing claims by multiple pretenders to the throne of Guru Nanak. The Guru boldly confronts the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb who has been forcing his non-Muslim subjects to convert to Islam on the pain of death.

    (14) Ingrates and Apostates

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2019 59:10


    Gur Hargobind names his young grandson, Har Rai successor, but his oldest grandson Dhir Mal rebels against him. The Guru's family is once roiled by dissent and treachery. The seventh Guru, Har Rai attracts the attention of the Mughal court and sends his son Ram Rai there as his representative, only to be disappointed by his perfidy. His younger son, Harkrishan succeeds him, but dies young, enigmatically signaling his successor's whereabouts on his death bed.

    (13) The Prodigal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2019 65:06


    The Guru nurtures a young Pathan named Painde Khan, a formidable warrior who becomes one of his favorites. There is a sharp confrontation between the Sikhs and the entourage of the Emperor Shah Jahan, when the Sikhs seize a magnificent hawk belonging to the Emperor. The Guru makes a rousing declaration of sovereignty, which leads to the first armed confrontation between the Sikhs and the Mughals. A disaffected Painde Khan switches sides.

    (12) Immutable

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2019 51:24


    The Guru returns to Amritsar after his exile in Gwalior and his family grows and flourishes. One of his young sons, Atal Rai, learns a difficult lesson about deference to the will of the divine.

    (11) Sword of Piety Sword of Might

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2019 60:44


    Hargobind, the young son of the late Guru Arjan ascends to the throne of Guru Nanak. His Sikhs are startled when he sets the traditional appurtenances of his station aside and dons twin swords. He creates the Akal Bunga which will go on to become an enduring symbol of Sikh sovereignty. The Guru is imprisoned by the Emperor Jahangir in Gwalior fort, from where he triumphantly emerges after freeing 52 kings, also held captive by the emperor.

    gurus sword sikh piety guru nanak gwalior guru arjan hargobind emperor jahangir
    Bonus Episode 7 : The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2019 31:47


    The Camel Merchant of Philadelphia is  writer/narrator Sarbpreet Singh's new book about the court of Maharajah Ranjit Singh. This episode is about the book and his recent tour of India.

    Bonus Episode 6 : A Sikh response to Christchurch

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2019 18:38


    A reflection on the Christchurch mosque attacks 

    Bonus Episode 5 : Season 2 is coming

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2019 28:01


    A sneak preview of Season 2

    Bonus Episode 4 : The Ballad of Spring

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2019 96:11


    A musical feast that examines the  singing of Raga Basant and other melodies of the spring in the Sikh Sacred Music tradition.

    Bonus Episode 3 When the Guru spoke to me

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2018 27:39


    The Guru's Huqm or word, provides comfort on a difficult day.

    Bonus Episode 2 : A Ramadan to remember

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2018 27:24


    During the holy month of Ramadan a group of Muslims embody the values of the Sikh faith with a breathtaking act of solidarity and compassion.

    Bonus Episode 1 : Bhai Avtar Singh - an extraordinary Kirtaniya

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2018 40:21


    Our very distinctive title music is an excerpt from a shabad or hymn, sung by the Bhai Avtar Singh, one of the most distinguished Sikh Ragis or minstrels of modern times. In this bonus episode of The Story of the Sikhs Sarbpreet Singh reminisces about the legend who touched so many hearts through his beautiful music and the extraordinary warmth of his personality.

    (10) The Cool Heart of the Inferno

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2018 53:18


    From the tragic martyrdom of Guru Arjan rises a great institution that will forever define the character of Sikhs and Sikhism. The poignant story of Guru Arjan and his beloved disciple the Sufi saint Miyan Mir.

    (9) A Holy Book is Born

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2018 50:21


    Guru Arjan, in his crowning achievement, creates the Guru Granth Sahib, the egalitarian scripture of the Sikhs, with contributions from the Sikh Gurus as well as enlightened souls from other faiths. Prithi Chand tries to convince the Emperor Akbar that Guru Arjan's new scripture is blasphemous and disrespectful of Islam and Hinduism.

    (8) The Blessing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2018 53:39


    Guru Arjan establishes the Har Mandar Sahib, popularly known as The Golden Temple, which will become the most prominent place of worship for the Sikh faith and a symbol of its endurance. The Guru's wife, Mata Ganga, distraught at being childless is sent to seek the blessing of Bhai Buddha, a venerable old Sikh, who has served the faith from the time of Guru Nanak.

    blessing gurus sikh guru nanak golden temple guru arjan
    (7) The Rainbird

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2018 45:02


    Guru Ramdas establishes Ramdaspur, which will go on to become Amritsar, the greatest center of the Sikh faith. Guru Ramdas is plagued by the ill-will that his oldest son, Prithi Chand harbors towards Arjan, his youngest. Because of his faithfulness and devotion, Arjan is exalted to succeed his father as Guru, much to his older brother's chagrin.

    (6) The Blood Of a Matriarch

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2018 43:20


    Guru Amardas receives the Mughal Emperor Akbar who humbly seeks his blessings. Finding his son-in-law, Ramdas to be loyal, humble and worthy, Guru Amardas decides to anoint him as the next Guru. Pleased with the devotion of his daughter, Bibi Bhani, Guru Amardas makes a prophecy which will have far reaching consequences for the faith.

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