I recently discovered that the authors deliberated agonisingly over the choice of title for the above book. Why, one is entitled to ask, when the final choice appears so obvious and fitting? There in lies the answer. These authors have at no stage in their work opted for anything that was in any way predictable or convenient. Even for the title they were eager to extend the boundaries in search of one that encapsulated the unique perspective, which unfolds from theirng page. Their final title, suitable as it is, was settled upon as a concession to the publishers who recognised its marketing potential.

There are no shortages of publications by Sikhs on Sikhs, and as one delving often, albeit amateurishly, into these texts I am acutely aware of their fairly standard nature. In eschewing objectivity in favour of easy explanations the authors have almost magically interpreted the exacting and objective demands of modern day Sikhs. The result is a book that promises to set standards for the future. The 100 or so images, are in themselves extremely powerful but this book treats us to accompanying narrative that not only puts them into historic context but also invokes the very essence of the Khalsa's Chardi Kalaa.

The authors have resisted the temptation of viewing the martial tradition as some 'macho' extension of Sikhism. Instead they have carefully and rationally articulated the inalienable connection between Baani and Baana that is so often overlooked or understated.

This is a truly fascinating book, but not because the subject matter itself is new or innovative. What makes it compelling reading is the ease and clarity with which the authors have made the hitherto elusive transition between communicating the ideals of the Khalsa and the resultant heroic deeds of its valiant Sikhs. A Sikh soldier bereft of his spiritual heritage is no soldier at all. It is the legacy that begins with Ek Onkar of Guru Nanak's teachings and ends with the Nisch Kar Apni Jeet Karon of Guru Gobind Singh that instills the martial qualities as well as the ideals of justice and equality. This is, in my opinion, the central message of the book and one that alone makes it worthy reading for all.

From the forts of Chamkaur and Anandpur and from the trenches of Europe to the jungles of Burma, this book paints a remarkable portrait of Sikh courage. Even more remarkably, it defines those epic deeds without resort to any mythical exaggerations and romantic notions of valour. Instead each episode has been meticulously researched to withstand rigorous critical analysis.

It would not be sufficient to consider the book to be just a celebration of the Sikh martial tradition. As we stand at the threshold of a new century it is also a celebration of the emergence of two Sikh scholars who hold so much more potential for the future of the Panth.

Harbinder Singh (Rana) is Director of the Maharajah Duleep Singh Centenary Trust, United Kingdom.

Warrior Saints is available from most bookshops. It is also available on the Internet from Amazon.com. In North America it is nationally available through St Martins Press. Timeless Books of New Delhi, India are co-publishing Warrior Saints for the Indian market. Some of the unique images from Warrior Saints are available on www.seiks.com. The Overview on the seiks.com website is a must see.