Although Sardar Kahn Singh of Nabha is the most recognized and celebrated scholar in assisting Macauliffe in translating Sikh scriptures and Adi-Granth ‘Guru Granth Sahib’ into English, but little is known of countless other savants and intellectuals who also collaborated or from whom Macauliffe sought assistance in writing his famous 1909 publication ‘The Sikh religion: it’s gurus, sacred writings and authors’.Once such philosopher/thinker of the time was my ancestor Sardar Gahil Singh.He was my mother’s grandfather (or Beji’s father) who was the Nazim of Patiala riyaset/state during those times.He did so as a ‘Gupt Seva’ (Anonymous/selfless service), and did not allow his name to be written anywhere in Macauliffe’s’ writings.
From what I know is that he was a very stylish person and always had his tea in proper english style.Only grandkids who dressed properly was allowed to have tea with him.He died in 1948 in Talwandi Malhian (He was from ‘Sangha’ clan).I now am on a hunt for the original publication.So anyone who knows of a good bookstore that deals with rare books, or if you know of someone selling the 1st edition, please let me know.Also if you would like to read more about MacAuliffe, click on the link below-http://sikhchic.com/history/max_arthur_macauliffe_he_introduced_sikhi_to_the_englishspeaking_west
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2 thoughts on “Max Arthur Macauliffe and my Ancestor…”
Hi Preet, it’s Deepi. My nanaji Kartar Singh (your nani’s eldest brother) had the original set from his father Gahl Singh and they are now with his son (my mamaji) Tejinder Singh in Chandigarh. I was able to track down a set in good condition from a bookseller in London a few years ago. If you want to check it out, come visit us in Oakland when you can!
Hi Deepi- This is fabulous news and information. I am so delighted! Will certainly make a trip up to see you as soon as the current situation abates! How are you? I think I have you number.
Erudite Kahani 
Hi Preet, it’s Deepi. My nanaji Kartar Singh (your nani’s eldest brother) had the original set from his father Gahl Singh and they are now with his son (my mamaji) Tejinder Singh in Chandigarh. I was able to track down a set in good condition from a bookseller in London a few years ago. If you want to check it out, come visit us in Oakland when you can!
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Hi Deepi- This is fabulous news and information. I am so delighted! Will certainly make a trip up to see you as soon as the current situation abates! How are you? I think I have you number.
Take care
❤️
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