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Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Non-Christian religions > Religions of Indic & Oriental origin > Sikhism
Defence of Europe by Sikh Soldiers in the World Wars is a
fascinating history of the much-forgotten Sikh contribution to the
two World Wars. Containing much new research and modern ideas, the
book explores how an alliance with Britain enabled Sikhism to
spread across the globe and Sikhs to step forward as global
partners. Mohindra S. Chowdhry begins his book by exploring the
Sikh revolt against the Mughal Empire. He demonstrates how this
revolutionary movement proved not that Sikhs were opposed to Islam,
but that Sikhism stood for basic human rights, liberty and freedom
to follow the religion of their choice. The book also shows how
Sikhs eventually allied themselves to the British, after first
battling it out with them in the hills and plains of the Punjab. He
describes the commonality between the two cultures and their ways
of looking at life. This common ground developed into loyalty; a
bond which gave the British access to a superb fighting force
during the two World Wars, and an alliance which enabled the Sikh
brotherhood to enter onto the world stage and has resulted in their
spread across the globe. Mohindra concludes with the argument that
it is the duty of Sikhs, inspired by deep-rooted principles of
justice and equality, to take up the challenges wherever they are
to participate in the mainstreams of political and social life.
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