Sikhism, the first Indian movement for developing an egalitarian society, is compatible neither with any sectarian exclusiveness nor with the caste-ridden and sectarian orthodox society. Martyrdom is a fundamental institution of the Sikh faith. When one calls an individual to shahid, this connotes more than its definition in Arabic vocabulary or Islamic faith, which is death in battle with the infidels. For the Sikh, the perfect martyr or shahid is one who died not just in battle but also one who suffered death by refusing to renounce his faith, tenets and principles. The Sikh experience through the years gave rise to this type of ideal martyrdom. The present work is a humble attempt to narrate the story of three such supreme sacrifices of Sikhs in the early 1920s vividly and with lucidity. The book is a convincing answer to the detractors of the Sikh faith. It will go a long way in inspiring the Sikh psyche and have a lasting impression on the youths especially non-Punjabi-knowing sections who are standing at the crossroads.
