Harjot Oberoi’s controversial and incorrect work ‘The Construction of Religious Boundaries’ had been proven wrong many times. Here you will hear with a context from Dr. Arvindpal Singh Mandair, Dr. Balbinder Singh Bhogal, Dr. Prabhsharanbir Singh, S. Prabhsharandeep Singh M.A. , and others about Harjot Oberoi’s incorrect work. It is unfortunate that some misguided academics and documentary film-makers have fallen for Harjot Oberoi’s incorrect work. Jvala Singh, Ramblings of a Sikh, Amardeep Singh. Khalsa Nama, Early Sikh Traditions
Controversial Mcleodian “Academic” Approach Vs Sikh Academic Approach
For Sikhs, academically the Shabad Guru, Gurbani and specifically the bani of the Guru Granth Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh Jis bani is the primary source for all issues, including academia of history and other topics as well. Gurbani is not just mere theology but the source of all research as well. If the Panth is an entity then Gurbani is the manifesto, and unchanging constitution for the Sikhs. Gurbani is perfection. Sikh researchers use this as a primary source as well. Sikhs also have secondary sources which are very important. These can include Janamsakhis, Bhai Gurdas Ji, Bhai Nand Lal Ji, Sainapati, different rehatnamas etc.
Sikhs use Gurbani as a primary source academically. What do controversial historian “academics” use? They take the secondary sources, which are important in themselves, and use them as a primary source. This is very manipulative and dilutes issues.
On the Issues of Varnas and Jaatis being REJECTED:
ਹਮਰੀ ਜਾਤਿ ਪਾਤਿ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਹਮਵੇਚਿਓ ਸਿਰੁ ਗੁਰ ਕੇ ॥
Hamaree Jaath Paath Gur Sathigur Ham Vaechiou Sir Gur Kae ||
The Guru, the True Guru, is my social status (jaati) and honor; I have sold my head to the Guru.
ਸੂਹੀ (ਮਃ ੪) (੧) ੪:੧ – ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ : ਅੰਗ ੭੩੧ ਪੰ. ੧੧ Raag Suhi Guru Ram Das
khhaalasaa meree jaat ar pat || gurU goibMd isMG jI – rihqnwmy Aqy pMQk il^qW –
This is the Sikh academic approach. All panktis (lines) have been given sources so the full context can be searched.
Other approaches whether they may be from the controversial McLeodian school, or another School of Oriental and Africana Studies if they look at secondary sources as a primary source are not viewing it from the Sikh academic approach. Focusing on when certain communities joined the Gurus “historically” is not academically relevant in the primary sources.
controversialwhmcleod 