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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Dr. Sikandar Hayat once advised me that ‘finished thesis is the best thesis,’
despite this very apt advice it took a long time to bring the thesis at this stage. I thank
him for his guidance and cooperation. I am indebted to thank Dr. Wiqar Ali Shah and
Dr. Razia Sultana who always remained helpful during the period of my research.
Heartiest gratitude is reserved for Dr. Javed Haider Syed, my supervisor, who proved
a source of inspiration during this tough period and continued enlightening me about
the subject. His in-depth analysis and input on the historical events pertaining to the
Punjab steered me to the right direction.
I discovered new avenues of knowledge regarding research and the colonial
Punjab under the supervision of Ian Talbot, an authority on the Colonial Punjab. The
stay at the University of Southampton broadened my horizon about the colonial
history. The Pakistani scholars who have visited the University of Southampton still
talk of the generosity, competence and kindheartedness of Professor Ian Talbot. I will
always cherish my association with Ian Talbot. I feel at a loss for words to thank him.
He infused a new spirit into my work by reviewing my thesis.
During the SAARC Writers’ Conference held at Delhi in 2004, I met the Sikh
scholars and listened to their views on the subject. I pay special gratitude to Ajeet
Cour, Dr. Amrik Singh, Dr. Prithipal Singh Kapur, Balbir Madhopuri, Roop Singh,
Dr. Harminder Singh, Parmajit Singh Sarna (Delhi), Daljit Singh Bagga (Jallandhar)
and others for their love and kindness.
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