The Sikh Religion by Max Arthur Macauliffe

 Who was Max Arthur Macauliffe?

Known as Baba Max Arthur Macauliffe, was the First documented western convert to Sikhism. He was the first to translate the Guru Granth Sahib partially into English.

Macauliffe is a supremely important figure in Sikhism. Our parents know about him but our generation doesn’t. Without him, much of the academic study of Sikhism would have started much much later.

Macauliffe story is sort of a tragedy. This person left his lucrative job, did extensive research with disappearing Gyanis and created a counter for Trumpp Sikh history. Factually, it was correct with little bias for British Raj (like some place I get the feeling that he insinuated that Gurus wanted Britishers to occupy India forever). Apart from this bias, his work was excellent and against great odds.

Sadly the Sikhs betrayed him. By the time he finished his work, anti British movement was at it's peak and sikhs gave him cold shoulder. I don't think he converted to Khalsa, but he did Nitnem everyday and lived his life according to Sikh teachings.

However, he was heartbroken as the people for whom he destroyed his career and had to face social isolation from connected people(other British civil servants), would not give him due respect. His achievements we're only celebrated after his death.

It's a sad story. He not only translated Guru Granth Sahib ji but also did extensive research on sikh history.

The Sikh Religion - Its Gurus, Sacred Writings, and Authors.

Macauliffe undertook his work with the realization that Sikhism was virtually an unknown religion. The measure of his success is that this is no longer true. The Sikh Religion placed before the world a comprehensive picture of Sikhism and its Scriptures. Macauliffe not only gathered together but went beyond what had been done before. His work made possible the modern scholarship that has followed. He correctly identified the linguistic context within which the Guru Granth Sahib was formed. Later scholars have gone beyond him and corrected his work at points as knowledge of the ancient language has increased. The literary style of his translations has been much debated.Macauliffe wrote in a simple, direct style. He did this not only in the interest of clarity but also because he believed it reflected more accurately the style of the hymns themselves.

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