Introduction

This chapter discusses the controversy surrounding the content and authorship of the Dasam Granth, arguing that the relentless focus on authorship has stalled analysis of the text. The chapter addresses ways Sikh interpreters have focused on categorizing the Dasam Granth as scripture or literature, and determining whether Guru Gobind Singh authored all, some, or virtually none of it. The chapter argues that a new set of questions regarding the Dasam Granth may be explored if the authorship question is set aside and the text is placed in the broader context of Indian literature.

This chapter discusses the controversy surrounding the content and authorship of the Dasam Granth, arguing that the relentless focus on authorship has stalled analysis of the text. The chapter addresses ways Sikh interpreters have focused on categorizing the Dasam Granth as scripture or literature, and determining whether Guru Gobind Singh authored all, some, or virtually none of it. The chapter argues that a new set of questions regarding the Dasam Granth may be explored if the authorship question is set aside and the text is placed in the broader context of Indian literature.