In this course, you will investigate the profound historical transformations, expressive cultural traditions, and complex social structures that have defined the Sikh community from the colonial era into the modern age. You will examine periods of struggle and adaptation, including the impact of British colonialism and the pressures of Indian nation-building that shaped contemporary Sikh institutions and identity. The course offers a deep exploration of Sikh visual and performative culture, including architecture, sacred music (Kirtan), visual art, literature, and cinema, teaching you to distinguish between overlapping South Asian, regional Punjabi, and uniquely Sikh cultural elements. Furthermore, you will learn the internal sociology of Sikh institutions, assessing the roles of class, gender dynamics, and political organization in shaping modern community governance. By the end, you will be able to analyze how historical events, cultural forms, and social dynamics shape Sikh communities and their evolving identities.