Christopher Shackle is a leading scholar specializing in the languages and literatures of South Asia. His work delves into the rich traditions and nuances of languages such as Saraiki and Urdu. Shackle is recognized for producing the first Saraiki grammars in Western languages, and his publications explore the profound aspects of Saraiki literature and key figures like Khwaja Ghulam Farid. His extensive contributions to Urdu literature, through numerous books and articles, establish him as a significant figure in the study of Asian languages and cultures.
Khwaja Ghulam Farid (1845-1901) is celebrated as one of the finest as well as one of the last of the great Sufi poets of Pakistan. He is particularly revered in his home territory of Bahawalpur for the matchless lyrics which he composed in his native Siraiki.
The book explores innovative perspectives on Sikh religion, culture, and ethnicity as examined by Sikh scholars in the diaspora, particularly in Britain and North America. It covers a wide range of topics, including film, gender theory, theology, and race theory, challenging traditional dichotomies like insider vs. outsider. This multifaceted approach not only enriches Sikh studies but also appeals to both academic audiences in fields such as politics and religious studies, as well as a broader English-speaking Sikh community.