This book is divided into two section : The first part is a thesis about the concept of Akal Takht Sahib and its so-called Jathedar, the Sikh polity, Hukamnama, Gurmata, Sarbat Khalsa, ‘excommunication’ and ‘Tankhah’; and the second part is the narration of the history of the events associated with Akal Takht Sahib.

• The so-called Jathedar of Akal Takht / 13
• The Eight Pillars of the Sikh Polity / 18
• Hukamnama & Gurmata / 24
• Sarbat Khalsa Gatherings / 27
• Excommunication and Tankhah / 29
• Revelation of Akal Takht / 31
• Takhts of the other Gurus / 48
• Takhts of Guru Har Rai and Guru Harkrishan
• Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Takhts /
• Guru Gobind Singh’s Takhts / 55
• Akal Takht after the Gurus / 59
• After Bhai Mani Singh / 78
• Akal Takht and the Sikh Rulers / 107
• Under the British Rule / 114
• Gurdwara Reform Movement / 124
• After Union with India (1947-62) / 145
• Sorrowful Days / 152
• Misuse of Akal Takht / 161
• New Hopes (1980-82) / 167
• Akal Takhts during militancy (1982-95) / 171
• Rajiv-Langowal Accord /
• Insult to Akal Takht / 199
• Akal Takht under Siege / 217
• Epilogue / 235
• Bibliography / 242