The Story Isn’t Over: History from the Margins

What if the Sikh Empire wasn’t born on the battlefield, but in the library? 📚In this teaser for our Road to Empire podcast with author Satnam Singh, we explore the intellectual and political foundations of the Khalsa before the rise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. From the Anandpur court of Guru Gobind Singh to the literature of the Mughal and Sanskrit worlds, this conversation reveals how stories, ideas, and philosophies shaped Sikh ideas of sovereignty.We discuss how the Khalsa balanced rahit (discipline) and rajniti (politics), how translations from Persian and Sanskrit influenced Sikh thought, and why the Sikhs were fighting not just battles — but for an idea of Raj that empires could never destroy.🎙️ This is just a teaser for our upcoming live podcast in Birmingham on 3rd November with:Satnam Singh (The Road to Empire)Harleen Singh (The Lost Heer)Early bird tickets are already 60% sold — don’t miss your chance to be in the room for these landmark conversations.🎟️ Get your tickets here:👉 Eventbrite Link

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Professor Brian Villmoare, Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as we explore the grand narrative of the universe.Drawing from his book The Evolution of Everything: The Patterns and Causes of Big History, Professor Villmoare examines the interconnectedness of the cosmos, life, and human societies. This episode challenges the traditional view that history is shaped solely by great figures or singular ideas, instead highlighting the gradual transformations in technology, culture, and society that have woven the fabric of our existence.Discover how the evolution of the universe — from the Big Bang to the rise of human civilisation — has followed patterns that reveal the hidden forces shaping our world. If you are intrigued by the mysteries of the cosmos, life, and the story of humanity, this is a must-watch.

Join Sathnam Sanghera on a transformative journey to uncover the hidden truths of British imperialism — a controversial legacy that continues to shape global dynamics and modern society. Inspired by his acclaimed book EmpireWorld, Sanghera confronts the far-reaching consequences of imperialism, emphasizing the critical role of historical accountability, decolonization, and cross-cultural perspectives.In this powerful exploration, Sanghera delves into the darker aspects of the British Empire’s history, exposing its enduring impact on social justice, cultural identity, and ethnic narratives. Through a lens of decolonial thought and historical awareness, he offers a nuanced perspective on the empire’s influence on contemporary issues, including race relations, colonial legacies, and the ongoing fight for equity and justice.This thought-provoking video challenges viewers to rethink their understanding of imperialism, shedding light on often-overlooked stories and fostering crucial conversations about the importance of confronting the past to build a more equitable future. With unflinching honesty, Sanghera highlights the lasting impacts of colonialism, sparking insights into how we can embrace a more inclusive and accurate understanding of history.

Discover the untold story of Indian soldiers during the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I in this fascinating discussion with Professor Peter Stanley, one of Australia’s leading military historians.This video explores the sacrifices, challenges, and hidden histories of over 16,000 Indian soldiers who served in one of the most brutal battles of WWI.Learn about their role in the first major amphibious operation of modern warfare—and how their contributions, often overlooked, helped shape the course of history.Dive deep into this riveting topic, brought to you by Ramblings of a Sikh, and gain a unique perspective on this historic event.Subscribe for more insights into military history, cultural heritage, and hidden narratives.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠★ Join the Ramblings of a Sikh YouTube Channel ★ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠★ Buy this podcast a coffee ★⁠⁠Join us for an exclusive interview with G.S. Nawepindiya, where he shares insights into his vibrant Punjabi music career and the rich heritage of Sikh culture.In this conversation, he reveals the creative process behind his latest album and offers his thoughts on the evolution of Punjabi music. With captivating discussions about Sikh history, his personal experiences, and the cultural influence of his music, this video is a must-watch for Punjabi music lovers, history enthusiasts, and fans of G.S. Nawepindiya.

Sam Dalrymple joins me for a powerful conversation about his book Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia, where he unpacks how India went through multiple partitions, not just the 1947 split.We explore the Partition of Bengal, the Partition of Punjab, the role of the Muslim League, and the mass migrations that followed. From the politics of Jinnah, Nehru, Gandhi, and Mountbatten to the creation of Pakistan and the eventual liberation of Bangladesh, this episode dives deep into the people, borders, and decisions that shaped the subcontinent and so much more.Sam argues that 1947 was just one moment in a much longer story of borders being drawn, redrawn, and broken apart.Each event, from the partition of Burma to other lesser known divisions, has left lasting scars. We discuss the historical context and consequences of these partitions, including the 1937 separation of Burma, the forgotten detachment of the Gulf states and Yemen, and how princely state politics quietly shaped much of today’s India Pakistan border.We also dive into the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, which Sam calls the real moment the modern map of South Asia was made.What makes this episode special is how personal and human the history feels. Sam shares stories from Project Dastaan, the emotional process of reconnecting families across divided lands, and how even nationalist narratives often unravel when you ask someone about their childhood best friend from “the other side.”This is history through memory, migration, and moments that still shape the region today.Watch the full conversation and let me know in the comments: Which partition do you think left the deepest mark?🛒 Pick up a copy of Shattered Lands from my bookshop:👉 ramblingsofasikh.co.uk

🎙️ How Much Museum Art Was Legally Acquired? 🤔Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Prof. Erin Thompson — the world’s first professor of Art Crime at John Jay College (CUNY).We explore:– How museums acquire and label stolen artifacts– The secret world of forgery, smuggling & sacred object theft– Museum cover-ups and colonial legacies– The ethics of repatriation and controversial monuments💬 Prof. Thompson (@artcrimeprof) is a leading voice in museum ethics and cultural heritage protection. She’s worked on major repatriation cases and helped expose how looted objects make their way into museum collections.📚 Her book Smashing Statues: The Rise and Fall of America’s Public Monuments dives into the politics of monuments and the fight over their removal.🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into history, art, and heritage theft.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with actor, writer, and advocate Jassa Ahluwalia to dive deep into the experiences that shaped his new book, Both, Not Half. From growing up mixed-race in Leicester to challenging the entertainment industry’s narrow perceptions, Jassa shares how he turned cultural complexity into a strength. 🌍✨

🔍 Exploring Liverpool’s Complex Racial HistoryDive into the heart of Liverpool’s historical and contemporary race relations with our in-depth discussion featuring Emeritus Professor John Belchem from the University of Liverpool.📖 Drawing from his extensive research and his book Before the Windrush, Professor Belchem uncovers the racial dynamics of early 20th-century Liverpool, offering a compelling analysis of the city’s cosmopolitan past and evolving challenges of racism.🌍 What You’ll Learn:✔️ The role of Liverpool in the transatlantic slave trade✔️ The formation of one of the UK’s oldest Black communities✔️ How historical legacies shape modern race relations✔️ Liverpool’s ambivalent embrace of diversity over timeFrom colonial influences to present-day multiculturalism, this video sheds light on the untold stories and critical moments that continue to shape the city’s identity.🎥 Join us on this thought-provoking journey through Liverpool’s past to better understand its impact on race relations today.

🎙️ A Deep Dive into the Indian Army’s WWII Training with Dr. Alan JeffreysIn this enlightening discussion, we sit down with Dr. Alan Jeffreys, Head of Collections at the Imperial War Museum and author of Approach to Battle: Training the Indian Army During the Second World War, to explore the crucial yet often overlooked aspect of training the Indian Army during World War II.Dr. Jeffreys delves into the methods, training manuals, and doctrines that shaped the Indian Army, highlighting its significant role in global warfare, particularly in Southeast Asia.With nearly 30 years of expertise studying the Indian Army, he sheds light on its pivotal contributions in campaigns like Malaya and Burma, often underrepresented in historical narratives. This conversation uncovers how training evolved and the lasting impact it had during and after WWII.🔍 If you’re passionate about WWII history, military strategies, or the Indian Army’s role in the global conflict, this video offers a unique perspective!