While the descriptions Peter Johal provides in Anandpur Chronicles help paint a vivid portrait of Sikhism, this is one rare instance where the pictures don’t need words to support them. Each and every image is resplendent with centuries of history staring back at readers. In today’s racially-charged landscape, the customs of Sikhs, particularly the customary turban for males, have been misunderstood, and Sikh men have been victims of hate crimes after being mistaken for terrorists.

This compilation of stunning photographs journeys through Sikhism’s founding all the way through current times. The sikh temples, known as Gurdwaras, translate directly in Hindi to the door, or home of the gurus, and are central to Johal’s photographs. For instance, Gurdwara Damdama was the site where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final Sikh teacher conducted the trials against corruption. Many unique details intimate to Sikhism history, like Gurdwara Sahera—where the wedding garland on Guru Gobind Singh’s turban was tied—can be found in Anandpur Chronicles. While Anandpur Sahib, known as the city of bliss, is a critical component of Sikh religion and history, and it is the topic of this Sikhism tour, the natural progression from this chronicle would be for the audience to feast its eyes on the Harmandir Sahib, better known to the world as the infamous “Golden Temple.”

Though Sikhism shares similarities to the other major religions in India, one of its basic tenets, “all humans are equal before God,” is distinctly unique, and its examples can be found and felt throughout Anandpur Chronicles. In many ways, this book lifts the veil of the unknown regarding Sikhism. Anyone who would like to learn more about this historic culture, but is unwilling to dig through mounds of research and articles will find this book of photography highly educational and enriching.

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