Though the history of Sikh-Muslim relations is fraught with conflict,
this book examines how the policies of Sikh rulers attempted to avoid
religious bigotry and prejudice at a time when Muslims were treated as
third-class citizens. Focusing on the socio-economic, political and
religious condition of Muslims under Sikh rule in the Punjab during the
19th century, this book demonstrates that Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his
successors took a secular approach towards their subjects. Using various
archival sources, including the Fakir Khana Family archives and the
Punjab Archives, the author argues citizens had freedom to practice
their religion, with equal access to employment, education and justice.