Padma Shri Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi, one of the most revered scholars of Sikhism and a towering figure in Punjabi and Hindi literature, passed away in Chandigarh on May 22. He was 98.
Over a remarkable career spanning over six decades, Dr Jaggi authored over 150 books and became a widely respected authority on Gurmat, the Bhakti movement, and medieval Indian literature. His erudition, linguistic mastery and deep engagement with Sikh scripture earned him recognition as a literary colossus and a guiding force for generations of scholars.
Born on July 27, 1927, Dr Jaggi obtained his PhD from Panjab University in 1962 for his thesis ‘Dasam Granth Da Pauranik Addhyan’. He received a DLitt from Magadh University in 1973 for his work ‘Sri Guru Nanak: Vyaktitva, Krititva aur Chintan’. He retired as professor and Head of the Department of Punjabi Literary Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, in 1987.
Equally at ease in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit, Persian and English, Dr Jaggi’s scholarship was as prolific as it was profound. Among his most significant contributions was the eight-volume commentary ‘Bhav Prabodhini Tika – Sri Guru Granth Sahib’, followed by its Hindi adaptation in five volumes. His works also include ‘Arthbodh Sri Guru Granth Sahib’ published by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and ‘Guru Nanak Bani: Paath ate Vyakhya’, released in both Punjabi and Hindi during the 550th Prakash Purb celebrations.
Dr Jaggi served as editor of several key reference texts published by Punjabi University, including ‘Punjabi Sahit Sandarbh Kosh’, ‘Punjabi Sahit da Sarotmoolak Itihas’, and ‘Guru Granth Vishavkosh’. His books ‘Guru Nanak: Jeevni ate Vyaktitva’ and ‘Guru Nanak di Vichardhara’ were both honoured by the Languages Department, Punjab. His Punjabi transliteration and translation of Tulsi Ramayan earned him a national award from the Sahitya Akademi.
In recognition of his lifelong contributions to literature and education, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri in 2023. He was also the recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1989 and the Punjab government’s highest literary honour, the Punjabi Sahit Shiromani Award in 1996. The governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, the SGPC and several universities and literary bodies also conferred honours upon him.
Dr Jaggi is survived by his wife Dr Gursharan Kaur Jaggi, retired principal of Government College for Women, Patiala, and son Malwinder Singh Jaggi, a retired IAS officer.
His passing marks the end of an era in Sikh theological scholarship and Punjabi literary tradition. The last prayers will be held on Saturday.