Perhaps, Punjab has seen more wars than the rest of India during its existence. Frequent invasions have shaped its people's culture and character. They have learnt the art of survival and progress despite these calamities. This volume deals with the whole of 19th century in which people of Punjab passed through short intervals of peace amidst several battles and change of sovereigns. The author has chronicled the establishment and dismemberment of a sovereign Sikh State and clash of arms between the Sikh army and the forces of British Empire. It gives us a glimpse into the martial spirit of people of Punjab as well as the factitious polity of their leadership following the demise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It also highlights and stick and carrot policy of the British rulers and their successful winning of the hearts of people of Punjab through the somewhat benevolent administration of John Lawrence soon after the British subjugation of Punjab. The description is characterized by chronological details without being judgmental. The reader is left to draw his own conclusions.[edit]
