Coventry Quaker Eleanor Nesbitt is publishing a new book today – Sikh: Two Centuries of Western Women’s Art & Writing.

Chronicling two centuries of encounters between Sikhs and 170 western women, this groundbreaking work seeks to correct a major imbalance in western sources of Sikh history – which are dominated by male voices.

You can view a trailer for the book below, and read more from Kashi House the organisation who have published the book.

Among these women are queens, missionaries, journalists, big game hunters, novelists, nurses, spies, poets, artists, photographers and a flamenco dancer turned maharani. Almost every facet of Sikh history and culture is covered in their engaging travelogues, romantic fiction, reportage, philosophical engagement, enchanting watercolours and striking photographs.

From empires, warfare and political struggles to religion, sacred sites and village life, distinctive insights emerge regarding a dynamic culture – both in the Indian subcontinent and beyond – underpinned by a vibrant spiritual tradition.

This magnificent tome also brings together for the first time a remarkable treasure trove of over 440 illustrations from collections around the world including sketches, paintings and photographs by the women themselves.