Bhai Vir Singh as institution builder: A study of his contribution in early 20^th century Sikh Revivalism

This paper intends to understand the life and works of Bhai Vir Singh (1872–1957) as builder of institutions and practices which have played foundational role in the life, institutions, culture and practice of Sikhs in twentieth and twenty first century. It would not be an exaggeration here, to note, that without Bhai Vir Singh's contribution, Sikhs of 20^thcentury would have been suffering from severe limitations in terms of education, history, print culture, commerce and philanthropy. Bhai Vir Singh emerged as the most influential modern educator on the history and legacy of Sikh Gurus, Sikh sacred writings and Sikh historical traditions. There is no doubt that Sikhs have been given spiritual guidance by Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and the life and teachings of ten Sikh Gurus. It was only with the efforts and contribution of Bhai Vir Singh, that Sikhs got an access to a focused, standard, authentic, annotated corpus of Sikh literature.