HARI RAM GUPTA, Dr.
Dr. Hari Ram Gupta (1902 – 28.3.1992) was born at village Bhurewal (district Ambala, Haryana). He received his early education from his village. Later, he passed his M.A. in History from Punjab University, Lahore. In 1937, he was awarded Ph. D. by Punjab University, Lahore, for his thesis The Evolution of the Sikh Confederacies.
He began his career as a Lecturer in History at F.C. College, Lahore. During this period his books on the Sikh history were published. In 1944, he was awarded D.Litt. by the Punjab University, Lahore. In 1947, he joined the University College at Hoshiarpur as Professor and head of the department of history. In 1960, he was appointed as the Dean of the University Instructions.
He retired in 1963. The same year he was appointed as the head of the postgraduate department of history at Dev Samaj College, Firozpur. He retired from this college in 1977. He spent the rest of his life at Delhi. D
- Hari Ram Gupta spent whole of his life in doing work on Sikh history. He wrote several books, including: History of the Sikhs, Studies in the Later Mogul
History of the Punjab, Punjab on the Eve of the First Sikh War, Marathas and Panipat, Indian Pakistan War 1965. His last work was the history of the Sikhs in six volumes. He could complete five volumes (up to the year 1982) only. Dr. Hari Ram Gupta was given awards and honours by several institutions: Jadunath Sarkar Gold Medal (1949), honour by Sri Guru Singh Sabha (1981), honour by the Punjab History Conference (1989).
Dr Hari Ram Gupta could not get due honour from the Sikhs because of his Arya Samajist views which could be seen from his writings.
[Photo of Dr Hari Ram Gupta with thanks from Principal Subhash Parihar, Kotkapura]
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)