Mahan Kosh to Be Corrected and Reprinted: Speaker Sandhwan Sets Two-Week Deadline
Chandigarh | May 6, 2025 — In a significant step toward preserving and refining one of Punjab’s most revered literary works, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan has directed Punjabi University, Patiala to submit an expert committee report on the Mahan Kosh within the next two weeks.
Compiled by the legendary scholar Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, the Mahan Kosh is regarded as the first encyclopaedia of Sikh literature and Punjabi heritage, widely used by scholars, historians, and students. Errors and outdated references in the text have prompted calls for revision and careful vetting before reprinting.
Reprint of Mahan Kosh to Follow After Corrections
During a high-level meeting at the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, Speaker Sandhwan held an in-depth discussion with senior officials of Punjabi University and the Language Department of Punjab. Emphasizing the cultural and academic importance of the Mahan Kosh, he instructed the university to expedite the process of identifying and correcting factual inaccuracies.
“Mahan Kosh is not just a book—it’s a cornerstone of Punjabi literature. We owe it to future generations to preserve its sanctity and ensure its accuracy,” said Speaker Sandhwan.
He proposed that the corrected version be reprinted at the earliest, following expert approval.
Expert Committee to Lead the Review Process
The Speaker directed Dr. Narinder Kaur Multani, Dean of Punjabi University, to convene a meeting with the university’s Expert Committee within 15 days. The committee is tasked with scrutinizing the content, identifying errors, and suggesting factual and linguistic updates to align with contemporary standards.
Once the suggestions are consolidated, a formal report will be submitted to the Punjab Government for approval and further action.
The meeting was attended by several prominent academic and administrative figures, including:
- Girish Dayalan, Director General of School Education, Punjab
- Dr. Parminderjit Kaur and Dr. Narinder Kaur Multani, Punjabi University
- Kuljit Singh, Advocate Jaswinder Singh, Paramjit Singh, Hashpal Singh
- Dr. Khushal Singh, Rajinder Singh Khalsa, Amarinder Singh, Pyare Lal Garg, and Ashok Chawla
Mahan Kosh: A Legacy Text Needing Precision
Originally published in 1930, the Mahan Kosh by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha is often referred to as the “Punjabi Britannica.” It includes over 64,000 entries covering Sikh philosophy, Punjabi linguistics, history, religion, and more.
However, scholars and readers have recently flagged typographical errors, outdated references, and minor factual discrepancies. With rising interest in the Punjabi language and literature, Speaker Sandhwan emphasized the urgency of ensuring the encyclopaedia remains authoritative and academically reliable.
Government’s Role in Promoting Punjabi Literature
This initiative is in line with the Punjab Government’s broader policy of cultural preservation and linguistic promotion. The Department of Language, Punjab, has played a key role in coordinating with academic institutions and cultural experts to keep foundational texts like the Mahan Kosh relevant and accessible.
Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to digitize the Mahan Kosh and make it available online for a global audience, a move that could be strengthened after a corrected version is released.
What Happens Next?
- Within 15 days: Punjabi University’s Expert Committee to meet and finalize suggestions
- Within 2 weeks: Report submission to the Punjab Government
- Following approval: Official correction and reprinting of the revised edition of Mahan Kosh
- Long-term goal: Make a digitally accessible, error-free version available for educational institutions and researchers