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Sikh author short listed for historian award

A renowned Sikh author has been short listed for the annual EDP-Jarrold East Anglian Book Awards, for his book on Maharajah Duleep Singh

Peter Bance is a historian who has shattered the glass ceiling in western journalism, publishing a book on the life of Maharajah Duleep Singh, the youngest son of the Maharajah Rajit Singh, king of the Sikh Kingdom, which ended in 1849

It's the biggest celebration of the best in new East Anglian writing - and has reveal the shortlisted entries for the EDP-Jarrold East Anglian Book Awards, supported by Writers' Centre Norwich...

We spoke exclusively to Peter Bance:

When did you know you would be nominated for the EDP- Jarrolds East Anglian Book Awards 2009

I was told that the book was entered in June when the book was reviewed in the Eastern Daily Press. The shortlist was a pleasant surprise!

Do you know what the format of the awards ceremony is

there are 6 categories:
Fiction and Poetry
Places and Nature
Art and Photography
History and Tradition
Biography
Guidebooks and Travel

I was entered into the History & Traditions category. And have been now shortlisted in this category (I beleive its down to the last 3 entrants per category). There will be an Individual award for each category, and then an overall winner will be chosen from the 6 category winners on the ceremony next month.

How dose it feel to be short listed in the history section

It feels great to be shortlisted for a book award, and makes you feel proud as a Sikh as well as individual in reaching this achievement, and secondly thankful that my research has been recognised. Being shortlisted is a major milestone, and it’s like winning for me...
Read entire article at The Sikh Times