Bringing together both private and public collections in the UK, this display of items is a glimpse into a different world which has shaped modern India in some ways…
MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH is regarded in India as one of the great rulers of his time (1780-1839).
This exhibition is housed at the Wallace Collection – a grand sprawling town construction known as Hertford House, not far Oxford Street in the heart of central London – and continues until October 20 and contains a wide variety items.
Ranjit Singh was the force behind the last Sikh Empire that stretched from Afghanistan and the borders of Tibet in the north to Mughal/British India territory in the south.
The capital of his empire became Lahore at this time and his reign is marked by its religious plurality and its multi-ethnic ethos – even white Europeans served in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army.
He was widely admired and respected and became known as the Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of Punjab) by locals and ‘The Napoleon of the East’ by his French lieutenants.
created 1820-30 ©Victoria and Albert Museum picture:
©CassandraParsons
Blind in one eye and afflicted by smallpox when young, he rose through the ranks and forced the Afghans to retreat in the early 18th century aged just 17 before taking over Lahore, and Amritsar, where the holiest shrine in Sikhism, the Golden Temple is situated.
As part of his spoils of victory, he took the Koh-i-Noor from the Afghans following their victory over the Mughals, who in turn had plundered it from the Persians and Nadir Shah. Today, it is part of the British Crown Jewels and can be seen in the Tower of London.
Following Ranjit Singh’s death, the empire collapsed – parts of his own army were in hock with the British and after the Anglo-Sikh Wars, all but one of his sons were murdered and the East India Company established more than a foothold, taking over Jammu and Kashmir first and then establishing rule over the rest of Ranjit Singh’s Empire in 1849.
This is a brilliant and fascinating collection that includes an incredible array of artefacts and objects from the the time – from furniture to paintings, a throne itself to tiny jewellery and is made up from both private and public collections.
As a brilliant military commander, there are also displays of the armoury, swords and other weaponry Maharajah Singh’s army deployed in battle.
Lahore, 18th century ©RoyalArmouries,Leeds
Davinder Toor, who started out as a private collector has had a major role in putting the exhibition together.
He said: “Aside from telling the story of a historic figure in whom we can all recognise part of ourselves, the exhibition goes beyond to highlight a shared heritage that holds an enduring power to inspire.”
Dr Xavier Bray, Wallace Collection director, said: “These works of art deserve to be better known by the public and I am thrilled that they will be in the spotlight as we tell the incredible story of Ranjit Singh.
“As well as his military prowess and political genius, the Lion of Punjab was known for the diversity and tolerance he fostered in his Empire and celebrating this has never been more important.”
The remaining heir to the throne Maharaja Sir Duleep/Dalip Singh was just five and initially his mother Rani Jind Kaur took over but in effect the British were in charge and sent the young prince to England, where he was converted to Christianity and became a favourite of Queen Victoria. Later in his life he fled to Paris, returned to Sikhism and was desperate to return but he died in Paris (1838-1893) a broken man.
Main picture: Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) with his favourite, Raja Hira Singh (1816-1844) attending as a cup bearer ©ToorCollection
Listing
Ranjit Singh – Sikh, Warrior, King – The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN (April 20) till October 20 2024
https: //www.wallacecollection.org
