Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King at the Wallace Collection

 

Left: Shield (dhal), 19th Century, Punjab
Right: Sword (shamshir) associated with Ranjit Singh, late 17th century
© The Trustees of the Wallace Collection

 
 

Ranjit Singh

Sikh, Warrior, King

April 10, 2024 — October 20, 2024

 

Explore the life of the great Sikh leader Ranjit Singh (1780–1839) in our current major exhibition, Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King.

With an unwavering sense of destiny, Ranjit Singh conquered the Punjab, an area that today encompasses Pakistan, following a period of anarchy caused by decades of Afghan invasions. By the early 19th century, he emerged as the undisputed Maharaja, establishing the influential Sikh Empire.

Ranjit Singh's leadership led to a golden age marked by thriving trade, flourishing arts, and a formidable army. Discover his story through nearly 100 stunning artworks, including jewellery and weaponry from the Sikh Empire drawn from major private and public collections.

The exhibition also features historic objects from his court, courtiers, and family, including items owned by the Maharaja and the most famous of his 30 wives, Maharani Jind Kaur. Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King is a unique opportunity to see this remarkable collection of Sikh arms and armour alongside other Sikh artworks for the first time.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Exhibition Preview

 

Turban-helmet, Probably Lahore, Punjab, 1825-1850.
© The Trustees of the Wallace Collection

Maharaja Ranjit Singh (r. 1799–1839) with his favourite, Raja Hira Singh (1816–1844), attending as a cup-bearer, c. 1835–1838.
© Toor Collection

Alfred Dedreux, Randjiit Sing Baadour, Roi de Lahore’ (Ranjit Singh the Brave, King of Lahore) commissioned by General Ventura, Paris, c. 1837.
© RMN-Grand Palais (musée du Louvre) / Stéphane Maréchalle

Turban-helmet (taup), probably Lahore, 19th century
© The Trustees of the Wallace Collection

Emerald girdle of Maharaja Sher Singh, Lahore, Punjab, c. 1840.
© Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024

August Schoefft, Maharaja Sher Singh (1807–1843) seated on his father's golden throne Lahore, Punjab or Delhi, c. 1841–42.
© Toor Collection

Sword associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Awadh, late 18th or early 19th century.
© The Trustees of the Wallace Collection

William Willoughby Hooper and George Western, Nihang bodyguard serving in the Nizam of Hyderabad’s irregular Sikh army. Hyderabad, c. 1865.
© Toor Collection

Turban Fortress (dastar bunga), Lahore, Punjab, mid-19th century.
© Royal Armouries, Leeds 

Bishan Singh (c. 1820 - c. 1900), The Court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (r. 1799-1839), Amritsar or Lahore, Punjab, 1863-1864.
© Toor Collection

Suit of armour comprising cuirass (chair-aina), mail chausses (pyjama zirah), arm defences (dastana), helmet (taup), mail shirt (zirah) and a pair of shoes, Lahore, Punjab, c. 1830-1840.
© Royal Armouries, Leeds

Shield (dhal), 19th Century, Punjab
© The Wallace Collection

Hafiz Muhammad of Multan, The Golden Throne of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, c. 1820-1830.
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Sword (shamshir) associated with Ranjit Singh, late 17th century
© The Trustees of the Wallace Collection

Rattan Singh, Rani Mahtab Kaur (1782-1813), Lahore or Delhi, c. 1810-1830.
© Toor Collection

The Battle of Sirhind, illustration from Tawarikh-i-Jahandar Shah, Awadh, c. 1770. 
© From the British Library Archive

 
 
News 15, Exhibitions 3Editorial TeamArt of the Ancestors, Steven G. Alpert, Asian Art, Island Southeast Asian Art, Oceanic Art, Asiatica, Ethnographica, Ethnographic Art, Art Collection, Fine Art, Primitive Art, Indonesian Art, Tribal Art, Eyes of the Ancestors, Dr. Reimar Schefold