Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1799–1839) with his favourite, Raja Hira Singh (1816–1844), attending as a cup-bearer, c. 1835–1838. © Toor Collection.
Please note: This talk has now been rescheduled from Monday 22 April to Tuesday 7 May.
Join guest curator and collector Davinder Toor for this special introduction to the Wallace Collection’s major exhibition exploring the life of the great Sikh leader Ranjit Singh (1780–1839)
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 thirty wives, Maharani Jind Kaur. Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King is a unique opportunity to see the Wallace’s remarkable collection of Sikh arms and armour alongside other Sikh artworks for the first time.
The exhibition Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King is at The Wallace Collection from 10 April to 20 October 2024.
Proceeds from ARTscapades ticket sales benefit museums, galleries and other arts-based organisations and projects.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live, or on-demand for one month afterwards. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends.