Home / Blog / The Sikh past can be preserved now

The Sikh past can be preserved now

Sikh Relics and Artefacts:
From the past to the technological future
Saturday 7th July 2018
Guildhall, Thetford

“The Sikh past can be preserved now”  this was the statement made the head of the Sikh Museum Initiative, Gurinder Singh Mann and developer Taranjit Singh in a special lecture on Sikh relics and artefacts at the opening day of the Thetford and Punjab Festival.

The lecture formed part of the commemorations of the 125 anniversary of the death of Maharajah Duleep Singh, the last King of the Punjab, who once owned Elveden Estate. Organised by the Essex Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP) and with many other partners around Thetford.

Gurinder Singh Mann discussing the different treasuries at Lahore and Amritsar

Mann elaborated on how the Sikh Misls or confederacies had amassed great bounties as they fought back against the Mughal Empire, however with the strength of the Suckerchakia Misl under Ranjit Singh he absorbed the other Misls and their treasuries. As a result the when Ranjit Singh became Maharaja he had one of the most expensive treasuries in Asia. Consisting of expensive shawls, diamonds and rubies and artefacts of the Gurus and martyrs of the Sikh faith.

However after the Anglo Sikh Wars (1845-1849) the treasuries at Lahore and Amritsar were taken over by the East India Company, with Lord Dalhousie charging John Login to catalogue the artefacts in them. Some parts of the treasury were sold off whilst the most important were handpicked by the Governor General-Lord Dalhouise to be sent to England.

Mann then discussed where Sikh relics and artefacts can be found in the UK paying attention to swords, clothing and other items in UK collections, as a result of the Sikh Museum Initiative working with many British Institutions and private collectors.

Taranjit Singh discussing how we can preserve Sikh history through new technologies

The second part of the lecture was undertaken by Taranjit Singh and looked at how Sikh Heritage can be preserved now using techniques like 3d modelling, augmented reality and 3d printing. Particular focus was made to the Heritage Lottery Funded project on the worlds first Sikh online Museum which is now beginning to take shape with a number of items being considered for 3d modelling. Participants to the lecture were also able to see a number of 3d printed objects on display.

Gurinder Singh Mann and Taranjit Singh in front of the 3d modelled Charaina (Breastplate) of Guru Gobind Singh on show at Ancient Houses Museum, Thetford.

Earlier in the day at Ancient Houses Museum both researchers showcased the touchscreen technology which showcases modelled objects like the Koh-i-noor and other Sikh relics.

For more information on the exhibition and other events taking place click here 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required



Email Format

Sikh Museum Initiative will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:


You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at info@sikhmuseum.org.uk. We will treat your information with respect. For more information about our privacy practices please visit our website. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

We use MailChimp as our marketing automation platform. By clicking below to submit this form, you acknowledge that the information you provide will be transferred to MailChimp for processing in accordance with their Privacy Policy and Terms.