Visualising Sikh Culture
This section showcases unique visual items from Manchester Art Gallery and the Rylands collections. The Rylands and other British institutions hold material objects, as well as manuscripts, significant to Sikh culture and heritage. Displaying physical objects alongside early visuals enhances our understanding of Sikh culture, and brings the intwined histories of the Sikh and British Empires to life.
This casket features portraits of eight notable Sikh and Mughal figures, which were widely produced and copied between the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, particularly in Delhi.
Ornately crafted with precious metals, ivory and jewels, this casket contains paintings of Maharajah Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) and Maharajah Gulab Singh (1792-1857) as well as Mughal emperors, their wives and daughters.
Click through the portraits to find out more information about the figures. View a video guide on using the feature.
1934.354
This portrait was acquired as part of a photographic collection of jewellery. This man was once known, and had a name, a family, and a personal story to tell. This story has been lost.
We suspect, on account of his dress, that he was associated with the ruler of a minor Sikh state, and welcome any information from the community about his identity.