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The Arts

Sikh expo set to open in Toronto on May 27

Firdaus Ali in Toronto

The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms, a landmark travelling exhibition, comes to Toronto's Royal Ontario Museum on May 27.

The exhibition, organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and presented by the ROM in association with the Sikh Foundation Canada Inc, commemorates the 300th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa Panth.

The exhibition, the first of its kind in North America, travels from the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, where it closed in January 2000.

"On display are a dazzling array of almost 200 objects tracing the birth, history and grandeur of the Sikh religion. The artifacts range from historic paintings, photographs, jewels, textiles, coins, ceramic tiles, metalwork and books to weaponry, armour and decorative arts associated with the Sikh dynasty," says David Mckay, ROM spokesperson.

The extravagance of the 19th century Sikh empire is marked by the military objects that will be put on show, which include an enamelled gold medal set with emeralds and diamonds; a turban helmet; a sword hilt of jade inlaid with precious stones; a full armour set, and intricately carved pistols.

The exhibition's 10 thematic sections provide a historical overview of Sikh and Punjabi history, starting with the origin of the religion, the life story of Guru Nanak, and that of the tenth guru, Gobind Singh.

From here it treks to the Sikh kingdoms before and during the British colonial era, reflecting the cosmopolitan and egalitarian ambience of the Sikh courts, where fine arts and architecture flourished.

The displayed pieces at the exhibition are an assortment from private and public collections in England, the United States, Canada, Pakistan and France and aim at educating and enlightening both Sikh and non-Sikh audiences.

"This diverse presentation of the artistic strengths of the Punjab region during Sikh rule gives visitors the unique opportunity to learn more about Sikh culture and history, from the establishment of the Sikh kingdoms 300 years ago to the present," says Seema Bharadia, ROM's curator for the show.

The exhibition is part of ROM's South Asian initiative in association with the Sikh Association, a non-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing the understanding of the Sikh community in Canada.

The highlight of the exhibit includes the golden, octagonal, magnificent throne of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which depicts the artisan soul and rich heritage of the Sikh era. Many great artifacts were created under the patronage of Ranjit Singh, a keen promoter of painting and the arts.

The exhibition will be accompanied by the book, The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms, edited by Susan Stronge, curator of the exhibit from the V&A Museum, which explains the advent of Sikh rule.

Incidentally, this is the most extensive exhibition on the art of the Sikh kingdoms ever to be displayed in North America, one that enriches the ROM's extensive array of galleries and exhibits on world cultures.

The ROM is Canada's largest museum of natural history and human cultures with five million objects in its collection and over 40 galleries showcasing art, archaeology and science.

As a priority theme, the museum studies and presents the history and diversity of world cultures. The forthcoming Sikh expo is one such effort to promote multiculturalism.

With the creation of a permanent Asian Sculpture Gallery last year, the ROM plans to develop the Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery, which will open later this year, and make room for exhibits of other great Asian civilizations.

The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms will remain open till August 20, 2000.

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