London, Sep 10 (PTI) - At an event held in the esteemed House of Lords, former Rajya Sabha MP Sardar Tarlochan Singh called on British Sikh parliamentarians and peers to initiate comprehensive research into the dispersed treasures of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. These artifacts, he argued, should be appropriately documented and exhibited in a museum to benefit future generations.
The 92-year-old advocate and former chairman of the National Commission for Minorities spoke during a British Sikh Association event held in his honor. He referenced media revelations that unearthed a colonial-era document listing some of the troves belonging to the iconic 19th-century ruler of the Sikh Empire.
“A detailed list of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s toshakhana (treasury) treasures should be made public so our children can take pride in our Sikh heritage,” Singh stated.
He recounted historical accounts that mentioned Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sacred plume, which adorned his turban and was stored in the toshakhana, a relic Maharaja Ranjit Singh reportedly touched daily.
“There are numerous precious items, including the Maharaja’s golden chair, currently on exhibit at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum in London. However, many artifacts remain in storage, and these should be displayed collectively,” Singh added.
Singh, who established a museum dedicated to Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Amritsar, emphasized that his appeal is not for the repatriation of these relics to India but for their proper care and exhibition in the UK.
“I urge Sikh parliamentarians in the UK to ensure that our scattered heritage, found in various collections like the V&A, Sandhurst, and the British Museum, is consolidated and showcased for younger generations,” he urged.
A philanthropist awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2021 for his social service contributions, Singh also encouraged the British Sikh Association to commemorate the 1897 Battle of Saragarhi in London, notably depicted in the 2019 Bollywood film 'Kesari'.
“We will be commemorating the 128th anniversary of this historical battle on September 12, when just 21 Sikh soldiers from the British Indian Army's 36th Sikh Regiment defended the Saragarhi outpost against a formidable force of Afghan tribesmen,” noted Lord Rami Ranger, chairman of the British Sikh Association.
“Sardar Tarlochan Singh has provided us with significant insights, and the association will establish a Saragarhi Memorial Society to advance this initiative,” he remarked.
Lord Kuldip Singh Sahota, an India-born Labour peer, discussed a bronze statue of Havildar Ishar Singh situated in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, commemorating his bravery during the historic Battle of Saragarhi in the North West Frontier Province of British India.
Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi praised Sardar Tarlochan Singh’s relentless dedication to motivating Sikhs globally to contribute positively within their communities, as he presented Singh with the British Sikh Association’s Sikh Jewel Award.
The event concluded with a gesture of solidarity, as the association and Lord Rami Ranger donated 2,000 pounds towards the flood relief efforts coordinated by the ‘Daily Ajit’ newspaper in Punjab.
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