Recently, the Chandigarh-based Panjab Digital Library (PDL) conducted an exhibition titled The Sikh Empire: Perspectives by International Artists & Authors. On display were some 80 plus prints of lithographs, maps, and paintings digitized by PDL, and a few priceless artifacts that included an intricately designed gunpowder-holder from the times of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. Or, should we say Maharaja Runjit Singh? The exhibition featured a complete list of misspelled names duly compiled for the benefits of the visitors — Umritsar, Amrutsir for Amritsar; Punjaub, Pendjab, Punjab and even Pandschab for Panjab. Also, terms Sicques, Sicks, Seiks, and Seeks for Sikhs. Several images were of Lahore in all its splendor. Emily Edon’s 1838’s portrait of Runjeet Singh and George Richmond’s painting of Rani Jindan Singh give the audience a clear vision of the times. Every frame was accompanied with elaborate descriptions. For instance, Interior of Darbar Sahib by W. Carpenter in 1858 captured the openness of the holy place as devotees perform kirtan (traditional hymn singing). A closer look revealed how kirtan was done with native stringed instruments instead of the European harmonium. The exhibition was a result of a five-week internship where seven young Sikh-Americans joined hands with Bilaval Kaur and Amitoj Singh from Panjab. ‘We sifted through thousands of documents to select these frames. What we kept in mind was to pick those panels and quotes that presented Panjab in its true essence. We made a conscious effort to stay away from hyper-regionalism,’ said one of the interns. The exhibition was shown at Guru Gobind Singh College for Women, Sector 26, Chandigarh on 17-18 Jul, and extended by a day due to overwhelming response.
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