The land of five waters gave the world its first cities, its saints and its songs. Broken by every empire that crossed it, it is still ours to remember, and to make whole again.

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Punjab WikiMuseumFrom the world's museumsThe Sikh courts and the Gurus
The Sikh courts and the Gurus · 111

Through the ages

Battle between Sikhs and EnglishBattle between Sikhs and EnglishWellcome Collection ↗Battle in KabulBattle in KabulWellcome Collection ↗Two rows of soldiers, English and SikhTwo rows of soldiers, English and SikhAmritsarWellcome Collection ↗A Sikh soldier with his wife offering him betel leavesA Sikh soldier with his wife offering him betel leavesWellcome Collection ↗One of twelve tiny paintings deicting Mughal emperors, Afghan and Sikh noblesOne of twelve tiny paintings deicting Mughal emperors, Afghan and Sikh nobles© Victoria and Albert Museum, London ↗One of twelve tiny paintings depictsing Mughal emperors, Afghan and Sikh noblesOne of twelve tiny paintings depictsing Mughal emperors, Afghan and Sikh nobles© Victoria and Albert Museum, London ↗Sikh Craft kept at Chandradhari Museum, Darbhanga.Sikh Craft kept at Chandradhari Museum, Darbhanga.Wikimedia Commons · P. C. Roy Chaudhury · CC BY-SA ↗SikhSikhWikimedia Commons · The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles ↗The Sikh Bomber" Mohan Singh, 14th King George's Own Ferozepore Sikhs…The Sikh Bomber" Mohan Singh, 14th King George's Own Ferozepore Sikhs…National Army Museum, London · photo The wub (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA ↗Battle Standard flag of the Sikh Empire featuring Durga on her lion or tiger mountBattle Standard flag of the Sikh Empire featuring Durga on her lion or tiger mountAsian Art Museum, San Francisco · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Battle Standard flag of the Sikh Empire featuring central sun motifBattle Standard flag of the Sikh Empire featuring central sun motifAsian Art Museum, San Francisco · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Equestrian portrait of Brijraj Dev of Jammua? (G) or could be Sikh chief IndianEquestrian portrait of Brijraj Dev of Jammua? (G) or could be Sikh chief IndianMuseum of Fine Arts, Boston · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Sikh constabulary in British North Borneo [today part of Malaysia]Sikh constabulary in British North Borneo [today part of Malaysia]Wikimedia Commons ↗Sikh and wife.Sikh and wife.Wellcome Collection · CC BY ↗Sikh warrior and wife.Sikh warrior and wife.Wellcome Collection · CC BY ↗A Sikh and his wifeA Sikh and his wifeWellcome Collection ↗Maharaja Ranjit Dev with Srimat Singh, Balawant Singh and Srimat Ghanasyam DevMaharaja Ranjit Dev with Srimat Singh, Balawant Singh and Srimat Ghanasyam DevIndian Museum, Kolkata · photo Anup Sadi (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA ↗Peshawara Singh [also spelt Pashaura Singh or Peshora Singh] (middlePeshawara Singh [also spelt Pashaura Singh or Peshora Singh] (middleWikimedia Commons · Muhammad Bakhsh Nakash [Naqqāsh] ↗Description below taken from source website: "Details Title: The Court of Maharaja…Description below taken from source website: "Details Title: The Court of Maharaja…Wikimedia Commons · Muhammad Bakhsh Nakash [Naqqāsh] ↗Jammu, PahariJammu, PahariIndian Museum, Kolkata · photo Sneharshidasgupta (Wikimedia Commons) ↗SkriftSkriftIndien India Индия Intia Índia Индия Indija Indija Indija Inde India India IndijMuseum of Ethnography (via Europeana) ↗SkriftSkriftIndien India Индия Intia Índia Индия Indija Indija Indija Inde India India IndijMuseum of Ethnography (via Europeana) ↗Brush drawing in ink with colour wash on paperBrush drawing in ink with colour wash on paperWikimedia Commons ↗Miniature painting of Raj Singh of Guler [Raja Gaj Singh GopalMiniature painting of Raj Singh of Guler [Raja Gaj Singh GopalLACMA, Los Angeles · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Guru Govind Singh mixing nectar for his disciples at the birth of KhalsaGuru Govind Singh mixing nectar for his disciples at the birth of KhalsaWellcome Collection (via Europeana) · CC BY ↗Akalees (Akalis)”, from "Portraits of the Princes and People of India”, by Emily EdenAkalees (Akalis)”, from "Portraits of the Princes and People of India”, by Emily EdenAsian Art Museum, San Francisco · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Jagat Singh was a prince from a small kingdom in the western Himalayan foothills who…Jagat Singh was a prince from a small kingdom in the western Himalayan foothills who…Wikimedia Commons · Bichitr ↗Raja Sher Singh ('Atariwala'Raja Sher Singh ('Atariwala'National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of Pahari rajas participating in the marriage procession of prince Anirudh…Painting of Pahari rajas participating in the marriage procession of prince Anirudh…Wikimedia Commons ↗The Maharajah Shere Singh (Sher Singh)”, Portraits of the Princes and People of IndiaThe Maharajah Shere Singh (Sher Singh)”, Portraits of the Princes and People of IndiaAsian Art Museum, San Francisco · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of Mihan Singh [altPainting of Mihan Singh [altLahore Museum · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Pratap Singh, prince of the SikhsPratap Singh, prince of the SikhsAsian Art Museum, San Francisco · photo Emily Eden (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Fakir Nuruddin (Fakir Syed Nuruddin; Fakir Syad Nur-o-Deen)Fakir Nuruddin (Fakir Syed Nuruddin; Fakir Syad Nur-o-Deen)National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Maharajah Duleep Bassi dressed for a State function, cMaharajah Duleep Bassi dressed for a State function, cWikimedia Commons · Capt. Goldingham of London. ↗North Coast visit - Indian Charlie and his pipe - Harwood Island PuntNorth Coast visit - Indian Charlie and his pipe - Harwood Island PuntWikimedia Commons · Photographic Collection from Australia · CC BY ↗Pank-a-Squith game with Selina Cooper, Millicent Garett-Fawcett, Christabel PankhurstPank-a-Squith game with Selina Cooper, Millicent Garett-Fawcett, Christabel PankhurstWikimedia Commons · Dunk 🐝 · CC BY ↗Painting of Chet Singh Bajwa seatedPainting of Chet Singh Bajwa seatedNational Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Kharak Singh, 2nd Maharaja of LahoreKharak Singh, 2nd Maharaja of LahoreV&A, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Maha Singh (altMaha Singh (altWikimedia Commons ↗Mangal Singh (Sandhu; Sirdar Mangal Singh), manager of prince Kharak Singh's estatesMangal Singh (Sandhu; Sirdar Mangal Singh), manager of prince Kharak Singh's estatesNational Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗* Letterpress label measures 40 x 85 mm.* Letterpress label measures 40 x 85 mm.Wikimedia Commons · Scan by NYPL ↗Felice Beato (British, born Italy - Sikh Akali - Google Art ProjectFelice Beato (British, born Italy - Sikh Akali - Google Art ProjectWikimedia Commons · Felice Beato ↗Natha Singh (Akali Natha Singh Shaheed; Nutta Singh Akali)Natha Singh (Akali Natha Singh Shaheed; Nutta Singh Akali)National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Portrait of Akali Phoola Singh, sitting on a horse wearing a ‘fortress turban’Portrait of Akali Phoola Singh, sitting on a horse wearing a ‘fortress turban’British Museum, London · photo After: Colesworthey Grant Published by: Thacker & Co (?) (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Preceding Jathedar of Akal TakhtPreceding Jathedar of Akal TakhtWikimedia Commons · possibly Sanee (Sani), a Company artist ↗Amritsar (The Lake by the Golden Temple)', oil on canvas painting by Charles W. BartlettAmritsar (The Lake by the Golden Temple)', oil on canvas painting by Charles W. BartlettWikimedia Commons · Charles William Bartlett ↗Felice Beato (British, born Italy - The Golden Temple at Amritsar - Google Art ProjectFelice Beato (British, born Italy - The Golden Temple at Amritsar - Google Art ProjectWikimedia Commons · Felice Beato ↗Sri Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple), AmritsarSri Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple), AmritsarWikimedia Commons ↗Watercolour painting titled 'Akal Boonga [Akal BungaWatercolour painting titled 'Akal Boonga [Akal BungaV&A, London · photo William Simpson (Wikimedia Commons) ↗The Kutwalee from the borders of the Tank' from 'Original Sketches in the Punjaub by a…The Kutwalee from the borders of the Tank' from 'Original Sketches in the Punjaub by a…Wikimedia Commons · Dickinson & Co. Lith., after an anonymous lady artist ↗Vue Générale du Temple d'Or, a Amritsir', photographic reproduction by "Alexandre" of a…Vue Générale du Temple d'Or, a Amritsir', photographic reproduction by "Alexandre" of a…Wikimedia Commons ↗The Golden Temple, Amritsar by William Carpenter, paintings, watercolour on paper, IndiaThe Golden Temple, Amritsar by William Carpenter, paintings, watercolour on paper, IndiaV&A, London · photo William Carpenter (Wikimedia Commons) ↗A painting by William Carpenter Scenes in colonial British India This 2D artwork…A painting by William Carpenter Scenes in colonial British India This 2D artwork…V&A, London · photo William Carpenter (painter) (Wikimedia Commons) ↗The Golden Temple, caThe Golden Temple, caGovernment Museum, Chandigarh · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA ↗Felice Beato (British, born Italy - Interior of the Sikh Temple with Marble MosaicFelice Beato (British, born Italy - Interior of the Sikh Temple with Marble MosaicWikimedia Commons · Felice Beato ↗Painting of Bhai Amir Bakhsh [altPainting of Bhai Amir Bakhsh [altLahore Museum · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Guler painting, in opaque watercolour on paper, depicting a Sikh rulerGuler painting, in opaque watercolour on paper, depicting a Sikh rulerV&A, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗A Sikh chief (possibly identified as Desa Singh Majithia) carousing with a ladyA Sikh chief (possibly identified as Desa Singh Majithia) carousing with a ladyGovernment Museum, Chandigarh · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of Diwan Hakim Rai [altPainting of Diwan Hakim Rai [altLahore Museum · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of Fakir Syed Nuruddin [altPainting of Fakir Syed Nuruddin [altLahore Museum · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of Fakir Syed Tajuddin [altPainting of Fakir Syed Tajuddin [altLahore Museum · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of Jamadar Khushal Singh [altPainting of Jamadar Khushal Singh [altLahore Museum · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of Pandit Madhusudan [altPainting of Pandit Madhusudan [altLahore Museum · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of Raja Hira Singh [altPainting of Raja Hira Singh [altLahore Museum · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of Surjan Singh Kumedan of the Sikh Empire, Sikh school, Punjab PlainsPainting of Surjan Singh Kumedan of the Sikh Empire, Sikh school, Punjab PlainsLahore Museum · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of Wazir Jawahir Singh [altPainting of Wazir Jawahir Singh [altLahore Museum · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of the folk-tale Sohni-Mahiwal, MughalPainting of the folk-tale Sohni-Mahiwal, MughalBritish Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh standing with left hand grasping sheath of his swordPainting of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh standing with left hand grasping sheath of his swordWikimedia Commons ↗Portrait of Sikh leader Kartar Singh JhabbarPortrait of Sikh leader Kartar Singh JhabbarWikimedia Commons ↗Miniature painting of Tara Singh Ghaiba (middle, yellow turbanMiniature painting of Tara Singh Ghaiba (middle, yellow turbanGovernment Museum, Chandigarh · photo Atelier of Purkhu of Kangra (Wikimedia Commons) ↗SkriftSkriftIndien India Индия Intia Índia Индия Indija Indija Indija Inde India India IndijMuseum of Ethnography (via Europeana) ↗Kop met oor voor thee uit de langar (gezamenlijke keuken)Format original: hoogte 8.2 cmKop met oor voor thee uit de langar (gezamenlijke keuken)Format original: hoogte 8.2 cmWikimedia Commons ↗Painting of mahants Bhagwanji (seated leaning against a bolster) and NarainjiPainting of mahants Bhagwanji (seated leaning against a bolster) and NarainjiBritish Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Bhai Gurmukh Singh (Sirdar Gurmukh Singh (Bhai))Bhai Gurmukh Singh (Sirdar Gurmukh Singh (Bhai))National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Fateh Khan Tiwana (Sirdar Fatteh Khan (Iowana); Sardar Fateh Khan Tiwana)Fateh Khan Tiwana (Sirdar Fatteh Khan (Iowana); Sardar Fateh Khan Tiwana)National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Hukam Singh Malwai, son of Dhanna Singh Malwai (Sirdar Hukm Singh (Malwai))Hukam Singh Malwai, son of Dhanna Singh Malwai (Sirdar Hukm Singh (Malwai))National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Lehna Singh Sandhawalia (of Raja Sansi; Sirdar Lehna Singh (Sindianwala))Lehna Singh Sandhawalia (of Raja Sansi; Sirdar Lehna Singh (Sindianwala))National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Pundit Jhilla (altPundit Jhilla (altNational Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Raja Hira Singh (Hira Singh Dogra)Raja Hira Singh (Hira Singh Dogra)National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Raja Suchet Singh (Suchet Singh Dogra)Raja Suchet Singh (Suchet Singh Dogra)National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Shamsher Singh (Attariwala or Sandhawalia; Sirdar Shamshir Singh (Atariwala))Shamsher Singh (Attariwala or Sandhawalia; Sirdar Shamshir Singh (Atariwala))National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Jawahar Singh (Wazir; Sirdar Jowahir Singh Maternal Uncle to Maharajah Dhulip Singh)Jawahar Singh (Wazir; Sirdar Jowahir Singh Maternal Uncle to Maharajah Dhulip Singh)National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Lehna Singh MajithiaLehna Singh MajithiaNational Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Raja Dian Singh (Raja Dyan Singh; Wazir)Raja Dian Singh (Raja Dyan Singh; Wazir)National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Sardar Ranjodh Singh Majithia (Sirdar Runjodh Singh (Majithia))Sardar Ranjodh Singh Majithia (Sirdar Runjodh Singh (Majithia))National Army Museum, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Plate 9 from 'Recollections of IndiaPlate 9 from 'Recollections of IndiaBritish Library, London · photo James Duffield Harding / After Charles Hardinge, 2nd Viscoun (Wikimedia Commons) ↗A view of the Golden Temple at Amritsar, the principle shrine of the Sikh religion'A view of the Golden Temple at Amritsar, the principle shrine of the Sikh religion'British Library, London · photo Marianne North (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Sikh Soldiers receiving their pay at the Royal DurbarSikh Soldiers receiving their pay at the Royal DurbarBritish Library, London · photo James Duffield Harding / After Charles Hardinge, 2nd Viscoun (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Sketch of Sikh Ghorcharas of the Khalsa [Sikh Empire], by Fanny Eden, near AmritsarSketch of Sikh Ghorcharas of the Khalsa [Sikh Empire], by Fanny Eden, near AmritsarBritish Library, London · photo Fanny Eden (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Gulab SingGulab SingBritish Library, London · photo Thomas Fairland / After Charles Hardinge, 2nd Viscount Hardi (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Miniature painting of Raja Jaswant Singh of NabhaMiniature painting of Raja Jaswant Singh of NabhaBritish Library, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of a Ganjbakhshi [likely a follower of Naushah Ganj Bakhsh/Haji Muhammad…Painting of a Ganjbakhshi [likely a follower of Naushah Ganj Bakhsh/Haji Muhammad…British Library, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Sheik Imam-Ud-Din, Runjur Sing, and Dewan Dina Nath.Sheik Imam-Ud-Din, Runjur Sing, and Dewan Dina Nath.British Library, London · photo Auguste-François Laby / After Charles Hardinge, 2nd Viscount (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Three Sikh sirdars on horseback From Source "Watercolour of Sikh Sardars on horseback…Three Sikh sirdars on horseback From Source "Watercolour of Sikh Sardars on horseback…British Library, London · photo Sita Ram (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Glen at Nara HuzaraGlen at Nara HuzaraBritish Library, London · photo James Abbott (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Detail of the lithograph showing the collection of fabulous jewels of Maharaja Ranjit…Detail of the lithograph showing the collection of fabulous jewels of Maharaja Ranjit…British Library, London · photo Eden, Emily (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Opening of a memorial [now known as 'Saragarhi Memorial Gurdwara'] to the 36th Sikhs…Opening of a memorial [now known as 'Saragarhi Memorial Gurdwara'] to the 36th Sikhs…British Library, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of a Ramraiya [altPainting of a Ramraiya [altBritish Library, London · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗The bridge over the Sutlej river collapses as Sikh soldiers retreat across it at the…The bridge over the Sutlej river collapses as Sikh soldiers retreat across it at the…British Library, London · photo Archibald Forbes, Arthur Griffiths and others. (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Brooklyn Museum - Portrait of Thakur Sangram Singh - Ustad Ahmad (son of Ahmad Ali)Brooklyn Museum - Portrait of Thakur Sangram Singh - Ustad Ahmad (son of Ahmad Ali)Brooklyn Museum · photo Ustad Ahmad (son of Ahmad Ali) (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Illustration belonging to the Chester-Beatty-Akbar-namaIllustration belonging to the Chester-Beatty-Akbar-namaPhiladelphia Museum of Art · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting depicting a scene of Sikhs hunting wild gamePainting depicting a scene of Sikhs hunting wild gameAsian Art Museum, San Francisco · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Painting of Gurmukh Singh Lamba (his name is altPainting of Gurmukh Singh Lamba (his name is altLahore Museum · photo Wikimedia Commons (Wikimedia Commons) ↗Sikh soldiers receiving their pay at the Royal Durbar, LahoreSikh soldiers receiving their pay at the Royal Durbar, LahoreSheesh Mahal Museum, Patiala · photo James Duffield Harding (1797-1863) after Charles Stewart Har (Wikimedia Commons) ↗A Sikh AkalanA Sikh AkalanWellcome Collection ↗Page 87: Sikh horseback riderPage 87: Sikh horseback riderWellcome Collection · CC BY ↗Page 111: two Sikh wrestlersPage 111: two Sikh wrestlersWellcome Collection ↗Page 150: a man seated with Sikh worshippersPage 150: a man seated with Sikh worshippersWellcome Collection ↗Page 116: three portraits of kings, princes or generalsPage 116: three portraits of kings, princes or generalsWellcome Collection ↗Jammu, PahariJammu, PahariIndian Museum, Kolkata · photo Sneharshidasgupta (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA ↗Large collection of Sikh weaponry, war dresses, paintings, utensilsLarge collection of Sikh weaponry, war dresses, paintings, utensilsWikimedia Commons · Utkarshx95 · CC BY ↗

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Shown here are the objects whose pictures museums have released openly. Far more are in their collections, and in museums with no open search, such as the Lahore Museum. Searching for "Sikh".

Pictures from the collections of Art Institute of Chicago, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum (via Europeana), Bhuri Singh Museum, Chamba, 65 more, found automatically: public domain or openly licensed, except the V&A's, shown for non-commercial use with the museum's credit. Titles and dates are the museums' own; each card names its museum and any licence. Updated 2026-10-26.

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