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The property of the last King of Sikh’s auctioned

Fri, Nov 27, 2009 8:33:32

The property of the last King of Sikh’s auctioned

Shoes Belonging to Maharajah Deleep

Auctioneers will on December 9 auction heritage items belonging to the Sikh Kings, Maharajah Ranjit Singh and Maharajah Duleep Singh First item under the hammer will be a velvet jacket that belonged to Maharajah Deleep Singh along with matching shoes described as ‘foliate decorated gold braid raised work on a crimson velvet ground’ Auctioneers are hoping to sell both items for Estimate £75,000-100,000 Velvet jacket that belonging to Maharajah Deleep These items remained the property of his Royal Highness the Maharajah Duleep Singh until 1893. In 1894 his executors sold Elvedon Hall and its contents to Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh. Originally Purchased by John Bly Antiques in 1952 from Elveden Hall, Suffolk, England (the former residence of Maharajah Duleep Singh). The Bly family have been dealers in Hertfordshire, since the beginning of the 19th century. John Bly was the former chairman of the British Antique Dealers Association. He is a resident expert on BBC Television's 'Antiques Roadshow' since it started in 1978. The jacket is now the Property of a Lady. The auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull, established in Edinburgh in 1826, have researched Maharajah Duleep Singh with the assistance of renowned historian Peter Bance and written a well articulated account of the last Sikh King Born on the 4th September 1838, during the zenith of the illustrious Sikh Kingdom, Duleep Singh, was the youngest son of the legendary Ranjit Singh the 'Lion-of-the-Punjab', who ruled the region by the power of his sword and with the fear of his name, a contemporary of Napoleon, who adopted a very European style for his army with an array of Europe's distinguished Generals. In 1843, the infant Duleep Singh was thrusted as the Sovereign of 'Land of the Five Rivers,' at the tender age of five years, and found himself at the head of the one of the most powerful independent Kingdoms in the Indian sub-continent and a thorn in the advancement of the British Empire. With misleading ministers and irresponsible guardians, two wars were fought against the British, resulting in the minor Duleep Singh being separated from his mother, surrendering the famed Koh-i-Noor diamond and removed from power by the underhand-means of the East India Company. He was effectively exiled to Britain, where he became an instant favourite of Queen Victoria and the ideal party accessory. He passed his time with the crème de la crème of Victorian high society; regularly shooting game with the Prince of Wales at his numerous Highland and English estates, and led a most extravagant and lavish lifestyle often above his means. Duleep Singh in the height of his days as a Suffolk Squire, was an untouchable shooter, and a fashionable gent with a taste for the finer things in life, be it canvases, sculptures, gems, or women. His appearance in dazzling jewels and semi-European dress were an essential part of him being the eye-turner at every event of its day. Invitations would flood from all over Britain and in some cases Europe too, to bring a touch of exoticness to the functions. This lot is a fine example of the richly embroidered velvets worn by the Maharajah for his formal court events, showing the high quality of workmanship fit only for an Indian Prince. A similar style jacket is pictured in a lithograph of the Maharajah from a photograph taken by Mayall in 1859. But after trying his hand at writing a West End play, standing for Parliament, playing the field, and remonstrating with the British Empire for the shortfall of his stipend, the deposed Sovereign became disillusioned by his surroundings and sought to make a stand against the tyrannical establishment under the watchful eye and encouragement of the disaffected Fenians, the French underworld, and Tsarist Russia. His plans for resurrecting himself failed and he was tragically struck down with a stroke, dying alone and penniless in a Paris hotel room on the 22nd October 1893 far from the riches of the Punjab. ‘We would like to thank Mr Peter Bance for his assistance in the catalogue description’ write the auctioneers Also on sale will be a portrait of Sikh King, Ranjit Singh, father of Duleep Singh. Portrait of Sikh King, Ranjit Singh, father of Duleep Singh The catalogue decribes this as ‘Gouache heightened with gold on paper, farsi inscription 'Shabah-i Maharajah Ranjit Singh Bahadur Rajah - i Lahaur o Panjab', translated as 'Maharajah Ranjit Singh the warrior of Lahore and Punjab. 28cm x 14cm Estimate £8,000-12,000 Further credit goes to them for writing ‘Maharajah Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) was a Sikh ruler of the Punjab. Born in Gujranwala in 1780, into a Sikh family. Ranjit is remembered for uniting the Punjab as a strong state and his possession of the Koh-i-Noor diamond (later gifted to Queen Victoria by Maharajah Duleep Singh). His lasting legacy was the beautification of the Harmandir Sahib, holiest site of the Sikhs. This portrait is an accurate representation of Ranjit Singh; the French botanist Victor Jacquemont, a traveller in the Punjab from 1829 to 1832 wrote: 'He is a thin little man with an attractive face, though he has lost an eye from small-pox which has otherwise disfigured him little. His right eye, which remains very large, his nose is fine and slightly turned up, his mouth firm, his teeth excellent. His expression shows nobility of thought, shrewdness and penetration.' Early depictions of the Maharajah are very scarce, the earliest known painting was discovered by a research assistant at the British Museum. That painting is currently being exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 'The Splendour of India's Royal Courts Exhibition' (10 October 2009 - 17 January 2010). with thanks : source : http://www.emgonline.co.uk/news.php?news=8072 SikhsIndia www.sohnijodi.com www.sikhsindia.blogspot.com

Preneet Kaur conferred 'the Sikh of the year' 2009 award

Agencies
Posted: Nov 27, 2009 at 1121 hrs IST

London Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur has been conferred with the prestigious Sikh of the year 2009 award for her outstanding contribution to the state of Punjab.

At the annual dinner of Sikh Forum International held at the House of Lords here last night, NRI businessman Lord Iltaf Sheikh presented the award to Kaur in the presence of a distinguished gathering including Lord Navnit Dholakia, Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.

Lord Sheikh told Kaur "you are worthy recipient of this award for your outstanding contribution to Punjab."

Accepting the award, Kaur said though she had the good fortune of receiving several honorary degrees and awards in the past, "there can be nothing more valuable or precious than receiving this award today in the House of Lords amongst the august gathering of achievers of our Diasporas in the UK."

"It is a wonderful feeling to be here in London at a time when the relationship between our countries is at its very best," she noted.

Others present at the function included Lord Viscount Slim, Justice Mota Singh, Ranjit Singh, OBE, President of the Forum, R S Baxi, founder of Europe's leading recycling firm and winner of Asian of the year 2008 award, Surinder Aujla, NRI entrepreneur and Rami Ranger, leading NRI entrepreneur.

"The Indian community in the UK has a unique place in our Diaspora. UK is the first country which has an Indian community truly representative of its diversity," Kaur said, adding "your involvement in the economic, social and political life of this country has been positively significant."

Referring to the growing bilateral trade, she said, "while UK is one of India's most important trade and investment partners, India has become one of the largest investors in the UK.

"There have been significant investments in IT, life sciences and advanced engineering. Over 600 Indian companies have opened their offices in UK and have secured the second highest number of jobs by a foreign employer in the UK."

Describing India as one of the fastest growing economies of the world, the minister said, "India's dynamic growth coupled with its large reservoir of skilled workforce, its commitment to democracy and the rule of law, all taken together make India a very attractive investment destination.

"India has achieved levels of European productivity at a meagre 20 per cent of the cost. Global corporations clearly understand the value of leveraging India's advantages."

Referring to a minute's silence observed at the function in memory of those killed in last year Mumbai terror attack, Kaur said, "the spectre of terrorism, extremist ideologies have become transnational in nature. No country is immune to them. Thus it requires global response."

Ranjit Singh presented a cheque for 10,000 pounds to a charity to help heroes families of those killed in action. The Forum had donated 32,000 pounds to the charity of Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, last year.

with thanks : source : http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Preneet-Kaur-conferred---the-Sikh-of-the-year---2009-award/546954/

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Great books on Sikh history

B.Jawahar Singh Kirpal Singh & Co have added a collection of some great books on Sikh History on their Online Webstore . The collection consists of some famous Books on Sikh History by some of the greatest writers such as Khushwant Singh , Patwant Singh , Joseph Davey Cunningham , W.L.M .Gregor , Ganda Singh , Mark Tully , K Natwar Singh , Kartar Singh Duggal , Sohan Singh Sheetal , Satbir Singh , Charan Singh Safri . The Collection consists of some famous Books such as The Sikhs by Patwant Singh , The Sikh History by Joseph Davey Cunningham , The Sikh History by WLM Gregor , Amritsar – Mrs Indira Gandhi’s Last battle by Mark Tully and Satish Jacob , The Butcher of Amritsar (A Book on General Dyer and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre) , The Punjab Story by K.P.S Gill and Khushwant Singh , The Magnificent Maharaja By K.Natwar Singh , Operation Blue Star – the True Story by Gen K.S. Brar , My Bleeding Punjab by Khushwant Singh , Sikh History By Khushwant Singh (in Punjabi), Sikh History By Satbir Singh (in Punjabi) .

The Collection has been launched with the sole aim to educate sikhs about their Glorious Past , acts of Bravery , sacrifices and their rich history . Books have been selected from both Punjabi and English Language so that maximum sikhs and other population could benefit from it .

The Company plans to organize other collections of Books on Sikh Gurbani , Books on Sikh Philosophy , Sikh Gutkas of Gurbani , Books on Sikh Gurus , Books on Sikh Gurdwaras etc online soon and make them available at their webstore for sikhs throughout the world .
Access the Collection Online at : http://www.jsks.co.in/sikhhistory.htm

with thanks : Jaspinder for contributing this.

SikhsIndia
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Keertan at Rochester, NY by Prof. Darshan Singh ji Khalsa

The complete controversial video of Keertan by Prof. Darshan singh ji ragi at Rochester, NY has been uploaded on this blog as well on Sikh web portal www.sohnijodi.com

Please view

Regards

SikhsIndia

Guru Nanak Daata Baksh Lai Mission - video Album released

Chandigarh, Punjab November 23, 2009 — On the sacred Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Guru Nanak Daata Baksh Lai Mission has released a video album titled Haun Balihari Satgur Poorey, Saran Ke Daatey Bachan Ke Soorey.

Video eCards on the Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, have also been released to mark the Sacred occasion.

About Guru Nanak Daata Baksh Lai Mission:
Guru Nanak Daata Baksh Lai Mission, through which the productions and publications of Brig. Partap Singh Ji Jaspal (Retd.) are released, is at the forefront of promoting universality of Sikhism and its Divine Content, embracing the whole mankind as one global family of the sole beloved God. It reaches out to the world through the mediums of internet, TV channels, audio and video productions, and book publications. The mission seeks no publicity and serves the whole global community in the firm belief of oneness of godhood and oneness of the mankind. It consists of only the family members and is based at 203, Sector 33-A Chandigarh Phone: +91 172 2601440.

Source: Album Released on Gurpurab of Ninth Sikh Guru

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DR. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam 's Speech in Hyderabad .

Why is the media here so negative?

Why are we in India so embarrassed to recognize our own strengths, our achievements? We are such a great nation. We have so many amazing success stories but we refuse acknowledge them--- Why?

We are the first in milk production.
We are number one in Remote sensing satellites. a
We are the second largest producer of wheat.
We are the second largest producer of rice.
Look at Dr. Sudarshan , he has transferred the tribal village into a self-sustaining, self-driving unit.

There are millions of such achievements but our media is only obsessed in the bad news and failures and disasters.

I was in Tel Aviv once and I was reading the Israeli newspaper. It was the day after a lot of attacks and bombardments and deaths had taken place. The Hamas had struck. But the front page of the newspaper had the picture of a Jewish gentleman who in five years had transformed his desert into an orchid and a granary. It was this inspiring picture that everyone woke up to. The gory details of killings, bombardments, deaths, were inside in the newspaper, buried among other news.

In India we only read about death, sickness, terrorism, crime.

Why are we so NEGATIVE?

Another question: Why are we, as a nation so obsessed with foreign things? We want foreign T. Vs, we want foreign shirts. We want foreign technology.

Why this obsession with everything imported. Do we not realize that self-respect comes with self-reliance? I was in Hyderabad giving this lecture,when a 14 year old girl asked me for my autograph. I asked her what her goal in life is. She replied: I want to live in a developed India . For her, you and I will have to build this developed India . You must proclaim. India is not an under-developed nation; it is a highly developed nation.


Do you have 10 minutes? Allow me to come back with a vengeance.

Got 10 minutes for your country? If yes, then read; otherwise, choice is yours.
YOU say that our government is inefficient.
YOU say that our laws are too old.
YOU say that the municipality does not pick up the garbage.
YOU say that the phones don't work, the railways are a joke,
The airline is the worst in the world, mails never reach their destination.
YOU say that our country has been fed to the dogs and is the absolute pits.

YOU say, say and say.. What do YOU do about it?

Take a person on his way to Singapore . Give him a name - YOURS. Give him aface - YOURS. YOU walk out of the airport and you are at your International best. In Singapore you don't throw cigarette butts on the roads or eat in the stores. YOU are as proud of their Underground links as they are. You pay $5 (approx. Rs. 60) to drive through Orchard Road (equivalent of Mahim Causeway or Pedder Road ) between 5 PM and 8 PM. YOU come back to the parking lot to punch your parking ticket if you have over stayed in a restaurant or a shopping mall irrespective of your status identity... In Singapore you don't say anything, DO YOU?

YOU wouldn't dare to eat in public during Ramadan, in Dubai .

YOU would not dare to go out without your head covered in Jeddah .

YOU would not dare to buy an employee of the telephone exchange in London at 10 pounds ( Rs.650) a month to, 'see to it that my STD and ISD calls are billed to someone else.'

YOU would not dare to speed beyond 55 mph (88 km/h) in Washington and then tell the traffic cop,'Jaanta hai main kaun hoon (Do you know who I am?). I am so and so's son. Take your two bucks and get lost.'

YOU wouldn't chuck an empty coconut shell anywhere other than the garbage pail on the beaches in Australia and New Zealand

Why don't YOU spit Paan on the streets of Tokyo ? Why don't YOU use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates in Boston ??? We are still talking of the same YOU..

YOU who can respect and conform to a foreign system in other countries but cannot in your own. You who will throw papers and cigarettes on the road the moment you touch Indian ground. If you can be an involved and appreciative citizen in an alien country, why cannot you be the same here in India ?

Once in an interview, the famous Ex-municipal commissioner of Bombay , Mr. Tinaikar , had a point to make. 'Rich people's dogs are walked on the streets to leave their affluent droppings all over the place,' he said. 'And then the same people turn around to criticize and blame the authorities for inefficiency and dirty pavements. What do they expect the officers to do? Go down with a broom every time their dog feels the pressure in his bowels? In America every dog owner has to clean up after his pet has done the job. Same in Japan . Will the Indian citizen do that here?' He's right. We go to the polls to choose a government and after that forfeit all responsibility.

We sit back wanting to be pampered and expect the government to do everything for us whilst our contribution is totally negative. We expect the government to clean up but we are not going to stop chucking garbage all over the place nor are we going to stop to pick up a stray piece of paper and throw it in the bin.

We expect the railways to provide clean bathrooms but we are not going to learn the proper use of bathrooms.

We want Indian Airlines and Air India to provide the best of food and toiletries but we are not going to stop pilfering at the least opportunity.

This applies even to the staff who is known not to pass on the service to the public. When it comes to burning social issues like those related to women, dowry, girl child! and others, we make loud drawing room protestations and continue to do the reverse at home. Our excuse?

'It's the whole system which has to change, how will it matter if I alone forego my sons' rights to a dowry.' So who's going to change the system? What does a system consist of ? Very conveniently for us it consists of our neighbor's, other households, other cities, other communities and the government. But definitely not me and YOU.

When it comes to us actually making a positive contribution to the system we lock ourselves along with our families into a safe cocoon and look into the distance at countries far away and wait for a Mr.Clean to come along & work miracles for us with a majestic sweep of his hand or we leave the country and run away. Like lazy cowards hounded by our fears we run to America to bask in their glory and praise their system. When New York becomes insecure we run to England .. When England experiences unemployment, we take the next flight out to the Gulf. When the Gulf is war struck, we demand to be rescued and brought home by the Indian government. Everybody is out to abuse and rape the country. Nobody thinks of feeding the system. Our conscience is mortgaged to money.

Dear Indians, The article is highly thought inductive, calls for a greatdeal of introspection and pricks one's conscience too.... I am echoing J. F. Kennedy 's words to his fellow Americans to relate to Indians.....

'ASK WHAT WE CAN DO FOR INDIA
AND DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE TO MAKE INDIA
WHAT AMERICA AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE TODAY'

Lets do what India needs from us.

Forward this mail to each Indian for a change instead of sending Jokes or junk mails.

Thank you,
Dr. Abdul Kalaam

Guru Tegh Bahadur, an epitome of sacrifice

Arun Sharma, TNN 24 November 2009, 03:28am IST

CHANDIGARH: The martyrdom of the ninth Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur is a very important day in the religious calendar of the Sikhs. The occasion will be celebrated on November 24 by Sikhs all around the world.

Scores of devotees take out huge processions and Kirtans are also sung to pay homage to the Guru. Sermons and lectures are also organized. Chairperson of the department of Guru Nanak studies, Panjab University, Jaspal Kaur said, "The translation of guru's name 'Tegh Bahadur' is 'master of the sword.' However, he was master of the spiritual sword not the political one." The guru always said, "be bold and fearless with others but not God." Amarjit Singh Kang, senior professor, department of Sikh studies, Kurukshetra University said, "Born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar, the guru was the youngest of five sons of the sixth guru Guru Har Gobind."

Guru Tegh Bahadur's earlier name was Tiyag Mal. He took active part in wars against rulers along with his father Guru. Seeing his valour, his father named him 'Brave of the Sword' - Tegh Bahadur. "Guru Har Gobind institutionalized the concept of - Miri (political sword) and Piri (spiritual sword). He used to wear two swords which represented these two concepts.

One day when the guru lifted young Tegh Bahadur, he grabbed the sword that represented Piri," he added.

During his adult life, the guru came up with a triple formula - Naam, Dan and Isnaan.

While Naam means to meditate (Waheguru), Daan is sharing one's earnings and Isnaan (bath) before the morning prayers. He said those who followed these principles would free themselves from all worldly desires. On the advice of his father, Guru Tegh went into seclusion and meditated for about 25 years at Bakaala village till year 1665 AD, following which he was offered Guruship. Later, the guru travelled up to Bengal and Assam. On the way, he stayed at Patna. It was at Patna that his son 'Gobind Rai' was born. The historian says once the guru played mediator between two rival kings in Assam and avoided bloodshed.

After about 5 years, he came back to Punjab and founded the city of Anandpur Sahib. Amarjit said, "Aurangzeb was the most cruel and dreaded king. He ruled India for over 50 years. He had imprisoned his sister, father (Shah Jahan), murdered all his brothers to become the king. To elevate his position in the eyes of his people, he posed to be a good Muslim." "To please his community, he started converting Hindus to Muslims by force. Those who refused conversion were beheaded," the scholar said.

Though Aurangzeb forcefully stated converting Hindus to Muslim religion in all Southern states, including Bengal, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat etc. He also started the systematic and vigorous conversion of high caste Brahmins of Kashmir.

In 1674 AD, Kashmiri Brahmins requested Guru Tegh Bahadur to save them from Aurangzeb's ruthlessness. It was then that the guru decided that he would sacrifice himself to stop this cruel practice.

Guru Tegh chose his son as the next guru of the Sikhs and offered himself for the supreme sacrifice.

Amarjit said, "In 1675 AD, Guru Tegh Bagadur was arrested in Agra along with few of his followers and brought back to Delhi. He was asked to convert to Muslim religion. He was later asked to prove that he was a godly person and show miracles."

To this, the guru replied, "It is an individual's right to choose the religion he wants to follow. Showing miracles is against the will of god and laws of nature. I don't fear death and am prepared to die."

The guru was imprisoned in an iron cage. Three of his followers were killed in front of his eyes.

"His first follower was cut longitudinally into two pieces with a saw by fixing him in wooden planks, another was boiled in water and the third was burnt in cotton wool. With their face towards the Guru, the three Sikhs sacrificed themselves without any remorse. Yet the guru's stand was firm," the historian said. Following this, the Guru was beheaded in 1675 AD, the very place where Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib now stands in Delhi.

with thanks : source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Guru-Tegh-Bahadur-an-epitome-of-sacrifice/articleshow/5262428.cms

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Keertan in Rochester, NY, that lead to the edict from Akal Takht against Prof. Darshan singh ji Khalsa

This video is being uploaded again for our most valued visitors.

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