Interesting Sikh Battle Scene

[dalsingh101]

Found this interesting image on the Christies website. It sold for £39,650, way over the auction estimate. The lot has the following description:

"A SIKH BATTLE SCENE, PUNJAB, EARLY 19TH CENTURY

Gouache on paper heightened with gilt, depicting two rival Sikh groups at battle, most brandishing swords, some with guns, against a hilly landscape, with inscription below reading bi qalem Basharat 'Allah Masur,"

Having looked at the image, it doesn't appear to be two Sikh groups fighting to me (I'm going by the conical protruding things in the turbans of the group on the right, in case you're wondering).

Very interestingly, we see what appears to be the bodies of two decapitated Sikhs retrieving their heads, in the middle of the image. Would be really interesting to find more in depth information on the provenance of the painting. Enjoy.

Edited September 26, 2010 by dalsingh101

[GillAUS]

I think you are right DalSingh101, it definitely looks as if the group on the right are non-Sikhs, quite possibly Afghans or Persians? The group on the left look like they are Sikhs.

Very interesting depiction re. the Sikh soldier retrieving his head - I hope someone can provide more info!

[laalsingh]

Very interestingly, we see what appears to be the bodies of two decapitated Sikhs retrieving their heads, in the middle of the image. Would be really interesting to find more in depth information on the provenance of the painting. Enjoy.

They reversed the great tide. There must be much more what lost in time. So why Sikhs retrieving their head were painted? Maybe something is very obvious and I am missing it.

[shaheediyan]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing.

[Guest zulu]

thank you for sharing dalsingh

[Blue Rider]

possibly the painter was depicting the immense courage and iron will of the singhs, who had the mindset that they would not give up even after a decapitating blow.

Or maybe not.

[fatehsingh]

Probably some Namdhari drew it. Look at how the mullahs are all wearing dark blue and not a single Khalsa is wearing 'neel' (dark blue). Is there a date for the painting?