Freed

Gurfateh ! With all the recent 'brouhaha' over the installation of a portrait of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the Central Sikh Museum ; http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20071130/main4.htm Here is something I thought you might like - I found it among some old books and papers. It's a sticker for your car - made by some Sikhs from Gravesend UK - it was given out free during one of the many Protest Marches of 1984. I remember seeing quite a few cars with these stickers on them in the 1980s. Here is a picture of the sticker Enjoy ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

ਬਾਝ ਗੁਰੂ ਡੁਬਾ ਜਗੁ ਸਾਰਾ Baajh Guru dubaa jag saara (Bhai Gurdas vaar 1 pauri 29) Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh !! May Guru Sahib shower blessings on all on this Special Day - The Prakaash Purb of Jagat Guru, Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Sahib To mark this day here are some images of Guru Nanak from the 18th and 19th century. This first watercolour is a Pahari painting perhaps from the workshop of Mankot , dating from the second quarter of the 18th Century. It depicts as inscribed on the back "Sri Nanak ji" - the depiction is markedly different from that which is usually seen. Guru Nanak is shown as an aged slight figure sat in meditation. The most striking aspects are the 'Pothi' inscribed with what appears to be 'Satgur prasad' , the mala worn around the neck and on the wrist together with 2 bracelets and a ring in the left ear. Goswami states the ring is a reminder in the Indian tradition of The Master. *Collection - Government Museum and Art Gallery - Chandigarh This tinted brush drawing is also Pahari from the workshop of Nainsukh of Guler and dates from the last quarter of the 18th century. It depicts Guru Nanak seated with saintly men and devotees perhaps performing keertan. To my mind the drawing stresses the importance of Gurbani and Sadh Sangat. At its centre the drawing has a large 'Pothi' - with a 'morchhal' - a fan of peacock feathers and devotees bowing. The pothi is opened and you can read the glorious salok from Sri Sukhmani Sahib. * From FareedKot Vala Teeka vol 1 page 641 (Sri Guru Granth Sahib - Raag Gauri Sukhmani - Guru Arjan Dev Ji ang 293) (Translation - Nikki-Guninder Kaur Singh 1995) They to whom the Guru gives the eyeliner of wisdom, their dark ignorance disappears. Through grace, we meet the faithful, says Nanak, our mind is enlightened. Bhai Mardana is depicted with rabab and a younger devotee with cymbals, another aspect to note is the 'Kharavan' or wooden sandals placed on a plinth. *Collection - Government Museum and Art Gallery - Chandigarh This watercolour from the last quarter of the 18th century depicts as inscribed in persian characters, in a gold cartouche, above the painting "tasvir-i dervissh nanakshahi" a picture of a Nanakshahi dervish. This could be a painting of a devotee of Guru Nanak or it could be, as argued by Goswami, a likeness of Guru Nanak. The aspects of the depiction that stand out are the seating postion , it is not crossed legged but with one knee raised and the other bent, and the red book in hand , not 'landscape' size pothi but an upright volume. * Kapany Collection In this last watercolour from the end of the 19th century, we have a more familiar depiction of Guru Nanak seated with Mardana. The painting shows the famous sakhi of when Guru Nanak stopped the boulder, rolled at him by Wali Kandhari ,with his open 'Panja' The painting shows Wali Kandhari atop the hill with a devotee or perhaps Bhai Bala (??) and Bhai Mardana with rabab and Guru Nanak with outstretched palm or 'Panja' *Collection - Government Museum and Art Gallery - Chandigarh ** All Pictures from ' I See No Stranger - Early Sikh Art and Devotion ' B N Goswamy , Caron Smith - Rubin Museum of Art, 2006 Hope you enjoyed the pictures - Once again Lakh Lakh Vadaai to all on this special day. * Bhai Gurdas 'Gur Avataar' Vaar 1 Pauri 23 *from Varan Bhai Gurdas - Dr Jodh Singh - 1998 - pg 53 Gurfateh ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

ਤ੍ਰੱਪੇ ਤਾਜੀ ॥ ਗੱਜੇ ਗਾਜੀ ॥ ਸੱਜੇ ਸਸਤ੍ਰੰ ॥ ਕਛੇ ਅਸਤ੍ਰੰ ॥੫੨੧॥ The horses jumped, the warriors thundered and began to strike blows, being bedecked with weapons and arms.521. (Ram Avtar - Sri Dasam Granth Sahib) Equestrian Nihangs Gurfateh ! Ranjit Singh Freed

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh ! This post is dedicated to all those who lost their lives and loved ones in the Massacre that followed the death of Indira Gandhi , 31 October 1984. We must never forget. I tend to avoid posts on 1984, I do have lots of material, as I was in my early teens at the time, but as it is still a very painful episode - I tend to avoid posting it. I am aware people have very varied views about 1984 and it is a very divisive issue , anytime I have posted threads about 1984 they tend to descend into outrageous namecalling and disrespectful language - and I don't want to be responsible for such disrespect to the names of those who gave their lives. I have been persuaded to post some material by a forum member, who made the point that many members were not even born in 1984 - so I should share some of the material I have. So in memory of all those who gave their all,here is just a very small part of the material I have. My only request is that all posters keep their responses civil and do not post anything they would feel uncomfortable saying in 'Sadh Sangat' . Here are some videos and pictures - apologies for the quality but they are over 20 years old. A news report from the BBC from around 1983 - looking at the 'Dharam Yudh Morcha' and the events that led eventually to the army attack in June 1984 http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...52&hl=en-GB A couple of short snippets from the above film - showing a short interview with Sant ji ( in the above film the audio jumps) http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...69&hl=en-GB http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...62&hl=en-GB The Army Attack June 1984 These very rare pictures come from the Observer Magazine - they show the days before the attack. They show the Singhs ready for what was about to happen ; Laughing on the balcony of the Akal Takht ; Gun positions and a wounded Singh - This is the first time I am sharing these pictures - they are very hard for me to view - Please show these Singhs some respect - regardless of your views - and think before you post any comments . The Huge Protest in London June 1984 - after the Army Attack I was at the march - my abiding memory is the sheer level of noise - the Sangat was so loud and angry - but above all united. ITN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azSfPxzwtCE BBC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTTLg9-pyj0 The ' Southall Celebrations' after the death of Gandhi BBC http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llzHlzmz0Bc ITN http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3c8ZIOA2TI Eastern Eye C4 News reports of the Killings in Delhi Nov 1984 BBC http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...15&hl=en-GB ITN http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...97&hl=en-GB BBC http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...86&hl=en-GB Frontpages of UK newspapers Nov 1984 'Refugees in their own City.' This image has always deeply affected me - the boy in the foreground bearing the scars of having his kesh hacked off -with his hands outstretched- especially. We cannot know what these Sikhs went through, or the horrors they saw and suffered - these are very disturbing images - they have always haunted me - I am posting them so we never forget - As a mark of Respect and Remembrance. Gurfateh Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Here are some hilarious remixed videos Punjabi music with Rick Astley and Elvis - They just seem to work really well ! Rick Astley / De le Ghera http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsa5QsOeXBM Elvis / Ravinder Grewal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfR5GtWytnw What do you think ?

Here are some hilarious remixed videos Punjabi music with Rick Astley and Elvis - They just seem to work really well ! Rick Astley / De le Ghera http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsa5QsOeXBM Elvis / Ravinder Grewal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfR5GtWytnw What do you think ?

Gurfateh Matheen Sahib ! No description or paintings exist to give a clue as to what the original Darbar Sahib looked like. Many have argued that as Darbar Sahib holds such a Sacred Place in the hearts of Sikhs, it is unlikely that it's design would have been greatly changed after the Afghan desecrations. Other than the Gold plating, some argue the basic design is unchanged. The lack of any references means we are unlikely to know . One area to look at is that of the Dukhniwaran Jhulan Mahal. At Thatte Khera Dist Amritsar there is a sarovar built by Guru Arjan Sahib - the Dukhniwaran Jhulan Mahal ('the sorrow removing, swinging palace) - the name comes from the fact the walls of the pavilions 'swing' when they are shaken. This site is unchanged and gives an insight into how the other sarovers built by Guru Arjan may have looked ( such as the Darbar Sahib, Amritsar) The buildings are plain brick and lime structures with traces of paintings - such a site needs protection as it is undoubtedly exactly as it was when it was built by Guru Sahib and bears the holy touch of Guru Sahib . As this site is almost untouched by modern 'Karsewaks' - it may give a picture as to what the original Darbar Sahib looked like. You can see pictures in this thread - I posted a while ago on SA http://www.sikhawareness.com/sikhawareness...t=sacred+bricks Take Care Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh ! It's bonus time at work so it means I can indulge my triple passions of buying books, Shastars and Vinyl records - being a sensible married man (well almost sensible) - I can't just 'splurge' buy like I used to - got bills to pay ! Anyway enough of my domestic arrangements !! - I recently got my hands on a first edition of Max Arthur Macauliffe's 'The Sikh Religion' 1909 - I previously only had an Indian 'budget' copy with very poor reproductions of the illustrations. I've also bought a copy of John Clark Archer's 'The Sikhs' from 1946 - it also has some wonderful photographs - In line with the great Sikh tradition of 'Vand ke Chhakna' I am sharing these books with all of you. So for your enjoyment here are some of the illustrations - I've focussed on pictures of Sikh Built Heritage. * From 'The Sikh Religion, It's Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors' - Max Arthur Macauliffe. Oxford 1909 Darbar Sahib at the start of the 20th Century The view from the Baba Atal Tower - you can see the 'Bungay' around the parikarma, The gothic clock tower and the Minars of the Ramgarhia Bunga complete with domes. Note the many trees and you can also see 'Guru Ka Bagh' Guru Arjan's shrine The Sri Takhat Sahib Akal Bunga Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib Fatehgarh Sahib detail Mukhtsar Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded Bhagat Namdev's Shrine at Ghuman (10 km west of Sri Hargobindpur in Gurdaspur district) - dates from the 14th century with parts built by Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and Sada Kaur details * From 'The Sikhs, in relation to Hindus, Moslems, Christians and Ahmadiyyas. A Study in Comparative Religion' - John Arthur Clark Archer. Princeton 1946 Entrance to Darbar Sahib c1930s - this entrance is now the main 'Ghanta Ghar' entrance Darbar Sahib The Darshani Deori The famous 'Jhanda Bunga' - now demolished. A Nihang Baba stood infront of the Akal Takht - the arch behind him is now where the Miri Peeri Nishan Sahibs were moved to, after the original Jhanda Bunga was demolished , to widen the parikarma. The Akal Bunga / Akal Takat Sahib The view through the Darshani Deori Tarn Taran Sahib The pavilion on the roof of Tarn Taran Sahib And to finish some ਦੁਰਲਭ - (Durlab) extremely rare and fascinating pictures of the "Arjun Deva Mela, Lahore" - perhaps recording the last ever mela before partition. The mela - in the background you can see the Shahi Qilla, The Samadh of Ranjit Singh and Gurdwara Dehra Sahib. The mela - looking toward the River Ravi. Outstanding and very poignant images - I hope you enjoyed them. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh ! Ranjit Singh Chohan (Freed)

Mehtab Singh that is hilarious! And I thought I was the only one with the 'toilet' sense of humour !

Did someone mention Reggae ? Here are 'The Sahotas' with their reggae inflected 'Akia Smaal' The eagle eyed will see the video is from 'Our' Cilla's 'Surprise Surprise !'. The Sunday night show/Blub Fest, where she made people's 'dreams come true' or reunited families. In this case the lad wanted to play Dholki with a Bhangra band. It's from around 1989. http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...01&hl=en-GB Here are Apna Sangeet with 'The First ever Bhangra Video' - as you can tell they haven't really got any better. As if they don't say 'Balle Shera Chak de Phattey' enough times. they've got someone dressed up as a lion carrying a plank of wood - Just to bang home the point ! From around 1989 http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...16&hl=en-GB In case anyone thinks I'm taking the mick and just posting 'cheesy' videos - here are 3 of my all time favourite UK TV Punjabi performances - I never get tired of watching these ; Gurdas Maan - Challa http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...40&hl=en-GB Great Indian Dancers - http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...03&hl=en-GB Jagmohan Kaur - Bulle Shah - http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...89&hl=en-GB Enjoy !

As you all liked the Heera tracks - here is another - this one is from the Asian Pop Awards 1986/7 held at The Dome, Birmingham. Heera won best band. Dhami & Kumar are really working the 'Borat' look and those 'Tom Jones' dance moves ! click to view ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...57&hl=en-GB enjoy !

I found this article in The Observer http://music.guardian.co.uk/omm/story/0,,2188069,00.html It's a potted history of 'UK Bhangra' - it reminded me of these two short films from some old videos I re- discovered recently. The videos are cringe making in the extreme - showing the 'pioneers' of 'Daytime gigs' - 'X-Zecutive Soundz' The Clothes - The Music - The Moves !!!!!!! ALL Shocking ! The Videos are from around 1986 - so many of the people in them are now in their late 40s - and probably have kids of their own - I wonder what their relationship with their kids is like ? Do they give their kids the "freedom" they craved ? HMMMM I wonder ? I know many people on some forums believe the 'Daytime gig' is responsible for all that is wrong in the world today I don't wish to censor anybody BUT Please keep any responses Clean - No death threats - calling people 'Outside' - NO misogynistic replies - namecalling - sweeping statements - and please no 'Ma/Bhen diyan Gaahlan' Ok here goes (I just know I'm gonna regret this) here are the links Chasing Rainbows (Daytimes and Southall Gangs) from Channel 4 c.1986 http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...68&hl=en-GB Sunday East (Bhangra Funk disco) channel 4 c.1986 http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...27&hl=en-GB Whistle posse MAKE SOME NOISE !!!!!!

Gurfateh ! Whether we like to admit it or not all Singhs are 'peacocks' - we all take time to perfect our Turbans and are known to take a number of tying attempts to get the right look and won't leave the house unless we 'get it right'. Whether you tie a small and graceful Dastar or a large flamboyant ਰੋਹਬਦਾਰ (Rohbdaar) Patiala or 'Ludhiana' style, or a smart smooth Dumala or the 'without the use of a mirror' more organic dumala - we all are particular about our Dastars which give us a Royal Bearing - Sardaari - a Blessing from Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The punjabi peacock comes in many forms; the village Jatt peacock - with a high ਤੁਰ੍ਹਲਾ (turla) on his turban, a kentha around his neck, waxed moustache, and a tattoo on his thigh to show his 'Physique'; and the more sophisticated 'Sardaar' - dressed in tight Aichan/Sherwani with Churidar pajama, usually astride a horse to show off his shapely legs ! (Before you think I'm making this up, examples of all these 'peacocks' exist in my family ! ) You also get the modern variety in Punjab; who have to match their turbans with their shirts and 'Diesel' jeans; and their western counterparts with smart Dumallas worn with hoodies and sportswear. The zenith of 'Punjabi Peacocks' was probably the time of the Maharajas - of all the Punjabi Maharajas two stand out as 'Textbook' examples of the Punjabi Peacock - Maharaja Sher Singh and Maharaja Bhupinder Singh - "The Flower of Oriental aristocracy". They were both larger than life, handsome, robust characters - aesthetes very fond of the finer things in life. Speaking about Bhupinder Singh, Louis Cartier (brother of Jacques Cartier, the Jeweller) wrote; " The doorway seemed ablaze; people gasped as the Maharaja of Patiala entered....on his neck,amidst the diamond rivers bedecking his shoulders, shone the necklace of the Empress Eugenie.....across his turban he wore diamond drops, sparkling like fireworks, which bedewed his eyes. The chandeliers focussed upon him. He held the light and diffused it. He was immense and as he held the stage, he epitomized the India of the Maharaja. " The Maharaja of Patiala was known for his beautiful turban - the Patiala Shahi style and it is said he spent two hours on his bath and care of his beard - "being a Sikh and first among the Sikh Princes, it was necessary that every hair should be oiled till it shone like silk before being neatly rolled over a cord and tied round the chin." (R Forbes 1939) Here is a collection of images showing the two Maharajas - Punjabi Peacocks in all their glory ; Maharaja dhiraj Sher Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of the Punjab. Born at Batala, December 1807. The August Schoefft painting of Sher Singh. He is wearing the koh-i-noor on his arm, a belt of emeralds , the Timur Ruby (actually a spinel) and he is seated on the Golden Throne. The original setting of the Koh-i-noor. now set with paste replicas. the enamel work on the rear. The Timur ruby - reset by Garrard - now in the collection of the Queen. The emerald belt - also in the Queen's collection. The Throne Sher Singh - from the A. Schoefft painting of the Lahore Darbar. In the Shish Mahal of the Lahore Fort. Prince Soltykoff described Sher Singh as, "a big stoutish man of forty, covered with the most beautiful jewels in the world". Portrayed after a bath. The English signature of Sher Singh - showing his Anglophile tendencies. Jarau Cchattar given by Sher Singh to Darbar Sahib Amritsar. Sher Singh and his son Partap Singh were murdered by the Sindhanwalia Sardars on 15 September 1843. A persian poet wrote of this treachery as; "Ba shauq sagan shikar-i-sheran kardand" - 'For their sport, worthless dogs had hunted lions'. (Qadir 1917) Maharaja Bhupinder Singh - or to give him his full title ; His Highness Farzand-i-Khas-i-Daulat-i-Inglishia, Mansur-i-Zaman, Amir ul-Umara, Maharajadhiraja Raj Rajeshwar 108 Sri Maharaja-i-Rajgan, Maharaja Bhupendra Singh, Mahendra Bahadur, Yadu Vansha Vatans Bhatti Kul Bushan, Maharaja of Patiala. Farzand-i-Khas-i-Daulat-i-Inglishia: Favoured son of the English nation. Mansur-i-Zaman: Victorious of the Age. Amir ul-Umara: commander/prince of the nobility. Maharajadhiraja: great prince of princes. Raj Rajeshwar: superior prince. Yadu Vansha Vatans Bhatti Kul Bushan: ornament of the Bhatti clan. Maharaja-i-Rajgan: Great Prince amongst Princes. Bhupinder Singh captained the Indian cricket team on their first ever tour of England in 1911. The Patiala XI - at Chail cricket ground, built by the Maharaja, the world's highest cricket ground, at 7500 feet above sea level. The MCC England presented the Maharaja (president of the Board of Cricket Control of India) with this cartoon in 1935. Hunting with the Prince of Wales (Later to abdicate the throne). Inspecting his troops. Charge.... Viceregal Party Vandyk portraits On the roof of the Savoy Hotel, London. At 'the front' during World War 1. Opening the Memorial Gate to Indian soldiers outside the Brighton pavilion. Imperial War Conference, 1917. In London with his son Yadwinder Singh, father of Amarinder Singh. With the King of Spain, Madrid 1928. An informal shot - without his trademark beautiful turban - surrounded by his daughters. A pocket watch made for the maharaja. The Maharaja's travel watch and wrist watch made by Cartier. A 'chand mang-tika' - worn on the forehead - platinum diamond and pearls with a portrait of the maharaja - made by Cartier. I could go on forever , so I think I'll stop there ! Hope you enjoyed the pictures, Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

'While the brass band plays tiddleyompompom!' You'll probably only get the song reference if you're from England ! Here's a great picture of 'Blaity Babay' enjoying the Great British tradition of freezing your bits off at the seaside in Blackpool ! Aw Bless! Here's another 'aw bless' image probably from California judging by the Palm trees Baba giving his grandson a ride on his BMX / low rider - depending on where you're from (In England) known as a 'Saddler' or a 'Backy' or if you're from Leicester a 'Croggy' Balle Baba Tere !!! Freed

Gurfateh ! Before I say anything I must say I don't know Niddar Singh Nihang (I've just seen him a few times in the days when he did gatka displays, usually with Uptej Singh et al, in the days before the 'websites') I don't know Bhai Amritpal Singh either and I don't know anything about the 'backstairs intrigue' that appears to be going on in the Dal Panth . What I would like to say is that if you look at the situation purely through the lens of 'Punjabi Tradition' - all I can see is a 'Pugree da Rasm' or 'Dastarbandi' . Balbir Singh Nihang lost his father I believe in the recent shootings ?. It is customary at the 'Bhog' after a Father has died for a turban to be tied on the head of the eldest son, to show he is now the 'head of the family' - the turban is usually tied by the boy's Mama ji (Mother's brother) or if he is married by his wife's father. Perhaps that is all that is happening here - sometimes if no family members are present or if the family decide, a Respected member of the Sangat or family will tie the turban. As Balbir Singh is a Nihang - the most important person would be his Jathedar ie. Baba Santa Singh. I believe no one has said or claimed this is a 'Dastar bandi' for the 'Jathedari' - perhaps it is purely a family dastarbandi that has been portrayed or misconstrued as something else ? Bhul Chuk Maaf freed

I forgot to add the website address of the Wellcome Collection http://medphoto.wellcome.ac.uk/ Great Images - covers all the 'Hot Topics' usually found on Sikhawareness - Sikh/Indic art - Islamic art - Persian art / manuscripts - and a whole lot more ! :wink:

Gurfateh ! Been doing some more detective work / reading and found this ; *From History of the Sikhs, Vol 5 ,The Sikh Lion of Lahore - Hari Ram Gupta - Munshiram Manoharlal - 1991. pp 418 This might explain who 'Bastee Ram' or Wasti Ram is , - mentioned a number of times in the hand written notes - as well as Gobind Ram and Ram Singh - all of whom are pictured under the Guru Sahiban along with their sons. The bestowing of jagirs and money explains the hand written note - "Offspring and horses of Bastee Ram" - he was a 'Bhai' of some standing and wealth - that also explains why Ranjit Singh is pictured. I think the Namdhari theory may have been a little hasty ! - but then again I did say they were 'forerunners' - so there maybe something there ??

Gurfateh ! I have received a higher resolution image of the last image I posted in this thread In this image you can read the writing - however this doesn't make things much clearer - I have put on my 'Sherlock Holmes' cape and come up with some conclusions - all pure conjecture. So feel free to make and add your own conclusions. The higher resolution image - (the image is around 3MB - if you would like the big image, PM me your email address and I will send it to you) In these details you can see the Ten Guru Sahiban - with the sons of Guru Nanak, Baba Sri Chand is on the right On the left of Guru Gobind Singh you can see "Bhai Bolaka Sing , Chela G. Govind Sing" - I believe this could be a depiction of Baba Balakh Singh - the mentor of Baba Ram Singh Namdhari What adds weight to this being Balakh Singh is the group of Disciples shown below - they include "B. Kahan Sing" - Kahn Singh was the nephew of Balakh Singh and occupied the 'Gaddi' of Balakh Singh at Hazro - these disciples could be some of the 22 'Subas' or deputies that looked after Kuka missionary work as set up by Baba Ram Singh. Under the Guru Sahiban on the right is a group of elders described as " This whole class belong to the house Sodee ??" - like I said before I believe this to be the Sodhi Family - not sure if they are the Kartarpur or 'Mina' line. The word Sodee could be Sodoo it's not very clear. In this detail you can see the English Lieutenant Governor arriving on a canopied boat and below him Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In this detail you can see Langar being made - " cooking house for the poor" and the "Daig of sardai and water" - 'Ragra' performed and 'Shardai' being made. In this detail langar is served We can see Lepers and Blind men in the sangat This is a very interesting painting from an interesting period in History - It appears to show the forerunners of the Namdhari Movement - though it appears to not show Baba Ram Singh - though it is said Ram Singh met Balakh Singh in around 1860 - so maybe this painting is from before then - again pure conjecture. The painting shows Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British - it also appears to show the 'Sodhis'. It could be argued the painting shows all those with influence in Punjab at the time - those in 'power' and with considerable influence. A point to note is that Guru Nanak Sahib and Ranjit Singh are the only figures with a Nimbus / Halo - and the Lt Governor has a canopy over his head. The painting is titled "Kings and devotee Sikhs paying homage to Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion." - regardless of who the individuals are they are all paying homage to the Guru Sahiban - even if the painting maybe an attempt to overplay any influence or bolster an individual's standing - or an attempt to give credence to a particular 'lineage' or 'prophecy'. Please fell free to add your comments - they are greatly appreciated Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

One of the joys of visiting India is the full onslaught on the senses - the wild colours, the non stop horns, the crowds - and of course the MAD painted signs The unique spelling, the awkward grammar and the fact some are just plain indecipherable. Here is a collection of funny signs - well I think they are funny - there is preponderance of 'Toilet' signs - as we all know there is always an eternal struggle to find an acceptable clean toilet - that search usually goes out the window if you are struck down with Delhi Belly and then anyone - no matter how basic - will do ! SGPC gobbledegook signs - what are they on about ? A Wonderful sign at Hasan Abdal Railway station - the station for Panja Sahib - Pakistan 'Toilet humour' Sick bag on Nepal's 'Yeti Airlines' Classic spelling I think they meant - Shaving - Special Shaving -Face Massage - All body massage - facial mask - buffing and threading In the old Jewish quarter of Cochin - Swastik Spices Indians use the word 'Backside' rather than 'rear' Flattered ? - Oh you are such lovely tyres ! What do you mean I can't take my 'Gadda' out during rush hour - I just got the 'Bhaiya' to polish the Bull's horns ! Indian Ronald McDonald - complete with turban - McCurry A couple of UK ones Sukhmani Kaur spares the blushes of the ragi Singhs - by turning Glassy to Lassy Southall railway station - this sign has now been replaced One from Canada - say the 6 in Punjabi Yes - I know I've got way too much time on my hands !

Thank you very much Kharag Singh ! Some Great images there !

I don't know if this is the right place to ask but does anyone have any images of Shiva or other Indic Gods with beards ? I have been looking for images with beards - is there any reason or tradition as to why most are depicted without beards ? Most images of Shiva follow this pattern ; This shows a Trident with Shiva as 'Ardhanari' - half man half woman (A bronze from the Chola period 1000-1100 (South India)) *From the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio. The only image I have been able to find is this Bronze Mask of Lord Shiva , discovered during the reign of M. Ranjit Singh by General Court at Peshawar in 1834. It dates from the 5th century and is now in the collection of the Bibliotheque nationale Paris , having been given to the French King by General Allard. Lord Shiva is shown with a full beard. * taken from Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Lord of The Five Rivers - Jean Marie Lafont - OUP 2002 Does anyone have any other images of Shiva with a beard ? I would be really grateful if you could post them Many Thanks Freed

The writing on the last image is very hard to read - it is low res so you can't enlarge it to read it - I have sent a request to get a study photograph of the image. When I get a response I will post it here - It might make things a lot clearer !

Gurfateh! & Many Thanks for your responses Dear 'Shaheediyan' Bhai Sahib, In your post you mention it is rare to see love and devotion amongst today's youth - I must disagree - your contribution to this forum is always marked by love and devotion - your posts are a pleasure to read - your responses are always full of 'Mithbola'. If I haven't said it before your feed back is always constructive and always a pleasure to receive. Many Thanks Pyaar Bhari Sat Sri Akaal ! Ranjit Singh (Freed)

GurFateh ! Here is a wonderful and interesting collection of images from the Wellcome Collection. The scope of the Wellcome Collection is vast and wide ranging covering almost everything. The images I am posting cover Sikh, Punjabi and Indic themes - they are watercolours, gouache paintings and hand tinted Lithographs and woodcuts from the Late 19th Century. The hand painted woodcuts and lithographs are particularly interesting as they were mass produced and sold as souvenirs in places like Amritsar for your average person to buy - perhaps the first time inexpensive art was available to the masses - a forerunner of the inexpensive calenders and prints that pilgrims and tourists buy today - I think every Sikh household must have one of those pictures of Darbar Sahib which is a central framed picture with a hinged frame on each side with a painting of Guru Nanak on one side and Guru Gobind Singh on the other ! Here are the pictures Images of the Guru Sahiban Guru Nanak Guru Gobind Singh Darbar Sahib - hand painted lithographs - Note the Nishan Sahibs - they show a number of different symbols Maharaja Ranjit Singh Akali Phoola Singh Sikh People Battle scenes Sikhs fight against the British Sikhs in the British Army These following images have a Punjabi Theme A funeral procession - note the flags and band - this would suggest the funeral of an Elder - who had lived a long life and left behind many great-grand children - in Punjabi called 'Sohne di Pauri charna' - 'having ascended the Golden Ladder' - A time to celebrate and not mourn, as they had been blessed with such a long fruitful life. I believe this is a scene from the Legend of 'Sohni Mahival' - you can see Sohni crossing the river using a clay pot A court scene - with an English Judge Pehlwaan - wrestlers A Pehlwaan wrestler with a 'Shamla' hanging from his turban and a 'Kentha' around his neck The Akhara Vices and Addictions The Stereotype of the Punjabi is that he is of 'Moti Akal' and fond of a drink - in other words a 'bit thick ,slow witted and an alcoholic' - these next images are interesting as they highlight some of these traits - I don't know if they are intended to be humorous but I think they are ! ( apologies if any offence taken - but you can see that 'Nasha' and 'Amlies' and the related behaviour are not a new phenomenon!) Sharaabies - the perils of too much drink and the related 'misbehaviour' ( an insight into the roots and an indictment of the casual violence and spousal abuse that plagues Punjabi Society) Addicts and addiction - Amalies and Posties a 'Mujrah' - dancing performance Indic Themes a lithograph depicting a triumphant Durga riding a tiger escorted by Hanuman holding a flag -- I have included this image as it gives the name of the printer of the lithograph, in Amritsar. Also the flag is very interesting - it is very similar to the one in the lithograph of Darbar Sahib, posted above earlier. These last two images are extremely interesting - while it is not clear who all the individuals are - I think these may be 'propagandist' or at least trying to - to use the vernacular - 'Big Up' certain individuals and agendas The first shows Sir Donald Friell McLeod, Governor of the Punjab, surrounded by admiring Sikh elders - note how he is seated on a throne with a Chaur and angels or devte with garlands,circling his 'haloed' head - an attempt to use Indic themes to show his postion - real or imagined. This image could be seen as even more controversial - here you can see the Ten Guru Sahiban depicted - as well as Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his family. You also see Langar being made and served - You can also see 'Ragra' being performed. However the painter has also shown Sir Donald - seated on a throne. Directly under the Guru Sahiban you see what appears to be Sodhi Bhan Singh and family - decendents of Prithi Chand (Brother of Guru Arjan) known as 'The Minas'. ( Though I could be wrong) The whole picture seems to be an attempt to show the real or imagined influence of these individuals. This is what makes the picture very interesting - you can see similar attempts to show the influence or prestige of individuals in illuminated manuscripts of The Guru Granth Sahib - namely the Sodhi Bhan Singh manuscript in the N. Delhi Museum. It shows the power of imagery - and the way it can be used to bolster postion and elevate an indivdual's 'prestige' or attempt to provide legitimacy to a 'postion' or 'lineage'. Extremely interesting - please post your views ! I think I'll stop there - enjoy the pictures - and please post your views - they are greatly appreciated ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh Old Soldiers As the famous line from an old army ballad says "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away." - here is a collection of some of my favourite military images. Most military images are very stiff and formal, staged photographs in regimental formations - my personal favourites are the informal shots which show the day to day life of a soldier. This is perhaps one of my favourite images, from perhaps the late 19th century , it shows a Sikh soldier in 'Civvies' - off duty - but still wearing his regimental Pagri Badge (a chakar and Bhagauti). He wears a large tall dastar - the 10 yard army 'safa'. It shows how his beard is tied very clearly - tied upwards and it appears without the use of any 'Fixo' - today it is more common for the beard to be tied 'downwards' as in it is tucked under rather than upwards. I love the 'cheeky' smile and the salute - a great image. These next two images reflect the fascination many have with our Kesh and Dastar - It shows Harnam Singh of the 4th Sikh also in his 'civvy' clothes before and after washing and drying his hair.It is from the Desert campaign of the First World War in Kantara, on the east side of the Suez canal in 1914. More images of 'ablutions' Time for 'Tiffin' Veterans at the Delhi Durbar Wonderfully staged images of Sikh Gunners A Felice Beato image of some of the first recruits to the British Army Gallipoli - WW1 The trenches Mountain Battery Jerusalem Desert Diwan - Mesopotamia WW1 The Memorial erected by The 35th Sikhs battalion in 1894 - located in the Darshani Deori Amritsar. It reads - "Eh chakar paltan number 35 Sikh ne tareek 16 (?) April 1894 mutaabak 5 Vasaakh san 1952 Nu Siri Darbar Sahib Amritsar da darshan karan di ar Ishnaan karan di yaadgar vich Ardass karaiya " The Saragarhi Memorial Sikhs in France WW1 Pipe Band Second World War - A Sikh Soldier escorting prisoners of War 1941 Memorial to Ranjit Singh - Sikh Regiment - Kranji , Singapore And to finish another favourite image - Sikh boys boxing , (Army Cadets ?) from the 1940s. Note how the boy on the right is wearing a proper 'Reb' Kacchera Hope you enjoyed the pictures Ranjit Singh 'Freed'