Spanning modern day India and Pakistan, the Sikh Empire (1799–1849) at its zenith held sway over a vast key territory of the Indian subcontinent – its north-western frontier. At its helm was a ruler who had captured Lahore at the age of 19. Ranjit Singh (1780–1839) would go on to be the undisputed Maharaja of Punjab until his death in 1839. His reign saw an unprecedented period of stability, in which trade boomed and the arts flourished.

In 2024, the Wallace Collection held the major exhibition Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King, which placed our remarkable collection of Sikh arms and armour alongside other Sikh artworks for the very first time. This dedicated resource provides a lasting legacy for the exhibition. We invite you to explore the different sections listed above to learn more about our wonderful collection, set within the context of the rise and fall of the formidable Sikh Empire.

The Wallace Collection wishes to thank the following sponsors for their generous support of the exhibition:

Michael and Angela Cronk
Davinder Toor
Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, GRoW @ Annenberg
E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
The Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust
David and Molly Lowell Borthwick
Sotheby’s
Christian Levett
Sukhbir Kainth
Khanuja Family
Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall
Professor Ajit Lalvani
The Anthony and Elizabeth Mellows Charitable Settlement
Peter Finer Ltd
Dr Avtar and Monika Kamboj

Catalogue Supporter:
The Elizabeth Cayzer Charitable Trust

Official Paint Partner:
Little Greene