Khalsa Jatha Gurdwara, 58–62 Queensdale Rd, London W11 4SG
Saturday, 18th October 2025
I recently had the pleasure of delivering my lecture, “Toshkhana of Lahore: The Trail of Sikh Relics and Artefacts,” at the historic Khalsa Jatha Gurdwara in London. The event was well attended, drawing a diverse audience of historians, researchers, and members of the Sikh community. It was heartening to see such strong interest in uncovering the legacy of the Sikh Empire and its material heritage.
In the lecture, I explored the Toshkhana of Lahore—the royal treasury that once safeguarded the priceless possessions of the Sikh Empire under Maharajah Ranjit Singh. My focus was on how, following the annexation of the Punjab in 1849, the British meticulously documented the contents of the Toshkhana, leading to the dispersal of many Sikh relics and artefacts across the world.
I referred to several significant catalogues and inventories created during this period, including those compiled by Lord Login, Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, Maharajah Duleep Singh, and items associated with Maharani Jindan Kaur and others. Each list provides tantalising clues about the treasures that once lay in Lahore, from jewelled weapons and royal insignia to relics connected to the Gurus themselves.
However, as I emphasised during the lecture, concrete conclusions cannot be made without further research. Many questions remain about the current locations and provenance of these artefacts—some of which may reside today in institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Armouries, and private collections around the world.
The talk concluded with a lively Q&A session, where attendees raised a wide range of insightful questions—from the ethical challenges of museum holdings to the importance of digital preservation. The discussion reinforced the growing interest in tracing and reinterpreting Sikh material history through collaboration and scholarship.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to this stimulating evening of discussion and discovery. Together, we continue to shed light on the remarkable legacy of the Sikh Empire and its enduring cultural treasures.