Maharaja Ranjit Singh's throne

Maharaja Ranjit Singh's throne
Maharaja Sher Singh seated on the golden throne of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (ca. 1840's)

Maharaja Ranjit Singh's throne was made by the goldsmith Hafez Muhammad Multani about 1820 to 1830. Made of Wood and resin core, covered with sheets of repoussé, chased and engraved gold.[1]

Overview

It shows the splendour of Ranjit Singh's court and is decorated with richly worked sheets of gold. The distinctive cusped base of this throne is composed of two tiers of lotus petals. The lotus is a symbol of purity and creation and has traditionally been used as a seat or throne for Hindu gods. It is thought that as the Maharaja was renowned for the simplicity of his appearance and dislike of ceremony he rarely sat on this throne, preferring to sit cross-legged on carpets.

The throne was part of the State Property taken by the British in 1849 on the annexation of Punjab, after the Second Anglo-Sikh War, and was displayed with other treasures of the British Empire at the Great Exhibition in 1851. It is kept in the V&A Museum with inventory number 2518(IS).

Bibliography

References

  1. ↑ Maharaja Ranjit Singh's throne V&A Museum.
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