⟵ Back to videos

The Secular Sikh Maharaja and His Muslim Wife: Rani Gulbahar Begum

Thursday
,
2
December
2021
No items found.

This presentation will examine Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s role as a secular ruler through a 19th century tomb in Lahore built by Rani Gulbahar Begum, his Muslim wife. The Maharaja’s religious non-discriminatory policies will be discussed based on information gleaned from his court chronicles and some official documents in the Lahore Museum collection. The tomb’s architectural and ornamental features will also be viewed to understand the tastes and craftsmanship of nineteenth century Punjabi patrons and artists. About The Presenter: Nadhra Khan is Assistant Professor of Art History at Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. She specializes in the history of art and architectural ornament of nineteenth century Punjab but her research and teaching interests also cover the earlier Mughal and later colonial visual culture of this region. She has held research fellowships at SOAS, London (Charles Wallace Fellowship, 2010-11), Paris (2015), Princeton (Fulbright, 2014-15), and Oxford (Barakat Trust 2014-15). She is currently working with the Aga Khan Cultural Service, Pakistan (AKCSP), as Consultant Historian for their Lahore Fort Picture Wall project. Her monograph entitled Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Samadhi: Understanding Sikh Architectural Ornament will appear in 2017.

The Sikh Research Institute recognizes its ethical responsibility to promptly correct any factual small or large errors. Please get in touch with us via email to request a correction if you have identified a mistake.

Suggest a correction →
No items found.
No items found.

In This Video

No items found.

Latest Videos

Thursday
,
28
March
2024

Explore Alahani (Mahala 1)

Alahani is a mournful or sorrowful Panjabi folk song. When a person dies, friends and relatives usually visit the deceased’s family to share their sorrow and memories of their loved one’s life and deeds.

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
28
March
2024

You decide… Was Rani Jind Kaur on the side of the Sikhs or the British?

Embark on a journey through the intricate tapestry of history as we delve into the complex question surrounding Rani Jind Kaur's allegiance.

watch now ⟶
Thursday
,
28
March
2024

How did Rani Jind Kaur cross boundaries to resist British control?

Explore how Rani Jind Kaur defied British dominance by forging alliances beyond Sikh circles in this enlightening video.

watch now ⟶

Share on Social Media

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay informed with our weekly updates, important events and more at SikhRI.

Thank you! Your submission has been received.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.