A nobleman visiting a holy man, each with their attendant

In 1809 the Sikh leader Ranjit Singh established himself as

maharaja (great king) of the Punjab Hills and the region remained

a Sikh state until 1849. Sikhism is founded on the tenets espoused

by 10 esteemed Gurus who advoated for one sovereign god, unity

of all humankind, social justice and honest conduct. This painting

most likely depicts Guru Nanak, who founded Sikhism in the 15th

century. Sikh artists adapted the fresh colours and delicate lines of

Kangra (Pahari) painting in their art, which predominantly focuses

on depicting the 10 Gurus. This painting’s jewel-like green, yellow

and red tones, which enliven and balance the composition, is

typical of the Kangra style and conveys the Guru’s serenity as well as the noblemen’s subsequent enlightenment.

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