Talks

Manuscript and Monarchy: Akbar’s Reign Reimagined in Ranjit Singh’s Lahore

Join us for a special webinar led by Associate Curator of Sikh Art, Santbir Singh, as he explores the illustrated manuscript of the Chronicles of Emperor Akbar (Ain-i-Akbari), created in the early 19th century at the court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This rare manuscript, held in ROM’s collection, reflects how Ranjit Singh, the first emperor of the Sikh Empire engaged with earlier Mughal traditions to assert its own cultural and political identity.  

The one-hour program will feature an in-depth discussion of the manuscript’s history, its artistic value, and its broader significance within South Asian heritage. High-resolution close-ups will reveal details of its intricate brushwork, vibrant pigments, and inscriptions, offering rare visual access to this important work. This webinar will also feature a Q&A with Santbir Singh.  

This presentation supports the upcoming Global Sikh Art & Culture Gallery, which is made possible through visionary donor and community support.