A Study on the Various Art Forms Found in Historic Sikh Shrines
Karamjit Singh Chahal, Sandeep Dua · SSRN Electronic Journal · 2010
It was during Maharaja Ranjit Singh‘s rule that peace prevailed in Punjab after long periods of turbulences. When peace and normalcy returned to public life in the region, it brought wealth and prosperity to the residents. With this art received lavish patronage. The Sikhs constructed many of their shrines with magnificence and splendor under the royal patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Ranjit Singh’s rule can be termed as the period of artistic and cultural renaissance in Punjab. The Sikhs have always been passionate lovers of nature, which reflects in the designs used in various art forms used in Sikh shrines, palaces and mansions (havelis) of Sikh chiefs. During the period of Sikh supremacy in Punjab, the art and cultural atmosphere drew master craftsmen from different areas and from various religions. With the arrival of these artists, the art activity started flourishing in Lahore, Amritsar, and other princely states like Kapurthala, Patiala, etc. This paper takes a close look at the various art forms which add to the ornamentation of the Golden Temple in particular and other Sikh Shrines in general, including jaratkari (inlaid stone), mohrakashi (frescos), gach work, naqqashi work, tukri work and gold embossing.