Maharani Jindan Kaur's necklace fetches 187,000 pounds at UK auction
London, Oct 24: An emerald and seed-pearl necklace owned by Maharani Jindan Kaur, the wife of Sikh emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh, has sold for 187,000 pounds at a London auction after triggering a fierce bidding war, an official has said.
The necklace worn by Kaur, the final and the only one of Maharaja's wives not to commit Sati on his death, surpassed its estimated price between 80,000 and 120,000 pounds.
It was among a number of treasures from the Lahore Treasury auctioned as part of the 'Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art Sale' in London on Tuesday.
The entire sale, which had a number of items dating back to the Raj era, made an overall total of 1,818,500 pounds, the auction house said.
"In a highly successful sale, the Sikh treasures stood out with pride of place going to the magnificent necklace from the fabled Lahore Treasury that once belonged to the formidable and courageous Jindan Kaur," said Oliver White, Bonhams Head of Indian and Islamic Art.
"The high price reflected fierce and competitive bidding in the room, on the phones and over the internet," White said.
As Regent to her five-year-old son Duleep Singh, who was proclaimed Maharaja of Punjab in 1843, Kaur organised armed resistance to the British invasion but was captured and imprisoned.
Escaping to Kathmandu, she was kept under house arrest by the King of Nepal, before eventually moving to England where she was reunited with her son and her jewellery, including the necklace up for auction this week.
Among the other Sikh treasures on the sale included a gold-thread-embroidered, velvet-clad leather bow and arrow holder made for Maharaja Ranjit Singh, known as the Lion of Punjab, which sold for 100,000 pounds.
"The quiver was made purely for ceremonial purposes, and appears to have been rarely worn. As a result, it is in excellent condition," said White.
It is believed that the Maharaja commissioned a quiver in 1838 to wear at the wedding of his eldest son and heir Kharak, and he appears to be wearing the one in the sale in a painting of the same year by French artist Alfred de Dreux, now in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
A Mughal emerald seal made for, and bearing the name of, Marian Hastings, went under the hammer for 181,250 pounds.
Hastings was the second wife of Warren Hastings, the first Governor General of India (1773-1785).
A 'Lockwood Kipling Album' by artist, curator and school administrator Lockwood Kipling father of English poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling sold for 125,000 pounds.
The collection of 120 photographs was offered as a fascinating insight into Punjab in the last quarter of the 19th century.
Among the auction lots also included the Samsara Collection of Indian Paintings comprising 44 miniatures covering two main schools of art Pahari and Rajasthani from the 17th to the mid-19th centuries, as well as some Mughal works which sold for 553,750 pounds.
A work, possibly illustrating the story of Madhavanala and Kamakandala, dated circa 1780 sold for 81,250 pounds, and an illustration from the Sundar Shringar, also dated 1780, made 68,750 pounds.
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New Controversy : Santy Sharma’s Reaction to Khushi Mukherjee’s Video Sparks Conversation
After rapper and singer Santy Sharma's reaction to Khushi Mukherjee's provocative photo/video posts on social media, people on different platforms are now having a heated debate. The comments made by Santy were soon spread across social media and opened the door for conversations surrounding the type of content that is being posted by public figures on social media.
In his view, digital platforms provide a way to express themselves through creativity and art; however, he feels it is important for celebrities/influencers with a large number of followers to be mindful of how their content may be perceived by others. According to him, people who possess a large following online have a level of responsibility regarding the actions they display via their social media and should be cognizant of what type of example they are setting for the youth.
Lastly, creating art should inspire creativity as well as allow users to use their voices to support necessary change in society; therefore, creativity and expression through digital platforms should produce positive social change while still being aware of culture and society's expectations.
At the time of writing, Santy Sharma was discussing how online behaviour has contributed to increased rates of rapes, which stimulated much debate and debate online. Supporters have advocated for improved online etiquette, while others feel he was insensitive in his comments and contradicts the need for sensitivity on these sensitive issues. The controversy has gone beyond social media and increased debate regarding gender-based issues, the ethics of media influence, and the necessity to address serious crimes with appropriate awareness and sensitivity.
Meanwhile, Santy Sharma has also announced his upcoming single titled “I Don’t Care,” which is scheduled to release on 10 March 2026. The track will be available on his official YouTube channel and other major music streaming platforms, creating anticipation among fans who are eager to hear his latest musical release.
