Sikh Akalis on the March
Unknown
ca. 1885 · Pencil, pen, ink, watercolor, gold and silver on paper · Islamic Art
The Akalis, a fierce martial force within the Sikh tradition, are identifiable by their tall dastar banga, a distinct towerlike turban that is set with steel weapons. In this scene, the warriors march in procession, wielding traditional and modern arms, including swords and a rifle. Native to the region of Punjab, this group would have been of great interest to the British, who annexed the region in 1849 and continued to document their new surroundings and local culture.
- Artist
- Unknown
- Date
- ca. 1885
- Medium
- Pencil, pen, ink, watercolor, gold and silver on paper
- Department
- Islamic Art
- Credit line
- Cynthia Hazen Polsky and Leon B. Polsky Fund, 2004
