Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s 19th-Century Turban Draws Global Attention at London Sale

Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Rare Turban Sells for £165,500 at London Auction
 Ali Imran Chattha Lahore (Nazrana Times)
 

A rare wool turban gifted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first ruler of the Sikh Empire, sold for £165,500 at a Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art auction in London on November 12, 2025.
The turban was originally presented by Maharaja Ranjit Singh as a diplomatic gift to British envoy Charles Theophilus Metcalfe during his visit to Lahore in 1808. This gift exchange took place around the negotiations of the Treaty of Amritsar in 1809, recognizing Ranjit Singh’s rule west of the Sutlej River.
Initially estimated at £20,000, the turban remained in excellent condition after being preserved by the Metcalfe family for generations. Its high sale price highlights the continued global interest in Sikh Empire artifacts.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, known as the “Lion of Punjab,” was celebrated for his leadership, diplomacy, and artistic patronage during his reign from 1801 to 1839.
Gurinder Singh Mann of the Sikh Museum Initiative emphasized that items like this turban are more than diplomatic gifts—they reflect the power, prestige, and artistry of the Sikh Court in Lahore.