The Last King Exhibit

In partnership with the
Sikhlens Arts & Film Festival
, the Leatherby Libraries is currently hosting a new exhibition highlighting the culture and research of Mr. Bobby Bansal. The Sikhlens exhibit brings to life the extraordinary international melting pot known as the court of Maharajah Ranjit Singh (1780-1839). British, French, Spanish, Russian, Italian, even American expatriates served under the Sikh Maharajah’s secular and tolerant leadership, working as his soldiers, generals, diplomats, intelligence agents, ambassadors, bureaucrats and translators. The exhibit accentuates Ranjit’s powerful interfaith spirit, and his drive for excellence without regard to religion or race or ethnic background.

It showcases him as a brilliant administrator who successfully built his legendary empire by recruiting “the best of the best” from all over the globe. Despite vast and fundamental differences in religious beliefs, social mores, and cultural traditions, these individuals from far-flung lands lived and worked in harmony, due to the Maharajah’s forward-thinking ways.

The exhibit will continue until February 15th, 2016 and is located on the 2nd floor of the Leatherby Libraries in the Doy and Dee Henley Reading Room. Make sure to take a look!