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UK Museum receives grant to promote legacy of Maharaja Duleep Singh
Maharaja Duleep Singh was the last Sikh ruler of the Punjab who later settled in England
Maharaj Duleep Singh was also the former owner of the famous Kohi-noor diamond which he later had to surrender to the British Empire / Image - hrp.org.uk
In a significant boost for Anglo-Sikh heritage, the Museum of Thetford, has received a £198,059 (US $ 25000) grant from the United Kingdom’s National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) to mark its centenary and showcase the storied legacy of the Maharaja Duleep Singh.
The museum, founded by Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, the second son of the Maharaja, will utilize the funding to integrate the extraordinary history of the Duleep Singh family into its exhibits and organize a series of profile-raising events.
Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last Sikh ruler of the Punjab, arrived in England at the age of 15 after the annexation of his kingdom by Britain in 1849. Settling at Elveden Hall in Suffolk, his family remained in the region for a century. Prince Frederick donated the Ancient House Museum to Thetford, which officially opened its doors on December 11, 1924.
The NLHF grant, supported by Thetford Town Council, Friends of Thetford Museum, Norfolk County Council, and Arts Council England, will facilitate a two-year project to delve into the comprehensive history of the Duleep Singh family.
The initiative aims to create captivating displays, including a treasury of Anglo-Punjab history, a model of Elveden Hall, and exhibits highlighting the family’s contributions to achieving universal suffrage.
The displays will shed light on the broader contributions of the Duleep Singh family, including Prince Frederick and his sisters, Princesses Sophia and Catherine Duleep Singh. Princess Sophia played a pivotal role in the suffragette movement in the UK.
According to an official statement, the museum aims to reach Punjabi and Sikh communities, educate school children on British Empire history, and offer a nuanced understanding of identity through the Duleep Singh family's experiences.
Robyn Llewellyn, director, England, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund commented, "We are pleased to support the Ancient House, Museum of Thetford with the integration of the fascinating history of the Duleep Singh family in their display during their 100th Anniversary. Thanks to National Lottery players this project will create new opportunities to engage communities with heritage and spark meaningful dialogue."
Stating that the Duleep Singh family contributed to the diversity of the area, Councillor Robert Kybird, chairman, Breckland Area Museums Committee said, “It is therefore entirely appropriate that this celebration encompasses the wider Duleep Singh family, who in their separate ways have contributed to a more detailed understanding of Anglo Punjab heritage.”
“The award, alongside funding from our other generous supporters, will further enhance Thetford as a destination of choice for visiting Sikhs,” he added.
The museum's two-year project will not only revitalize displays but also feature engagement activities, community co-curated exhibitions, adult leisure learning programs, and initiatives to remove barriers to access for diverse audiences.
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