by Amrit K.D Kaur Singh

PART OF THE IQBALNAMA SERIES

As a tribute to Lord Iqbal Singh's personal admiration for one of Scotland's most celebrated poets, Robert Burns, this image depicts how he has devoted himself to honouring the memory of Burns and to promoting his work. Accordingly, it shows Lord Iqbal Singh on the Outer Hebridean Island (formerly called Vacsay) which he purchased and renamed Burns Island. Significantly, rather than planting a flag which bears his own crest, Lord Iqbal Singh is shown planting a Scottish flag which bares the image of Robert Burns.

In addition, he holds a copy of the Punjabi translation of Burns' poems which he specially commissioned as a means of bringing the poet's work to wider audiences. In keeping with the tradition of Indian illustrated manuscripts, some of the verses from one of his most famous poems - 'Scots Wha Hae Wi Wallace Bled,' are inscribed in the border. As a tribute to another Scottish hero (William Wallace) who has a parallel in Sikh history (Maharaja Ranjit Singh), the verses serve to represent the long standing cultural and historic links between Scotland and Punjab. They also symbolise the comparison that has been made between the Scottish and Sikh character. The lone star (top right) is the one which was named after Robert Burns.

To go on display in 2011

Image:© The Singh Twins