by Amrit K.D Kaur Singh

PART OF THE IQBALNAMA SERIES

One story to make international headlines was Lord Iqbal Singh's relationship purchase of Little Castle at Lesmahago. Here, he is depicted as 'Lord of the Manor' sipping tea to the tune of bagpipes. The theme is reminiscent of a popular genre within traditional Indian miniature painting (particularly that of the 19th century Company Style) which showed the British 'Sahib' in a lap of luxury, being waited upon by his Indian servants.

This painting presents a light hearted twist to what some might regard as a role reversal of this traditional theme. In addition, the composition, like another in the Iqbalnama series ('All For Burns and Burns For All') mirrors a press photograph that appeared in a published article - a deliberate association which again draws attention to the history of media interest in Lord Iqbal Singh. As a Scottish instrument which has been adopted in the official, ceremonial and celebratory domestic life of both India and Asians in Britain (since first being introduced to India through the British India Army during the Raj), the bagpipes in themselves are a symbol of the traditional and ongoing link between Scottish and in particular, Sikh history and culture. Finally, as an animal typically associated with formal portraits of Indian nobility, Lord Iqbal Singh's much loved dog, Lucky, completes this image of the Scottish Sikh Laird.

To go on display in 2011

Image:© The Singh Twins