Rajya Sabha saw important discussions during Special Mentions today, with Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha calling for the return of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s 19th-century golden throne from the UK.
The throne, crafted by the esteemed goldsmith Hafez Muhammad Multani between 1805 and 1810, represents the opulence of Ranjit Singh’s court. Unlike typical European royal furniture, which is merely gilded, this throne is entirely covered in thick gold sheets and is richly adorned. Its base features a unique design with two tiers of lotus petals, a symbol of purity and creation in Hindu and Sikh traditions.
Historical Context:
The throne was seized by the British East India Company during their annexation of Punjab in 1849. Along with other treasures from the Sikh treasury, it was taken to London for display in the East India Company museum on Leadenhall Street. After the museum’s collection was dissolved in 1879, the throne was moved to the South Kensington Museum, now known as the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Raghav Chadha’s Appeal:
Chadha has urged the Indian government to negotiate with the UK for the throne’s return, which remains at the Victoria and Albert Museum. On X, Chadha stated, “Today in Parliament, I demanded the repatriation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji’s royal throne currently placed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. I urged the Govt of India to press into service its diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom for the same.”
He further emphasized the significance of Ranjit Singh’s legacy, advocating for the inclusion of his values and contributions in school textbooks to educate students about his influential rule and principles of good governance.
Today in Parliament, I demanded the repatriation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji’s royal throne currently placed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. I urged the Govt of India to press into service its diplomatic relations with United Kingdom for the same.
His legendary… pic.twitter.com/xNEgevuOla
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) July 24, 2024