Seminar cum Exhibition on Banda, Battles and Body Politic

07 Jun 2010

Panjab Digital Library (PDL) in collaboration with the Government Museum and Art Gallery Chandigarh came up with a seminar cum exhibition titled Banda, Battles and Body Politic at the Government Museum and Art Gallery Chandigarh during 24 to 28 May 2010. The exhibition was a tribute to the legendary figure and added to the chain of celebrations recently held in and around Panjab on the Tercentenary commemorations of Fateh Divas. The exhibition highlighted the period of last eight years of Banda Singh Bahadur's life (1708-1716) that showed 76 exhibits covering the period of his meeting with Guru Gobind Singh Sahib up to his martyrdom. The exhibits included paintings of Banda Singh Bahadur, photographs of places related to Banda Singh, seal and replica of the coin issued by Banda, text panels describing the exhibits and much more.

The exhibition was inaugurated by SGPC Chief S. Avtar Singh. The exhibition was visited by about 4000 people from various states of India including Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and others. Some visitors came from abroad as well. Just like previous exhibitions held by Panjab Digital Library; this exhibition was applauded by people from all age groups and all classes and communities alike.

The exhibition showcased Banda Singh's transformation from an ascetic to a warrior, his expedition of Panjab upon getting orders from Guru Gobind Singh Sahib at Nanded, his battles at Sonipat, Kaithal, Samana, Sadhaura, Chhapar Jhiri, Sirhind and constructing and capturing forts; his establishment of Khalsa Raj on basis of Sikh ideals; issuance of Coin and Seal in the name of the Guru and finally his capture before he was martyred along with his companions.

The exhibition was preceded by a seminar on same topic that took place at the auditorium of the Government Museum. The seminar was also presided over by S. Avtar Singh where eminent scholars presented their papers. Dr. Surinder Singh delivered a lecture on Body Politic and presented historic view of the political angle of Banda Singh's personality. Dr. Madanjeet Kaur talked about nature of Sikh uprising under command of Baba Banda Singh. S. Kulbir Singh Sidhu spoke on achievements of Banda Singh as a military strategist and he appealed to the SGPC president to take more steps towards preservation of the heritage. Dr. Anurag Singh spoke about the distortion of history related to Banda Singh. Bhai Ashok Singh, in his short speech, emphasized the need of portraying the true picture of Baba Banda Singh Bahadar and his companions. Dr. Harnam Singh Shan concluded the seminar with punctuation from Persian sources including Zafarnama. The stage was compeered by S. Surender Pal Singh of Panjab Digital Library.

SGPC President threw light on the steps taken by the apex Sikh body in recent past for preservation of the heritage. He elaborated on the plans of setting up heritage complex at Chhappar Jhiri in 20-acre land and at Mukhlispur, the capital of first Sikh empire. He congratulated the young team of Panjab Digital Library led by S. Davinder Pal Singh on arranging such a distinctive event.
With such events Panjab Digital Library wishes to bring awareness among the masses and keep the heroes of the history alive in the minds of the new generations.

29 May 2010, Chandigarh