VOYAGE TO SHEESH MAHAL

Art Gallery 

      Maharaja Narindar Singh was a patron of literature, music and fine arts.  He employed a number of artists, from Kangra and Rajasthan whose talented artwork adorns the walls of Sheesh Mahal.  The paintings depict the visions of many poets like Behari Lal, Surdas and Keshav Das.  Mythological legends like the Nayak-Nayika, Raga-Ragini and Bara-Masa are also pictorially displayed.

      There is a large collection of rare miniature paintings in the Kangra style that are based on Jai Deva's poetry on the theme of 'Geet Govinda'.  These paintings standout as great legacies of the ninteenth century. 

      There are a large number of Tibetan art objects which are displayed in the Tibetan section.  The sculptures of Yamantaka, Havajra, Sari-Putra Buddha lamas and monks in different mudras and an apron made of human bones are also displayed.  Some of the artefacts were received from the Lahore Museum at the time of the Partition. 

      The most notable manuscript in the museum is the Gulistan-Bostan by Sheikh Sadi of Shiraz, which was acquired by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his personal library.  Each page is exquisitely illustrated with motifs of flora and fauna in gold.  Other noteworthy manuscripts are the jain manuscripts and the Janam Sakbi of Guru Nanak Devji. (Click to View photo of Reflective Mirrors of Sheesh Mahal)

 Medal Gallery

        The Medal Gallery occupies the rightful place of pride within the Sheesh Mahal.  Housed herein is the priceless collection of orders, decorations and medals.  It is believed that this is one of the largest collection in the world, being second only to that of the Queen of England.

        Mounted within custom made wooden cases each object of this rich collection is displayed as per its importance, type and origin.  Though centuries have passed, these orders, decorations and medals stand proud almost as if they were still adorning the uniforms of their recipients.

      As the Medal Gallery is not very accessible, most people including local inhabitants are largely unaware of its existence.  Medallic art of such magnificence and merit deserves greater acknowledgement and recognition. If the gallery enjoyed a reputation in proportion to the grandeur of its exhibits, it would put Patiala distinctively on the map, as a major destination for lovers of art and antiquity from the world over.