The first Sikh regiment was formed even before the annexation of the Punjab. For close to a hundred years from 1846 the Sikhs were a colorful part of the British Indian Army. In addition even Sikhs who were not in the army wore a distinctive style of turbans also called a Pagri that had its own brand value. Sikhs are now visible allover the world. The painting above is that of a junior Sikh Officer of the British Indian army. You can see the lovely uniform and his medals proudly displayed. The Sikhs covered themselves with glory for the Raj and a Force of 21 Sikhs soldiers under Havildar Karam Singh held out against a Moslem horde of 10,000 Afghans at the battle of Saragarhi on 12 September 1897. This is now celebrated as Sikh Regiments raising day in India.
ikhs also migrated to USA at the turn of the last century. the above painting shows the style of the Sikh turban worn in 1916 by Sikhs in the USA. Most Sikhs initially went to California. But after 1947 a flood of Sikhs migrated to Canada and the State of British Columbia had a Sikh Prime Minister as well. Sikhs are now well settled in the USA and Canada
he Sikhs in India also have a distinction and the Presidents bodyguards sport special dress and turban,the above painting of the Sikh soldier of the Presidents body guard is a beauty.It brings out the regal manner and mien of the soldier as the Sikhs have always made soldiery as their main vocation. Sikh regiments also wear a distinctive pagri that is the hallmark of the Sikh regiments.
Sikh women also wear a turban, but their style is different as can be seen from the photo. These women take pride in being Sikhs and support the head dress as shown after they have been baptised as true Sikhs. The Sikhs are also now part of the culture of England and Pakistan as well. It is not uncommon to see a British bobby with a turban and yes Harsharan Singh a Sikh from Pakistan has joined the Pakistan Army as a an Officer, complete with turban and beard. I am indebted to Shri RM Singh for these paintings.
Sikh women also wear a turban, but their style is different as can be seen from the photo. These women take pride in being Sikhs and support the head dress as shown after they have been baptised as true Sikhs. The Sikhs are also now part of the culture of England and Pakistan as well. It is not uncommon to see a British bobby with a turban and yes Harsharan Singh a Sikh from Pakistan has joined the Pakistan Army as an Officer, complete with turban and beard. I am indebted to Shri RM Singh for these paintings
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