Understanding Sikh Arms And Armour

In Praise of Steel: Understanding Sikh Arms and Armour

If there's one thing that the Sikhs are universally known for, it is their reputation as fearsome warriors. From the times of their sixth spiritual leader, Guru Hargobind, who first took up arms against an oppressive Mughal Empire in the early 17th century, to their largely unsung contribution in the World Wars, the distinctive image of the Sikh as a warrior par excellence has endured for nearly four centuries. But what exactly can be said about the uniqueness of "Sikh" arms and armour? Collector and weapons enthusiast, Davinder Singh Toor, draws upon a wealth of imagery and artifacts from public and private collections around the world to answer this important question.

About the Speaker

Davinder Singh Toor's passion for Sikh art and heritage began while working as a volunteer during the V&A's acclaimed 'The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms' exhibition in 1999. A decade on, he has become one of the world's youngest and foremost collectors of Sikh heritage, specialising in the acquisition and study of Sikh arms and armour.
An Optometrist by profession, he has examined countless examples of Indo-Persian weaponry held in public and private collections in UK, India, US and Europe. He has acted as a consultant to several private collectors, auction houses and major institutions, including the British Museum, Wallace Collection and the V&A.
His research has been credited in publications such as 'Sicques, Tigers or Thieves: Eyewitness Accounts of the Sikhs (1606-1809)' and 'The Arts of the Muslim Knight'. He is keen to share his knowledge of Sikh arms and armour with a wider audience, and is currently preparing an introductory book on the subject.