Maharaja Ranjit Singh's throneHafiz Muhammad MultaniLahore, Pakistan1820-1830Wood and resin core, covered with sheets of repoussé, chased and engraved goldHeight 94 cm x Width 90 cm x Depth 77 cmHeight 51 cm (seat)Museum no. 2518 (IS)
The golden throne of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, one of the great Sikh leaders, renowned as the founder of the Sikh nation. The goldsmith Hafez Muhammad Multani made this throne, probably in 1820-1830. It shows clearly the splendour of Ranjit Singh's court. In Europe, royal furniture is usually simply gilded, which creates the effect of gold without incurring the cost. However, in India the reverse is true, and thrones are decorated with richly worked sheets of gold.The distinctive cusped base of this throne is composed of two tiers of lotus petals. The lotus is a symbol of purity and creation and has traditionally been used as a seat or throne for Hindu gods. However, the octagonal (eight-sided) shape of the throne is based on courtly furniture of the Mughals. Their many-sided furniture provided models for thrones, footstools and tables throughout northern India.