AUGUST

Artist: Simran Kaur, UK
Title: Bhai Kanhaiya – Mata Sahib Deva
Medium: Miniature Painting
Commissioner: Amardeep Sanghera

During the siege of Anandpur in 1704 when the Khalsa and Guru Gobind Singh were fighting for the survival of the community, the food and medical supplies were running low. The Khalsa was engaged daily by Mughal and Hindu Pahari forces, which required the operational support from the non-combatant residents of Anandpur.

The city of Anandpur had infrastructure that was strategically built to support the community during these difficult times, most notable of which was Shahid Bagh (garden of Martyrs), which had an extremely large well. It was in this garden where the sick and injured were cared for. These wells are still used to this day and are visited by thousands yearly on festivals like Hola Mohalla.

Resident beyond the walls of the fort of Anandpur Sahib within the city itself, was the most famous caretaker Bhai Kanhaiya. A Sikh whose enlightened vision saw the Divine within all, enemy and friend alike. Bhai Kanhaiya would venture out on the battlefield to offer water and medical aid to injured soldiers on both sides of the battlefield.

Also renowned for providing care to the injured was Mata Sahib Devan, the youngest wife of Guru Gobind Singh. Her selfless service would earn her great respect in the eyes of the Khalsa warriors.

The resolve and compassion practised by Sikhs like Bhai Kanhaiya and Mata Sahib Deva speak of the enormity of ways in which Sikhs manifested the qualities praised by the Gurus.

Artist

Simran Kaur, UK

I am a london-based artist, specialising in indian miniature painting and the use of natural, sustainable sources to create these works. My journey in traditional art aims to pick up and conserve the fine threads of ancient mastery, particularly those focusing around the Indian subcontinent – showcasing and educating the coming generations on the art of the lost worlds, where with God’s Grace, these techniques and form of spiritual practice are embraced and carried into the future. As a current student of the traditional arts and learning under the watchful eyes of many renowned masters in their practices, the path within my spiritual and physical practice has just begun.

My work also focuses on the use of natural resources such as earths and plants, where the journeys of these materials intertwine into the paintings and a collective energy is formed. I have only scratched the surface as a traditional artist, but may this ‘kalakaari’ lead to the divine truth, and bring the eyes of the future closer to the source from which they permeate from.

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Artist

Simran Kaur, UK

Art can bring an image to life through the emotions it invokes, and enriches our understanding of our culture and history.