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Sikh Ruler's Furniture Surfaces at Auction
25 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Two 19th-century chairs from last Sikh ruler are up for auction.
- Chairs crafted in Bombay in 1850 are expected to fetch £8,000-£12,000.
- Maharajah Duleep Singh admired craftsmanship, blending Indian and English styles.
A pair of 19th-century chairs belonging to Maharajah Duleep Singh, the final Sikh ruler of India, will be auctioned soon. These ornate pieces were crafted in Bombay in approximately 1850 and are estimated to sell for £8,000 to £12,000.
Duleep Singh, who inherited his title at five years old, was exiled to England after the British annexation of the Sikh Empire in 1849. He later settled at Elveden Hall and developed a friendship with Queen Victoria. The chairs from his estate showcase his appreciation for quality.
Nicholas Shaw of Olympia Auctions noted the chairs' dark Bombay blackwood, Indian motifs, and acanthus leaf friezes. He highlighted their ability to represent both Singh's heritage and his place in English society, expecting wide interest due to their legacy and craftsmanship.
