May

Ascension of Guru Ram Das 1990 29.3 x 41cm (11.5 x 16in) Poster color, gouache and gold dust on paper Artist: Amrit K.D. Kaur Singh

This painting represents the passing on of the Guruship from the fourth Sikh Guru Ram Das Ji to Guru Arjan Dev Ji. It’s an event witnessed by the whole of creation, blessed by the previous three Gurus and glorified by the presence of the Divine in all his myriad forms of expression.

Whilst the sacred verses upon which the painting is based talks only of the Guruship passing on to Guru Arjan, the painting itself presents a contemporary update - showing how this was in turn invested in the Sacred Sikh Scriptures or Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As the physical embodiment of the Gurus’ eternal teachings, it is given due respect placed on a throne and shaded by an umbrella (symbol of royal status or authority).

The umbrella is decorated with a map of the world denoting the global outreach and relevance of Sikh teachings today.

The first followers and lifelong companions of Guru Nanak (Bhai Bala and Mardana) are also depicted top right carrying the objects by which they are traditionally identified in Sikh iconography - the peacock fan and Rabab (musical instrument). As a Hindu and Muslim respectively, their presence testifies to the universal outlook of Guru Nanak’s teachings and those of subsequent Gurus embodied in the Sikh scriptures.

The manji (or throne) upon which the Guru Granth Sahib sits is decorated with the emblem of the Sikh faith or Khanda. This denotes the dual secular and sacred responsibility of Sikhs and in particular the more defined martial character they acquired under the leadership of the sixth and tenth Sikh Gurus, Hargobind and Gobind Singh Ji.

As such its placement next to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib represents the continuity of Sikh teachings - from the founder Guru Nanak to the last of the 10 human Gurus, Gobind Singh Ji. To the left of the Guru Granth Sahib is a thali‚ or tray containing a coconut and five coins - the objects used in the passing on of Guruship ceremony, adopted by Baba Buddha Ji (an early follower of Guru Nanak).

As with other paintings in a series of works which illustrate particular verses from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the five vices or sins are personified here as semi human creatures whose characters are likened to those of the specific animals they represent.

In keeping with conventions adopted for narrative depictions in art, the figure of Guru Ram Das Ji is repeated in different parts of the composition, representing a transition in time and space as the story of his departure from earthy existence and spiritual union with God unfolds.