With the passage of time, everything seems to be changing. The things that used to be an integral part of our lives until recently are now being forgotten, which is truly a matter of sorrow. However, there are still a few insightful and dedicated individuals who take pride in preserving artifacts connected to our past, whether they symbolize heritage or cultural significance. One such person is Narinder Pal Singh, a resident of Gandhi Colony in Ludhiana, Punjab, INDIA. Who has turned his home into a repository of priceless historical artifacts from Sikh history and beyond.

 

Narinder Pal Singh has meticulously preserved numerous rare items, including ancient Manuscripts, Coins from different eras such as the Sikh, British, Mughals, Hindu dynasties, Medieval period, Ancient period other invaluable relics. His collection features Nanakshahi and Gobindshahi coins from the Sikh Empire, coins issued by the Sikh Misls before Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign, and even the last coin issued in the name of Maharaja Duleep Singh. He also possesses Nanakshahi coins minted in Lahore and Amritsar, along with a variety of coins from the Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Kashmir, Dera Jat, Dera Ghazi Khan, Anandgarh, Najibabad, and Jaipur mints. His collection extends to rare coins from the Muslim and Hindu periods, including unique coins of Maharaja Sher Singh, Dalip Singh and Nau Nihal Singh. 

In addition to coins, Narinder Pal has preserved ancient manuscripts, including handwritten scriptures such as Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, the Panj Granthi, Das Granthi, the Vaaran of Bhai Gurdas Ji, Bhagat bani, Parochial Bhagtan dian, Guru Granth Sahib uthanka, and hymns of various saints, and texts from Udasi and Nirmala traditions. These manuscripts, crafted on hand-made paper derived from rice and produced in places like Lahore and Rawalpindi, are over 200 to 300 years old. His intent is to exhibit these treasures in a museum with the utmost respect and care. 

 

Narinder Pal Singh also owns a remarkable collection of ancient weaponry, including swords, spears, khanda, arrows, shields, and various other traditional arms such as the Afghan dagger, kirpan, khaibar, bichua, tabar, safa Jang, pesh kabz, Saif, Sirohi  gun powder flasks, and many more. Few more historical relics including Sikh Miniature Paintings,  Sikh Royal Families rare camera photographs, Sikh Stamps and postal Stationary,  Sikh States Stamp papers, are also part of his rich collection. 

This extensive collection offers a glimpse into the martial heritage of the Sikh community and often leaves the younger generation in awe.

 

When asked how he developed this passion, Narinder Pal Singh shared that it began during his school days when he found some old coins at home. This discovery sparked his curiosity, and he started collecting coins from various periods. Over the past 39 years, he has amassed coins spanning 2,600 years of Punjab’s history, with a particular interest in Nanakshahi coins issued by the Sikh Misls and Sikh rulers like Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Khadak Singh, Sher Singh, and Maharaja Duleep Singh. 

 

 

Narinder Pal Singh has displayed his collection at over 273 heritage exhibitions across schools, colleges, universities, and gurdwaras on historical occasions, garnering admiration from numerous eminent personalities. His exhibitions aim to educate future generations about Sikh art, culture, and heritage, encouraging them to preserve their roots. He has also organized exhibitions outside Punjab to broaden awareness of Sikh heritage.

 

To further his efforts, Narinder Pal Singh plans to establish a Sikh museum where his collection can be housed under one roof. He envisions digitizing his treasures to make them accessible globally through the internet. This initiative is supported wholeheartedly by his family, especially his father, Late Sardar Ranjit Singh, who provided financial and moral support. The family takes pride in his dedication to preserving Sikh heritage, ensuring that future generations can draw inspiration from these invaluable artifacts.

 

Narinder Pal Singh’s tireless efforts, spanning nearly four decades, exemplify his unwavering commitment to safeguarding history. He often purchases rare items from auctions, even at high costs, driven by his determination to ensure these treasures remain preserved for posterity. His collection serves as a timeless reminder of the richness of Sikh history and culture, inspiring countless individuals to connect with their roots.

 

About Narinder Pal Singh