Maharajah Duleep Singh Exhibition
Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life
Saturday 8 July 10am to 5pm

Come along to the Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life in Norfolk, which will have free admission on 8 and 9 July as part of the Festival of Thetford & Punjab 2023. There are several stories, displays and artefacts relating to the Duleep Singh Family in the Museum’s permanent collections, as well as a special pop-up exhibition.

Maharajah Duleep Singh was the last Sikh ruler of the kingdom of the Punjab in northern India. His wars with the British ended in the 1840s, with him surrendering his lands and possessions, including the Koh-I-noor diamond.

He came to Britain and was befriended by Queen Victoria. He settled into family life at Elveden Hall, near Thetford, Norfolk. In time, unhappiness over his treatment led him to rebel against the British authorities. His plans led to nothing, and he died a broken man.

This display uses photographic images, archival documents, cartoons and text to tell the real story of ‘The Black Prince’.

• Venue: Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life, White Hart Street, IP24 1AA
• Advanced booking encouraged: https://norfolk-museums.arttickets.org.uk/ancient-house
• Entry to Ancient House is free on 8 & 9 July, as part of the festival

Festival of Thetford & Punjab 2023

Friday 7 July – Sunday 9 July

This event is part of Festival of Thetford & Punjab 2023, which takes place in venues across the town, as part of a whole weekend of cultural celebrations inspired by the life and legacy of the Duleep Singh family, the last Royal Family of the Punjab who lived in Norfolk. There’ll be talks, workshops and activities for all to enjoy, as well as the Thetford Mela on Sunday, with performances from Circus Raj and the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band, bhangra dancing, Sikh martial arts, dhol drumming and more.

Read the full programme at http://thetfordpunjabfest.com