Allure of the turban: 80 rare paintings show West's fascination for Sikhs

A collection 80 rare paintings by Western artists from the 19th and 20th centuries depicts the lives of the Sikhs

A collection of 80 rare paintings by Western artists from the 19th and 20th centuries depicts the lives of the Sikhs.

In the first half of the 20th century, the Sikhs proved to be an invaluable asset for the British Indian Army. And, their novelty, ideals, practices and religious symbols such as the turban became a subject of intrigue for the Western world at the time. The fascination also found expression on canvas.

Portrait of Prince