Central Sikh Museum

Established in 1958 at Amritsar, Central Sikh Museum exhibits paintings of Sikh gurus, saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent Sikh leaders who have contributed to the enhancement of Sikh religion. It has a rich collection of coins, old arms and ancient manuscripts. It also houses an excellent library. Guide services are available on request. The museum is open on all days. Entry is free. Photography is allowed only upon prior permission.

A visit to Golden Temple is not complete if someone is not visiting The Central Sikh Museum. This museum was established in the early 1960’s. The great Sikh artists, S.Kirpal Singh, Thakur Singh, Parbodh Chandra, Sobha Singh, Gurdit Singh, Amolak Singh, Phulan Rani added to its beauty by painting the Sikh history on canvas. Some rare pencil sketches by Princess Bamba add to its glory. Musical instruments like Saranda of Baba Sham Singh and rarest stringed instrument, guns of Sikh Raj, Wooden Canopy supporters covered with silver of Maharaja Ranjit Singh times are preserved in the museum. The wooden comb (Kangha) of Guru Gobind Singh, Arrows and Bow, Iron Chakras (circles) to be worn on the turban by warrior and a iron jacket made of wires (Sanjoe) are worth seeing.

The museum has been divided into different portions according to Sikh History. In the very first hall, Guru Sahiban, Bhagat Sahiban and there period has been described through portraits. The second small room shows the travels of Guru Nanak and some photos of rare art work on the walls of Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai. The next is followed by the Sikh Struggle period after 1708 . Portraits of Bhai Mani Singh, Bhai Taru Singh, Bhai Dyala, Bhai Mati Dass, the prices for the heads of Sikhs being paid. Takes one to the Sikh Raj and after independence struggle of Punjabi Speaking state, Nirankari Kand, Operation Blue Star, portraits of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindran wala, General Shabeg Singh, Bhai Amrik Singh. The portraits of Sikh scholars, saints, religious, social and political personalities, Presidents and some members of S.G.P.C. Jathedars of Akal Takhat Sahib and Head Granthis of Harmandir Sahib are displayed. At present for the museum, two Artists, one curator and clerical staff is there.