PUNJAB, INDIA, 18TH OR 19TH CENTURY

Ceremonial standards play an important role in Sikh religious practice, both as parts of a Sikh temple and to be carried in processions. The inscription on the present standard head mentions Kabul, associated with Sikhism since Guru Nanak’s visit to the city in the 15^th century. Here, it appears to refer to a division of the Khalsa army led by Bhai Gurdas. Alternatively, the inscription may be a commemorative one, invoking the name of the illustrious 17^th-century Sikh preacher of the same name.