The remarkable journey of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, a Punjabi princess turned trailblazing suffragette, will be the focus of a new exhibition at Kensington Palace. Opening March 26 and running until November, the exhibit will highlight Sophia's unique heritage and her active role in the fight for women's rights in early 20th-century Britain.
Sophia Duleep Singh was the daughter of Duleep Singh, the last maharajah of the Punjab. Following the British annexation of Punjab in 1849, Duleep Singh was forced to surrender his kingdom and sign away the renowned Koh-i-noor diamond, which now adorns the crown of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. After relocating to England, he developed a close relationship with Queen Victoria, who became a significant figure in Sophia's life. The princess grew up in aristocratic surroundings at Elveden Hall in Suffolk, surrounded by her family, which included her mother, Bamba Muller, grandmother, Jind Kaur, and two sisters, Catherine and Bamba. Originally reported by The Guardian.
The exhibition titled The Last Princesses of Punjab will delve into the lives of these remarkable women, particularly focusing on Sophia and her influential relationships. It will feature personal letters, photographs, and a range of artifacts that illustrate their dual identity as both British aristocrats and Punjabi royalty.
Celebrating Women's History Month with a Royal Legacy
Opening during Women's History Month and coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Sophia's birth, the exhibition is set to be a timely celebration of women's contributions to history. Polly Putnam, curator of collections for the Historic Royal Palaces, expressed, "This exhibition reveals a story of courage, identity and resistance told through the lives of extraordinary women." With Kensington Palace as the backdrop-where Queen Victoria spent her own childhood-the display aims to reflect on the intertwined histories of these women.
Among the highlights of the exhibition is a rare bound volume of The Suffragette magazine, showcasing an image of Sophia selling copies at Hampton Court Palace, where she resided in a grace-and-favor apartment granted by Queen Victoria. Another notable item is a handwritten letter from Sophia to Winston Churchill, in which she documented police brutality at the infamous Black Friday suffragette march in 1910. Sophia's activism is underscored by her involvement in various campaigns, including her participation in marches alongside prominent figures such as Emmeline Pankhurst.
Defiance Against Authority and Taxation
Sophia Duleep Singh's commitment to the suffragette movement extended to her defiance against taxation laws, which she challenged on three separate occasions. Her sisters also played vital roles in social justice initiatives. Catherine Duleep Singh, for instance, supported Jewish families fleeing Nazi persecution, acting as a guarantor for their stay in her Buckinghamshire home. A striking display will feature a jewelled pendant, likely an heirloom from their grandmother, Jind Kaur, which Catherine gifted to an eight-year-old refugee named Ursula Hornstein.
Through banners from organizations like the Women's Tax Resistance League, the exhibition aims to provide a broader context of the political environment of the time, encapsulating the struggle for women's rights and the complexities of their heritage. The phrase "No Vote, No Tax" was a rallying cry that resonated deeply with suffragettes, including Sophia and her sisters, as they fought for equality and representation.
Exploring a Rich Cultural Heritage
The exhibition will also feature items that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Duleep Singh family. Childhood artifacts, such as an ornately decorated rocking horse and intricately embroidered outfits worn by the sisters, will highlight their upbringing as both British aristocrats and members of the Punjabi royal lineage. The blend of these identities is a testament to the diverse cultural influences that shaped their lives and activism.
Mishka Sinha, the exhibition historian, noted, "The women of her family lived through an extraordinary sweep of history, yet each found ways to exert influence and forge their own identity." This sentiment underlines the exhibition's aim to tell a global story of empire, dispossession, and resistance through the lens of these remarkable women.
As visitors walk through the exhibition, they will not only learn about Sophia Duleep Singh's life and her fight for women's rights but will also gain insight into the broader historical context that shaped her family's legacy. This powerful narrative serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the vital role women have played throughout history.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.