gurmukhi manuscript on paper, 19 lines of text finely written in black ink, large seal impression at top, laid down on cloth
manuscript 475 x 263 mm.; cloth 515 x 280 mm.

Footnotes

This unusual document was issued by the Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), and is stamped with the official seal of the Harmandir Sahib, reading Degh-o-tegh-o-Fateh, Nusrat Beh-de-rang Yaft-az Nanak-Guru Gobind Singh.

The text states it was issued at the command of Jathedar Ganda Singh, and written by the Ardasiya (prayer leader at the time) Bhai Kirpal Singh, appealing to the Sikh community to send donations to Sri Harmandir Sahib, perhaps during the initial period of British administration after the defeat of the First Anglo-Sikh War, in the reign of Maharajah Duleep Singh. Other persons named in the firman include Assistant Jathedar Dharam Singh, Head Priest Charat Singh, and service master Karam Singh.

Jathedar Ganda Singh was later hanged by the British in 1848 after he and other officials of the Golden Temple clashed with British officers when they walked inside the Harmindir Sahib with their shoes on. During the clash a Government official was killed. Under the Governor of the Punjab, Lawrence, the protesting Sikhs, including Jathedar Ganda Singh, were arrested and hanged.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
For all Sales categories, buyer's premium excluding Cars, Motorbikes, Wine, Whisky and Coin & Medal sales, will be as follows:
Buyer's Premium Rates
28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price;
27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,000 up to and including £800,000;
21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,000 up to and including £4,500,000;
and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Islamic and Indian Art
- Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art

A rare hukamnamma or firman (official document), issued by the Golden Temple Amritsar, circa 1845-48

Own a similar item?

Looking for a similar item?

Ask about this lot

Oliver White