Unveiling Punjab's Diversity

Tashrih al-aqvam and Tazkirat al-umara

The Illustrated Legacy of Colonel James Skinner and Ghulam Ali Khan

In the vibrant tapestry of India's cultural history, two extraordinary works, Kitāb-i tashrīḥ al-aqvām and Tazkirat al-umara, authored by Colonel James Skinner, stand out as captivating windows into the intricate worlds of castes and princely families in northwestern India. Published in Persian in 1825 and 1830, respectively, these meticulously crafted volumes, now housed in the British Library, showcase vivid watercolor portraits that bring to life the origins, occupations, and unique features of diverse communities and royal lineages.

Colonel James Skinner, a remarkable figure born to a Scottish soldier father and a Rajput mother, left an indelible mark on history as a soldier, leader, and Persian writer. His Kitāb-i tashrīḥ al-aqvām is a literary marvel, seamlessly blending ethnography, biography, and topography. Illustrated by the skilled hands of Ghulam Ali Khan and other Delhi artists, the book unfolds a visual narrative of the diverse castes in the greater Punjab region, with 120 miniatures capturing the essence of Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim communities.

The Tazkirat al-umara, a companion to Skinner's oeuvre, unveils the biographies of royal families in Punjab and Rajasthan, offering a detailed account of their lives and legacies. Both works, emanating from Hansi Cantonment, Hissar District, provide an intimate portrayal of the social fabric of northwestern India, eighty-five miles north-west of Delhi.

Skinner's legacy extends beyond military prowess to the establishment of the Skinner Horse, a regiment that continues to serve in the Indian Army. His linguistic proficiency in Persian is evident in the comprehensive nature of his writings, showcasing the emergence of nonliterary Persian texts under British patronage.

Illustrated by the talented Ghulam Ali Khan and other Delhi artists, these book features about 150 miniatures, including vivid portraits that provide a visual narrative of the diverse castes and princely families found in the greater Punjab region region. Skinner's collaboration with local artists, especially Ghulam Ali Khan, adds an ethnographic quality to the work, with watercolor portraits likely based on real-life studies during Skinner's travels.

As we explore these literary and visual masterpieces, we embark on a profound journey through the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. The watercolor portraits, especially those of ascetics and diverse figures, not only document history but also invite us to appreciate the intricate tapestry of India's diverse cultural landscape. The enduring legacy of Tashrih al-aqvam and Tazkirat al-umara echoes through time, beckoning us to celebrate the mosaic of India's, especially Punjab's, cultural richness.