Valour & Faith

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A toy soldier's story…

The contributions and legacy of the Sikhs serving as soldiers is one both of legend and valour. While we have many accounts written about them, and an equal number of pictures to match, a little known unique tribute of their service in various eras is through a wide range and array of toy soldiers.

Miniature soldiers were used in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries by military strategists to plan battle tactics by using figures to show the locations of real soldiers. There is a substantial hobby devoted to collecting both old and new toy soldiers, with an abundance of small manufacturers, dealers, and toy soldier shows. There are even speciality magazines devoted to the hobby, such as Toy Soldier and Model Figure. What started out simply as gloss-coat enamel toys for young children to play with and enjoy, has shifted into very high quality painted figures which allow for greater detail and historical accuracy. This is most evident when it comes to the history of Sikh toy soldiers were the early manufactures took great liberty in their design interpretations of Sikh soldiers, to the present highly realistic and exceptionally detailed Sikh toy soldiers that have an acute attention to detail from turbans and pagri badges to uniforms and everything in between.

This exhibition brings the fascinating world of Sikh toy soldiers to life. The exhibit consists of over 200 toy soldiers + over 50 original period items relating to the Sikh regiments.

Stretching from the First Sikh Wars in the 1840s to their bravery in the North-West frontier, onto their valour in the great wars, from infantry to lancers, and buglers and drummers, from gunners to colour party, and Akalis and Maharajahs, the Sikh Toy soldiers stand decorated, colourful and proud! Enjoy!