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Illustrated London News
April 7, 1860
| LORD CANNING AND LORD CLYDE AT LAHORE |
| "The Governor-General of India, accompanied by the Commander-in-Chief, has lately been making a triumphal tour through the North West Provinces, and holding durbars (levees) at all the chief cities. On Saturday, the 11th of February, their Lordships arrived at Lahore, the ancient capital of the Punjaub, where all the principal Sikh chiefs were gathered to attend a grand durbar. |
| "They were drawn up in a line across the Maidan [field], at the Sumun Boorj, about 1000 in all, attired in their brightest costumes, and shining like flower-buds in the morning sun - a sight of such splendour that it is only a chance once in a life to see. They were men from all parts of the Punjaub - some from the sandy deserts of the Indus, and from the Salt Hills; men with long black hair from the mountains; rich merchants from Umritsar; learned pundits (called kitabees); brave soldiers and fanatic priests; old men with beards to their waists. The common type of Sikh was, of course, the most plentiful. He generally ties all his hair up in his turban, bringing the folds close down over the sides of his face, with large rings in his ears, his legs being encased in very tight nether garments. The legs of the Sikhs are all destitute of calf, but they are called, from the power of endurance, 'the iron legs.' |
| "Pegtops are not a fashion which the Sikh dandy follows; on the contrary, it is said that the outre swells get their pants sewed on their legs. This costume does not look so well when the wearer is on foot as it does when he is on horseback, and the Sikhs are all perfect equestrians. When the Lord Sahib [the Governor-General] appeared, Mr. Temple, Commissioner at Lahore, gave the signal, and, at their head, he led this brilliant mass off at full charge. Most of those men had fought against us, and they were the bravest enemies we have met in India. But that moving mass, with all its attendant equipage of Eastern pomp, was now on a mission of peace, to manifest its homage to the power of England. |
| "After a few introductions the Sikhs turned around, and followed in the procession, which wound round the Hazoori Bagh to Annurkulee, where were the troops of the station, commanded by General Windham, and the cortege. From this the procession moved on slowly to camp. This is stated to be by far the finest turn-out that has yet been to greet the viceregal progress. The Sketch which we engrave was taken just after the Sikhs joined the procession, as it neared the Hazoori Bagh. The white building among the trees is Runjeet Singh's Tomb, to the left of which is the fort, firing a royal salute. The figure to the right of the Governor-General is Sir Robert Montgomery, Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjaub. |
| "In the evening his Excellency and Countess Canning, accompanied by the Commander-in-Chief, the Lieutenant-Governor, and others, visited the illuminations in the city. |
| "On Monday, the 13th, the Viceroy held a levee for the reception of the civil and military officers of the station; and on Tuesday his Excellency granted a private interview to the Rajah of Kuppertullah [Kapurthala], and afterwards held a grand durbar, at which about three hundred and fifty of the chief Sirdars were present. The usual ceremonies having taken place, his Excellency made the following speech: - |
| "Sirdars of the Punjaub, Lieutenant-Governor I have long wished to visit your country and to be among you. I need not tell you that this wish has been greatly strengthened by recent events, and by the recollections of the services which you and your fellow countrymen have lately rendered to the British Government. In other parts of India I have seen many distinguished chiefs, of ancient lineage and large influence, who have proved themselves faithful feudatories of the Crown, and many of lower degree, who have been dutiful subjects in the midst of great discouragement and danger; but in the Punjaub I have found a whole nation of brave and loyal men. In the name of the Queen I thank you for your fidelity, and courage, and true service. |
| "Sirdars! I have seen with pleasure the signs of prosperity with which the Punjaub abounds; - cultivation extended, commerce increasing, life and property secure, the people orderly and contented. I know that you are not insensible of the value of these benefits to your country, and I am about to call upon you to take your part in extending and confirming them. It is not in times of war and trouble only that the Government of the Queen claims your services; and some among you will shortly be invited to assume the duties which belong to the hereditary chiefs and landholders of a loyal people in times of peace. For this purpose certain powers in magesterial and revenue matters will be conferred upon a limited number of you. The Lieutenant-Governor will determine to whom they can be most usefull entrusted, and will explain to you their scope and purpose. |
| "In the exercise of them, your best guide will be the wise and friendly advice which you will never fail, on this and all occasions, to receive from Sir Robert Montgomery. But remember that each man who shall receive these powers will receive them to be used, not carelessly or for private purposes of his own, but earnestly for the public good, and especially for the expediting of justice and the maintenance of order among those around him. Sirdars! I look forward with confidence to the proof which, by a right use of these powers, you will give to India and to England that the chiefs of the Punjaub are not more conspicuous for their fidelity and bravey in danger than for their intelligence, justice, and respect for the law, when quiet and prosperity are undisturbed." |