Lahore was ablaze with celebration, a city transformed into a grand spectacle for the wedding of Kunwar Naunihal Singh. The streets thrummed with excitement, filled with the music of dhols, shehnais, and the cheers of thousands. People from all corners of the empire had gathered to witness this momentous occasion. For the Sikh Empire, this was more than just a royal union; it was a declaration of its strength, culture, and grandeur.
The Lahore Fort, the heart of the celebrations, stood magnificently against the evening sky. Its towering gates, decorated with gold leaf and colourful silk banners, opened to reveal courtyards filled with an array of vibrant flowers—marigolds, jasmine, and roses that perfumed the air. Inside, the fort was a vision of opulence: grand halls adorned with ornate frescoes and chandeliers made of Murano glass, shimmering under the light of countless oil lamps. Every corner was decorated in splendour, reflecting the empire's wealth and prestige.
The focus of the evening was the Sehra—a wedding headpiece that symbolized prestige and honour. Naunihal's Sehra was a marvel in itself, a masterpiece crafted from pure diamonds strung together in cascading layers that shimmered like a waterfall of light. Each diamond, cut to perfection, sparkled with an inner fire, reflecting the light in blinding brilliance. Its worth was astronomical: 9 lakh rupees, equivalent to 25 crores in modern value. This Sehra was not just an accessory; it was a statement of the empire's unmatched prosperity.
However, the Sehra was not to be worn by Naunihal Singh. The emperor, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, stood on the terrace, overlooking the preparations with an expression of both pride and contemplation. Dressed in regal attire—a sherwani woven with threads of gold and encrusted with emeralds and rubies—he exuded authority and grace. His sharp eyes, framed by a well-trimmed beard, sparkled with the weight of responsibility.
The minister, dressed in a simple yet elegant kurta and turban, approached cautiously. "Maharaja, everything is prepared as per your command. The Sehra of diamonds is ready to be presented to Kunwar Naunihal."
Ranjit Singh's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. "No," he said firmly, his voice deep and commanding. "That Sehra is not for Naunihal. It is far too significant. Take it to the Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple. Let it be an offering to the Almighty."
The minister looked momentarily stunned, but he quickly bowed in acknowledgment. "As you wish, Maharaja."
Ranjit Singh continued, "Naunihal will wear a simpler Sehra, one that befits him. Our strength does not lie in jewels but in humility and devotion. Let the world see that, even at our peak, we remain grounded."
The minister nodded. "I will see to it, Maharaja."
This wedding was not just about celebration; it was also a reminder of the responsibilities that weighed upon the crown. Even amidst festivities, the threat of Afghan forces loomed large, and the empire's might was being tested on every front.
Back at the wedding, Naunihal Singh stood in his regal sherwani of ivory silk, heavily embroidered with gold and silver threads. His Sehra, though less extravagant than the diamond masterpiece, was still a sight to behold. It was crafted from pearls and delicate golden threads, cascading elegantly over his face, symbolizing both honour and modesty.
As Naunihal stepped onto the grand stage, the crowd erupted in cheers. The sound of traditional wedding songs filled the air, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dhol. The bride, equally resplendent, joined him, her face partially hidden behind a veil of embroidered silk. The couple exchanged garlands under a canopy of flowers, their faces glowing with happiness and the promise of a future intertwined with the destiny of the empire.
The minister, meanwhile, rode swiftly to the Golden Temple, carrying the diamond Sehra in a velvet box. Upon arrival, he approached the sacred waters of the Sarovar, bowing deeply before the sanctum. With reverence, he placed the Sehra before the Guru Granth Sahib, offering it as a symbol of the empire's devotion and gratitude. The diamonds, now reflecting the warm glow of the temple's lights, seemed to radiate a spiritual luminescence as if blessed by the divine.
Back at the fort, the wedding continued with joyous fervour. Guests feasted on an elaborate spread of traditional Punjabi dishes. The air was filled with laughter, music, and the sound of clinking glasses as toasts were made to the future of the royal couple.
But amidst the revelry, the shadow of Jamrud loomed large. Far from the festivities, Kunwar Singh was tirelessly working to ensure the empire's safety, driven by his newfound strength and determination. The wedding was a brief respite, a moment of joy in an era of great challenges, and a reminder of the delicate balance between celebration and duty that defined the Sikh Empire.