February

This drawing was the first Sikh art drawing that I have done since I started drawing again in 2012. I was immediately drawn to the intense stares and look of determination of the Sikh soldiers in the original photograph. I chose this photograph as a symbol of the bravery of the Sikhs in the armed forces. I made changes from the original photo, by adding in the gun nozzle, and adding more detail to the uniform and to the first soldier, who was not as defined.

Sikhs are renowned for being great soldiers and make up 15% of all ranks of the Indian army compared to the 2% Sikh population of India. They have won numerous medals and accolades for bravery throughout history. In the years since 1945, 14 Victoria Crosses have been awarded to the Sikhs, a record given the size of the Sikh Regiments. In the two World Wars, 83,005 Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded while fighting.

The Sikh Regiment is a nineteen battalion strong infantry regiment of the Indian Army. The first battalion of the regiment was officially raised just before the annexation of the Sikh Empire on August 1, 1846, by the British Empire. It is currently one of the highest decorated regiments in the Indian Army, and was amongst the highest decorated regiments in the British Empire.

The history of the Sikh Regiment ties closely with the Sikh people of the Punjab, who were targeted for their religious beliefs. As Islamic persecution of Sikhs increased, Sikhism became more militant, thus coining the theory of "Saint-Soldier" wherein Sikhs were encouraged to maintain its martial tenants.

One of the greatest battles and last stands was by Sikh Soldiers at the ‘Battle of Saragarhi’ in 1897, where 21 Sikh soldiers fought 10,000 Orakzai and Afridi Lashkars. The Sikhs killed 450 men before making the supreme sacrifice. On receiving the news, the British Parliament interrupted its proceedings and gave a standing ovation to the men of Saragarhi. UNESCO recognizes this battle as one among eight battles of the world for bravery.