The catalogue “Piety and Splendour: Sikh Heritage in Art,” designed by Parthiv Shah of CMAC, takes a deep dive into Sikh art. It explores a variety of artworks including paintings, drawings, textiles, weapons, jewelry, and coins. Rather than covering everything broadly, this catalogue focuses on key elements of Sikh art, tracing themes like piety, bravery, grandeur, and the essence of Punjab. The journey through the catalogue starts with depictions of Guru Nanak’s life stories from the Janamsakhis (biography) and moves on to portraits of the Gurus. It concludes with a celebration of the vibrant and earthy qualities associated with Sikhs and Punjab. Each piece of art is meticulously described and analyzed, emphasizing how Sikh art is intimately tied to the spiritual and cultural values of the community. The theme of piety in the artworks reflects the sentiments expressed in the Sikh ardas, a humble petition recited at the end of Sikh devotions.

Published by the National Museum, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in March 2000, the catalogue accompanies the exhibition celebrating the Tercentenary of the Birth of the Khalsa. It aims to showcase Sikh history visually and encourages readers to connect deeply with the art, revealing its profound meanings. With contributions from experts like B.N. Goswamy, and featuring high-quality photography and detailed descriptions, the catalogue highlights the enduring artistic brilliance of Sikh heritage.