The Black Prince

Best understood if you already know something about British History in the Punjab or are of Punjabi origin. That should not detract other interested viewers. The Raj is not portrayed in a great light and this has triggered some knee-jerk reaction in the content of some professional reviews and press elsewhere. However rather than use this to create divide or animosity over historic events, it is testament to the good morals and integrity of the majority of Sikhs who have embraced the UK as their home and positively contributed so much to modern day Britain as well as the sacrifices made during two world wars. They have managed to overlook the earlier battles against the British before Punjab was annexed and this defining period in history where Sikh rule and the Kingdom of Punjab was effectively and abruptly brought to an end. The story of Maharaja Duleep Singh (The Black Prince) whilst tragic for a lost individual and wandering soul could be marginalized by observing his obvious flaws and flamboyant lifestyle. However, realizing that his life was largely out of his control from the tender age of 5 years, his shortcomings should be forgiven to realize the true tragedy lies in the loss of direction for his people and the demise of the grand Kingdom his father (Maharaja Ranjit Singh) justly ruled.