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A new exhibition at the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre highlights the historical connections between the Battle of Bosworth and the emergence of the Sikh faith in Punjab. Titled ‘Medieval Women Forging the Way: Influential Women of the Sikh World and Beyond’, it showcases Chief Superintendent Manjit Atwal from Leicestershire Police, who is among the featured figures.
Put together by the Culture Leicestershire team and The Sikh Women in History Project, the exhibition delves into the lives of powerful women in both the War of the Roses and medieval Punjab. It reveals the resilience, courage and service of Sikh women throughout history, with ten portraits created by the community.
“The exhibition has been put together really well by Sikh women. I actually felt quite emotional when I saw it because I just thought ‘how am I part of these amazing women in history?”
Chief Superintendent Manjit Atwal.
Chief Superintendent Atwal is one of the highest-ranking Sikh female police officers in the UK and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2021. She supports the progression of female police officers and staff, as well as those from black and minority ethnic communities, and male colleagues across policing locally and nationally.
“I have always thought the Sikh beliefs of equality, honesty, humility and ‘seva,’ which means service, are the same as the principals at the heart of policing and are the reasons for the success of my police career and my wider engagement across our diverse communities.”
She is currently on secondment to the College of Policing where she is the Strategic Lead for Violence Against Women and Girls and Op Soteria – a national programme to improve police response to rape and serious sexual offences.
The exhibition, part of the broader ‘Sikh Herstories’ project by Culture Leicestershire, aims to engage visitors with local history and showcase the richness of British heritage. Dr. Kevin Feltham, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, praises the exhibition for drawing parallels between significant historical events and encourages people to visit and explore it.
Running until October 31, 2024, the exhibition is open daily from 10am to 5pm at the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre.
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