Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We support exhibition loans and pop-ups, primarily in Singapore and internationally by exception. Availability is on request, and loan durations typically run for three, six, or twelve months.

We run a limited Shop for duplicate pieces and contemporary items inspired by the collection. The Shop is separate from the archive. There are no prices or valuations on object pages.

No. We do not publish valuations or offer appraisal services. Insurance values appear only on loan paperwork and are not for public display.

We focus on Sikh and Punjabi material culture from across periods. At launch our categories include Numismatic, Books, Philately, Military Memorabilia, Art & Print, Maps, Gurbani, and Virsa (heritage). Highlights include coins of the Sikh Empire, British colonial maps from the 1880s–1940s, Mughal coins from the eras of the Sikh Gurus, regimental medals and insignia, and related printed matter.

Every published record includes a title, date or period, material, dimensions, a short description, acquisition year, and a brief public provenance summary. We keep deeper provenance notes private to protect donors and prior owners. We also provide descriptive alt text that explains iconography, inscriptions, legends, and key visual features to support accessibility and research.

No. We do not provide high-resolution public downloads. We can share low-resolution images for research or classroom reference. Commercial image licensing is not offered at launch. Publication use requires written approval.

Use the line “Reference courtesy of Gurdita Collection” in captions or acknowledgements unless a partner requests custom wording. If you are citing a specific object, include the object title and page URL so readers can trace the reference.

Submit a loan enquiry with information about your exhibition, proposed dates, venue, display conditions, and security. We will confirm availability, share a draft Loan Agreement, and coordinate condition reports, packing, and courier arrangements once terms are accepted.

Borrowers cover all costs, including packing, transport, handling, installation, courier services, and nail-to-nail insurance for the full loan period. A banker’s guarantee or a cash security deposit is required; amounts are set per item and disclosed confidentially in SGD on paperwork.

Items must be presented in enclosed cases with appropriate security, low UV, and controlled climate, typically 18–24°C with 45–55% relative humidity. If a case must be opened for inspection, encapsulated coins are re-sealed by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), and artwork sealing is handled by galleries authorised by Singapore museums.

Yes, case-by-case. The borrower is responsible for export and import permits, customs certifications, and all related fees. Documentation must be approved before collection. We prioritise secure venues and professional fine-art logistics.

We expect standards consistent with Singapore art galleries and museums, such as air-conditioned spaces, controlled lighting, locked or staffed display areas, and 24/7 monitored alarms. We do not publish detailed security procedures publicly.

We work with insured fine-art couriers and professional art handlers. Standard postal services are not acceptable for loaned artefacts. Courier selection, schedules, and route details are coordinated privately once agreements are in place.

After a loan lease is signed, refunds are not available. If packing has begun, the borrower bears actual incurred costs. We recommend finalising permits, insurance, and venue readiness before confirming a loan.

Borrowers obtain and pay for all required permits and certifications. We review documentation as part of the loan checklist and require approvals before items are released.

Approved researchers in Singapore can request an appointment with at least five business days’ notice. Sessions are small—up to two visitors—and follow our handling rules. We confirm the object list in advance and record condition before and after the session.

Photography is permitted for note-taking only and must be handheld. Images may not be published without written approval. We provide specific instructions during your visit to protect both objects and privacy.

We consider selected donations and bequests that fit our mission, such as original paintings, medals, uniforms, or coins in our eight categories. Accepted gifts transfer full ownership to us via a signed Deed of Gift. We only accept material that is lawfully acquired and ethically sourced.

We can share general research guidance, references, and comparative examples from our archive, but we do not authenticate for the market and we do not appraise value. Where appropriate, we may refer you to published catalogues or institutional resources.

The Shop offers duplicates and contemporary pieces related to our research. Each item ships with packing and a note or certificate of authenticity issued by us. The wording and data included are being finalised; we keep the process straightforward and documented.

We ship worldwide using tracked services. In Singapore we use Singapore Post; internationally we use DHL. Buyers pay shipping at checkout. We do not offer returns, except for damage in transit where required by law. Signature on delivery may be used operationally but is not guaranteed in public policy.

We accept bank transfer, PayNow, and credit cards, with cards primarily for overseas buyers. We do not display bank details publicly; those appear only in checkout or order confirmations.

Yes. We welcome collaborations with institutions, researchers, and supportive organisations. At this stage we prioritise in-kind support such as exhibition space, framing, printing, and conservation services. We recognise supporters with thank-you notes and, where agreed, logo placement on event posters or related materials.

We acquire and display material responsibly. We publish concise public provenance summaries and keep detailed notes private to respect owners and sources. We do not acquire or display looted material. Our Ethics & Acquisition Policy aligns with preservation and education.

We write clear catalogue notes and provide descriptive alt text for images that explains iconography, legends, and inscriptions. Where terminology is technical, we add plain-language summaries so both specialists and general readers can follow the argument.

We publish in English first and add Punjabi/Gurmukhi translations over time. We use correct Sikh and Punjabi terminology and explain specialist terms on first use.

Yes. We credit collaborators and researchers by name, and we will publish case studies with project names, partners, years, and roles once the client-approved details are ready. This record supports transparency and scholarly citation.

Form submissions collect your name, email, contact number, institution or company, country, and a “recommended by” field if applicable. We retain submissions for twelve months and then delete them. We do not share bank details or internal documents publicly.

We welcome volunteers for cataloguing, photography, and research tasks. We screen profiles, require an NDA, and provide a handling induction before any object access. Three-hour sessions are common, and we schedule based on project needs.

We avoid publishing sensitive or restricted material. When in doubt, we omit items from the site. Our goal is to educate responsibly without compromising community values or privacy.

Students and educators may use low-resolution images for classroom and research reference with attribution. Publication in theses, journals, or media requires written approval and the credit line “Reference courtesy of Gurdita Collection.”

We state “Singapore” only. We do not publish a street address or postcode for security and privacy. Appointments are confirmed privately once a request is vetted.

Use the contact form or email on our site. We do not publish a phone number or messaging links. This keeps communication organised and ensures we can track research and loan requests properly.

We respond Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00 Singapore Time, and we aim to reply within two business days. Messages may be monitored after hours, but replies are not guaranteed outside working hours.

Yes, by appointment for vetted researchers in Singapore. We offer in-person research viewings for small groups once a request is approved. We do not operate walk-in hours or a public gallery.

Yes. The Shop has its own icon and page so the site remains an educational and research-forward resource. Catalogue records do not list prices and remain independent of sales.

Include the object title, category, date or period, and our page URL in your notes, and use the credit line “Reference courtesy of Gurdita Collection.” Where catalogue numbers exist in external references, cite those as well so readers can cross-check Sikh Empire coin types, Mughal issues, maps, or regimental memorabilia accurately.