THE life of a prominent Sikh ruler buried at Elveden near Thetford was celebrated by scores of well wishers on the anniversary of his death.

THE life of a prominent Sikh ruler buried at Elveden near Thetford was celebrated by scores of well wishers on the anniversary of his death.

The grave of Mahrajah Duleep Singh, at Elveden churchyard, is a site of cultural pilgrimage for Sikhs worldwide and on October 23 the significance of his life was remembered by the town of Thetford.

Hosted by the Maharajag Duleep Singh Centenary Trust (MDSCT), the mayor of Thetford Pam Spencer laid a bouquet and led a two-minute silence.

Maharajah Duleep Singh bought the Elveden Estate in 1863, and was father to Prince Frederick who handed the Ancient House museum to the town of Thetford. He died in Paris in 1893 but his body was brought back to the estate.

Harbinder Singh, director of MDSCT said: “We feel it's very important his memory is kept alive.

“It's not only important in terms of the culture of Suffolk, but as a very important historical site for the Sikhs.

“We're very lucky that Thetford and Thetford Town Council particularly have been very supportive.”