The image of Guru Nanak painted in the late Pahari style by Hari Singh (1894-1970) has become over the last half century or so one of the most famous depictions of the founder of Sikhism, widely reproduced on posters, diaries and calendars. Now the original painting is coming to auction as part of A Private Collection of Modern Sikh Paintings, (lots 117-122) to be offered at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art sale in London on Tuesday 30 March. Guru Nanak is estimated at £6,000-8,000.

Born in 1894, Singh produced remarkable portraits of eminent personalities of the Sikh courts, warriors - and the Sikh Gurus. In the painting for sale, Guru Nanak sits in a meditative pose on a terrace, against lush foliage of greenery and flowers with a Gurudwara behind him. Depicted as a serene, aged figure holding rosary beads in hand, he wears a patch-worked wrap over his golden robe and a high flap cap with a domed top. His slippers, water vessel, lotus flowers and a fly whisk made of peacock feather surround him.
The sale also features Banda Bahadur triumphant over the slain bodies of his enemies after the Battle of Sirhind Punjab, by the artist Sohan Singh (Indian, 20th Century), circa 1950-60. Banda Bahadur (circa 1670-1716) was a prominent Sikh military commander, and a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh. He fought a series of successful actions against Mughal forces, including the sacking of the Mughal provincial capital, Samana, in 1709, and the siege of Sirhind in 1710, which resulted in Sikh control of territory stretching from the Sutlej to the Yamuna. He was captured in 1716 and died under torture. Estimate: £2,500-3,500.
Other highlights include three works by the prolific popular contemporary artist Bodhraj who is well known for his many paintings and illustrations for various publications, calendars and magazines. Besides depictions of the Sikh Gurus, he has painted religious figures such as Sant Kabir, Swami Ramanand, Bhagat Namdev', 'Bhagat Ravidas, Baba Sheikh Farid and Baba Buddha.the Bonhraj.

• Guru Nanak seated with Bala and Mardana, by the artist Bodhraj Punjab, 1990. Estimate: £4,000-6,000.
• The Golden Temple at Amritsar, by the artist Bodhraj Punjab, 1991. Estimate: £6,000-8,000.
• The Sikh hero, Baba Deep Singh, confronting an opposing Afghan army, by the artist Bodhraj Punjab, 1984. Baba Deep Singh (1682-1757) is a famous Sikh hero, who was initially a close companion of Guru Gobind Singh. He combined religious life and devotion to the scriptures with military duties in the Khalsa army. He fought under Banda Singh Bahadur against the Mughals, but his best-known actions were against the Afghans during their incursions into India under Ahmad Shah Durrani. Estimate: £2,000-3,000.
The final work in the selection is another painting by by Hari Singh (1894-1970) Punjab, circa 1950-60. Baba Atal Temple, Amritsar is estimated at £3,000-5,000.