Maharaja Ranjit Singh, known for his rule over Punjab from 1801 to 1839, is a legendary Sikh ruler whose memory still evokes reverence. He came into the world on November 13, 1780, in Gujranwala, which is now part of Pakistan. To commemorate his 180th death anniversary, his statue was unveiled in Lahore, highlighting his significant contributions to the state.
At the time of Ranjit Singh’s birth, Punjab was ruled by powerful chieftains who divided the land into independent entities known as Misls. These Misls were part of a larger Sikh Confederacy that rose in the Punjab region during the 18th century after the fall of the Mughal Empire.
The Rise of ‘Sher-e-Punjab’
Ranjit Singh is widely remembered for overthrowing these warring Misls and establishing a unified Sikh empire. His courageous accomplishments earned him the distinguished title of the Lion of Punjab, or Sher-e-Punjab. His most notable achievement was reclaiming his capital, Lahore, from Afghan invaders.
Modernization of Army
One of the key reasons behind Ranjit Singh’s success was the significant modernization of his military force. He effectively merged the traditional tactics of the Khalsa army with new-age western advances in warfare. This strategic blend led to the rise of Asia’s most formidable indigenous army during that period. To further improve the military competence, Ranjit Singh recruited several European officers, particularly French, to rigorously train his troops. The notable French General Jean Franquis Allard was specifically appointed to drive this modernization process.
| Sikh Empire | Moderization |
|---|---|
| Ranjit Singh as Leader | Overthrew warring Misls |
| Unified Empire | Constructed strong army with French Generals |
The Wide Empire of Ranjit Singh
Under the rule of Ranjit Singh, the Sikh Empire’s territory greatly expanded to include several regions. His reign spread across the former Mughal provinces of Lahore and Multan along with parts of Kabul and all of Peshawar. Moreover, the boundaries of his state extended to Ladakh in the northeast, the Khyber Pass in the northwest (a route often used by foreign rulers to invade India), and reached as far as Panjnad in the south where Punjab’s five rivers merge into the Indus.
Just and Secular Rule
One of the defining aspects of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was his equitable and secular rule. He engaged both Hindus and Muslims in powerful positions within his court. He was also committed to the enrichment of religious heritage, turning Harimandir Sahib in Amritsar into the iconic Golden Temple by adorning it with gold. Furthermore, he funded Hazoor Sahib gurudara in Nanded, Maharashtra, marking the final resting place of Guru Gobind Singh.
International Recognition of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
The impact and influence of Maharaja Ranjit Singh went beyond the borders of his empire, earning him international respect. In 2016, the town of St Tropez in France formally recognized his contributions by unveiling a bronze statue in his honor. His regal throne is prominently displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Further, an exhibition hosted in London last year focused on the rich history of the Sikh Empire and the international relationships established by the Maharaja.
