Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a renowned and valiant ruler of the Punjab region. He not only established Sikhism but also formed a vast and powerful empire. Known for his benevolence, Maharaja Ranjit Singh endeared himself to the people and always worked for their welfare. His birth in the region of Gujranwala, Punjab, is considered auspicious.
Early Life and Upbringing: Maharaja Ranjit Singh, born on November 13, 1780, into the family of Mahan Singh and Raj Kaur in the Gujranwala region of Punjab, played a pivotal role in shaping Sikhism. During the 18th century, Punjab was divided into various factions administratively, each ruled by different chieftains. Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s father, Mahan Singh, was one of these chieftains.
Rise to Power: Following his father’s demise, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s upbringing fell entirely on his mother. She, akin to a royal guardian, nurtured him and imparted training in warfare. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was merely 12 years old when his father passed away, and his mother, Raj Kaur, was appointed as the chief of the Kanhaiya Misl. At the age of 18, he was chosen as the leader of his region due to his exceptional leadership qualities.
Military Campaigns: Maharaja Ranjit Singh initiated military campaigns to consolidate Punjab under one rule. His conquests began by defeating the Bhangi Misl and asserting control over Lahore. Over the subsequent decades, he gradually subdued all rival factions, aiming to establish a unified Sikh empire.
Formation of the Sikh Empire: Before Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s military campaigns, Punjab was fragmented, with different rulers governing different regions, leading to unrest. Through his military endeavors, Maharaja Ranjit Singh united Punjab and established peace, laying the foundation of a formidable Sikh empire.
The Coronation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Maharaja Ranjit Singh ascended to the throne of Punjab as its ruler, having defeated all other Sikh chiefs and establishing Punjab as a unified state. It was on the auspicious day of Vaisakhi that Maharaja Ranjit Singh was crowned with the title of the king. The day marked a significant milestone in the history of Punjab.
The Regal Procession
At the young age of 20, Sahib Singh Bedi adorned Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s forehead with a saffron mark, proclaiming him the Maharaja of Punjab. A royal salute was given to the Maharaja from his fort. In the afternoon, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, accompanied by his youth brigade, mounted an elephant and set out to tour the entire city.
Celebrations Across Punjab
As Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s procession passed through the streets, crowds gathered, and coins of gold and silver were showered upon the people. Eventually, the entire Punjab state lit up in celebration, with houses illuminated by lamps, reminiscent of the festivities during Diwali.
Expansion of the Punjab Empire
After securing Lahore, Maharaja Ranjit Singh turned his attention to expanding his Sikh empire. He focused on territories beyond Punjab, including Kashmir and the Himalayan region. In 1807, he annexed Amritsar to his dominion, further extending his empire.
Victories and Acquisitions
In subsequent years, Maharaja Ranjit Singh achieved victories in battles, notably defeating Afghan ruler Kutubuddin Aibak in 1807 and annexing the Kasur region. Multan was incorporated into his realm in 1818. His military prowess led him to triumph in every battle he fought.
Incorporation of Kashmir
In 1819, Maharaja Ranjit Singh incorporated regions of Kashmir into his Sikh empire. From 1813 to 1837, he engaged in numerous victorious battles, solidifying his reign.
The Final Conflict
In 1837, Maharaja Ranjit Singh faced his last battle in Jamrud. During this conflict, his trusted general Hari Singh Nalwa met his demise. Despite social pressures, Maharaja Ranjit Singh continued to expand his rule, reclaiming Kabul.
The Origins of the Name Ranjit
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, originally named Budh Singh by his parents, earned his moniker due to his father’s victory in a battle. Legend has it that after a triumph in war, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s father, Mahan Singh, decided to name his son Ranjit, signifying eternal victory. Maharaja Ranjit Singh remained committed to his father’s legacy, never accepting defeat. However, upon the death of one of his favorite soldiers, he renounced warfare.
Decline and Fall of the Sikh Empire
Following Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death in 1839, the Sikh empire faced turmoil. The reins of power slipped into the hands of Khadak Singh, who struggled to maintain control. Internal strife, coupled with a decline in governance, led to the eventual downfall of the Sikh empire. In 1845, a war broke out between the Sikhs and the British, resulting in the annexation of the Sikh empire by the British.
Interesting Facts About Maharaja Ranjit Singh
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh believed in equality before God, hence preferred to sit on a throne rather than wear a crown.
- He commissioned the construction of historical Gurudwaras, including Takht Sri Patna Sahib and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib.
- The foundation stone for Takht Sri Gurudwara was laid in Patna to commemorate the birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru.
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh engaged in his first battle alongside his father at the tender age of 10.
- He suffered from smallpox during childhood, leading to the loss of vision in one eye.
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