Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Sher-E-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh: A Tribute to the Lion of Punjab on His Birthday

Marble plate depicting date of birth of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Today marks the birthday of one of the greatest emperors in Indian history, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Lion of Punjab. He was the first Indian in a millennium to reverse the tide of invasions, taking the battle back into the homelands of India’s traditional conquerors—the Pashtuns (Afghans). 

At the height of his power, his empire stretched from the Khyber Pass in the northwest to the Sutlej River in the east, and from Kashmir in the north to the Thar Desert in the south.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Born in Gujranwala (now in Pakistan), Ranjit Singh was the only child of Maha Singh, chief of the Shukerchakia clan. Following his father’s death in 1792, he inherited the chieftainship at the age of 12. Despite being uneducated, he was a shrewd judge of people and events. His childhood was spent in Badrukhan, a village just five miles from my village Badbar, linking his early years to places rich in Sikh history.

At 15, Ranjit Singh married the daughter of a Kanhaya chieftain, and his ambitious mother-in-law, Sada Kaur, guided his affairs for many years. A second marriage to a girl from the Nakkais further consolidated his power. In July 1799, Ranjit Singh captured Lahore, the capital of Punjab. Though the Afghan king, Zamān Shah, confirmed him as governor, Ranjit Singh declared himself Maharaja of Punjab in 1801, cementing his sovereignty.

Physical Challenges and Remarkable Achievements

Ranjit Singh was blind in one eye, had pockmarked skin from smallpox, and was of modest height. Despite his unassuming appearance, he earned the title Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of Punjab) through his courage and military genius. A lover of life, he enjoyed hunting, horses, and the company of handsome men and women, while maintaining a passion for strong liquor.

A Visionary Leader

Ranjit Singh united the Sikh confederacy into a cohesive empire. His secular outlook set him apart—he was free from religious bigotry and treated adversaries with mildness. His court and army were a tapestry of diversity:

• His Finance Minister was a Hindu Brahmin.

• His Prime Minister was a Dogra.

• His Foreign Minister was a Muslim.

He banned cow slaughter in his empire to honor his Hindu subjects’ sentiments and fostered harmony among Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims.

A Modern Empire

Ranjit Singh built a modern army by recruiting European officers, introducing advanced warfare techniques, while ensuring they followed strict moral codes. His empire was a bastion of literacy and prosperity, with Punjab being the most literate state of its time.

Cultural and Religious Contributions

• He renovated the Golden Temple in Amritsar, adorning it with gold, which remains its iconic feature.

• He supported Hindu and Muslim places of worship, funding their renovation.

• He built Gurudwaras at Patna Sahib and Nanded Sahib, honoring Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Conqueror of Afghans

Ranjit Singh achieved what no ruler before or after him could—he successfully conquered the Afghans and prevented Mughal incursions into Punjab. His military victories remain unparalleled, earning him respect as one of India’s greatest rulers.

Remembering the Lion of Punjab

Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s legacy is a testament to his courage, wisdom, and humanity. On his birthday, let us honor his contributions by sharing his story with future generations. His connection to places like Badrukhan, close to Badbar, adds a personal touch for those who cherish Punjab’s history.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!