Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a renowned leader of the Sikh Empire, who ruled the northwest Indian subcontinent in the early half of the 19th century. Recognised as Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of Punjab), his death anniversary falls on June 27.
Among many accolades, Ranjit Singh is also known for the golden beautification of the Golden Temple, i.e. Harmandir Sahib Gurdwara located in Amritsar.
Born on November 13, 1780 in Gujranwala (now in Pakistan), he entered the battle ground at the young age of 10 and was known for his bravery and valour.
He led his army and fought against the king of Afghanistan Zaman Shah Durrani at the age of 17, foiling his invasion of India. Ranjit Singh defeated him twice in the Battle of Amritsar, Battle of Gujarat both of them in 1797, and yet another Battle of Amritsar in 1798.
Ranjit Singh was crowned as Maharaja in 1807 at the age of 20. Singh had captured Lahore in 1799 already before becoming the Maharaja. This battle was the turning point in the history of Sikh Empire and its reign over the country.
Under Singh's rule, the Sikh Empire was secular as the king allowed fighters from all the different religions and backgrounds to join his army. Not many people know that a few men of his army were Europeans too.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh had 20 wives, including famous queens Rani Mahtab Kaur, Ranji Ratan Kaur, and Maharani Jind Kaur. Maharaja had eight children, however, he accepted only Kharak Singh, and Duleep Singh as his biological sons.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh passed away in 1839.
Additionally, the district administration, in an effort to regain the lost splendour of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s historical buildings in Gurdaspur, will organise a religious event for the first time in the ruins of the Sikh ruler’s mansion on June 29 to mark his death anniversary.
