Ranjit Singh was born on 13 November 1780 in Gujranwala, Punjab (now in Pakistan), into a Sandhawalia Jat Sikh family. His parents, Maha Singh and Raj Kaur, were notable figures in the Sikh community. Raj Kaur was the daughter of Raja Gajpat Singh, the Jat Sikh ruler of Jind. Initially, Ranjit Singh was named Buddh Singh after an ancestor who was the first to take Amrit Sanchaar. However, his father renamed him Ranjit Singh ("victor in battle") to commemorate his victory over the Chattha chieftain Pir Muhammad.

Maharaja of Punjab
Reign	12 April 1801 – 27 June 1839
Investiture	12 April 1801 at Lahore Fort
Predecessor	Position established
Successor	Kharak Singh
Wazir	Khushal Singh Jamadar (1801 – 1818) Dhian Singh Dogra (1818 – 1839)
Maharaja of Kashmir
Reign	3 July 1819 – 27 June 1839
Predecessor	Position established (Ali Shah as the Emir of Kashmir)
Successor	Kharak Singh
Maharaja of Jammu
Reign	1808 – 27 June 1839
Predecessor	Position established (Ajit Singh as the Raja of Jammu)
Successor	Kharak Singh
Born	Buddh Singh 13 November 1780 Gujranwala, Sukerchakia Misl, Sikh Confederacy (present-day Punjab, Pakistan)
Died	27 June 1839 (aged 58) Lahore, Sikh Empire (present-day Punjab, Pakistan)
Burial	Cremated remains stored in the Samadhi of Ranjit Singh, Lahore
Spouse	Mehtab Kaur Datar Kaur Jind Kaur See list for others
Issue among others...	Kharak Singh Sher Singh Duleep Singh
House	Sukerchakia
Father	Maha Singh
Mother	Raj Kaur
Religion	Sikhism

Ranjit Singh contracted smallpox as an infant, which left him with a pockmarked face and caused him to lose sight in his left eye. Despite these physical challenges, he was determined and trained in martial arts, horse riding, and musketry at home. He was short in stature, never attended formal school, and could not read or write beyond the Gurmukhi alphabet.

At the age of 12, Ranjit Singh's father passed away, leaving him in charge of the Sukerchakia Misl estates. His mother, Raj Kaur, along with Lakhpat Rai, managed the estates during his early years. When Ranjit Singh was 13, an assassination attempt was made on his life by Hashmat Khan, but he managed to kill the assailant. Following the death of his mother at age 18 and the assassination of Lakhpat Rai, Ranjit Singh was supported by his mother-in-law from his first marriage.

Establishment of the Sikh Empire

After the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707, the Mughal Empire began to collapse, leading to a decline in its ability to govern and tax much of the Indian subcontinent. In the northwestern region, particularly in Punjab, the creation of the Khalsa community of Sikh warriors by Guru Gobind Singh significantly contributed to the weakening of Mughal power. The region faced raids by Afghan forces, particularly from the armies of Ahmed Shah Durrani. However, the Sikhs, both through organised Khalsa armies and irregular militias, fiercely resisted these invasions. In addition, the Sikhs appointed their own zamindars (land revenue collectors) in place of the Muslim officials, which allowed them to sustain and strengthen their fighting forces.

During this period, colonial traders and the East India Company also began to establish operations along India's eastern and western coasts, further influencing the political landscape.

By the late 18th century, the northwestern parts of India (now Pakistan and parts of northern India) were fragmented into fourteen small regions. Of these, twelve were Sikh-controlled misls (confederacies), one was Muslim-controlled (the Kasur region near Lahore), and one was led by an Englishman, George Thomas. This region was the fertile and strategically important land of the five rivers—Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Bias, and Sutlej. While the Sikh misls were united under the Khalsa fraternity, they often engaged in internal conflict over resources, disagreements, and local priorities. However, they would unite in the face of external threats, such as the Afghan invasions led by Ahmed Shah Abdali.

By the late 1700s, the five most powerful misls in Punjab were those of the Sukkarchakkia, Kanhayas, Nakkais, Ahluwalias, and Bhangi Sikhs. Ranjit Singh belonged to the Sukkarchakkia misl and forged a strong alliance with the Kanhayas and Nakkais through marriage. Some of the smaller misls, like the Phulkias, shifted their allegiance in the late 18th century and supported Afghan invasions against their Sikh brethren. The Kasur region, under Muslim rule, was a constant ally of the Afghan invaders, aiding them in plundering Sikh territories.

This complex and fragmented political environment set the stage for Ranjit Singh's rise, as he sought to unite the Sikh misls and consolidate power in the region.

Military Campaigns: Rise to Fame and Early Conquests

Ranjit Singh's rise to prominence began in 1797, at the age of 17, when the Afghan ruler Shah Zaman of the Ahmad Shah Abdali dynasty attempted to annex the Punjab region. Shah Zaman sent his general, Shahanchi Khan, along with 12,000 soldiers to subdue the region. The battle took place in Ranjit Singh’s controlled territory, and his deep knowledge of the region, along with his military skills, played a pivotal role in repelling the invasion. This victory at the Battle of Amritsar (1798) brought Ranjit Singh significant recognition. However, in the same year, another Afghan force entered the region, but this time Ranjit Singh chose a different strategy. Instead of direct confrontation, he allowed the Afghan army to enter Lahore, only to surround them with his forces, cutting off all food and supplies. The Afghan army, facing starvation, had no choice but to retreat to Afghanistan.

In 1799, Ranjit Singh launched a joint military operation with his mother-in-law, Rani Sada Kaur of the Kanhaiya misl, leading a combined force of 50,000 Khalsa warriors. Together, they attacked the Bhangi Sikh-controlled region around Lahore. The rulers of the Bhangi misl fled, making Lahore the first major conquest under Ranjit Singh’s rule. The Sufi Muslim and Hindu populations of Lahore welcomed the change in leadership, signaling the growing influence and popularity of Ranjit Singh's rule.

In 1800, the ruler of the Jammu region, recognizing Ranjit Singh's growing power, ceded control of Jammu to him, further expanding his territory.

Proclamation of the Sikh Empire

In 1801, Ranjit Singh formally proclaimed himself the "Maharaja of Punjab." He was invested in this position during a ceremony carried out by Baba Sahib Singh Bedi, a descendant of Guru Nanak. On the day of his coronation, prayers were offered in mosques, temples, and gurdwaras across his territories for his long reign. Ranjit Singh named his administration "Sarkar Khalsa" and his court "Darbar Khalsa," symbolizing his commitment to the Sikh faith and its values. To further cement his rule, he issued new coins in the name of Guru Nanak, which were called "NanakShahi," meaning "of the Emperor Nanak." This marked the official beginning of the Sikh Empire, with Ranjit Singh at its helm.

Expansion of the Sikh Empire

Conquests and Key Battles

In 1802, at the age of 22, Ranjit Singh captured Amritsar from the Bhangi Sikh misl, marking a significant turning point in his reign. He paid homage at the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), which had previously been desecrated by Afghan forces. Ranjit Singh vowed to rebuild and renovate the temple with marble and gold, restoring it as a symbol of Sikh pride and devotion.

In 1806, Ranjit Singh signed a treaty with the British East India Company, agreeing that his forces would not expand south of the Sutlej River, while the Company would not cross the river into Sikh-controlled territory. This treaty established a peaceful coexistence between the two powers for the time being.

In 1807, Ranjit Singh’s forces attacked Kasur, a Muslim-ruled region, defeating Afghan chief Qutb-ud-Din in the Battle of Kasur. This victory expanded his empire towards the northwest, towards Afghanistan. By 1818, he had conquered Multan, bringing the entire Bari Doab region under his control.

Ranjit Singh’s forces continued to expand. In 1819, he annexed Srinagar and Kashmir following the Battle of Shopian, extending his rule into the northern territories beyond the foothills of the Himalayas.

Encounters with Afghan Forces

Several important battles marked Ranjit Singh's conflicts with Afghan forces. In 1813, his general, Dewan Mokham Chand, led Sikh forces to victory over Afghan forces led by Shah Mahmud and Fateh Khan Barakzai, capturing the Afghan stronghold of Attock. In 1818, Ranjit Singh’s forces defeated Muzaffar Khan in Multan, ending Afghan influence in the region.

Although Ranjit Singh's expansion into Kashmir was initially delayed in 1813–14 due to unfavorable conditions such as heavy rains, cholera, and poor supply lines, he eventually succeeded in acquiring Kashmir in 1818 after defeating Jabbar Khan, a governor in the region. Kashmir's annexation added significant revenue to Ranjit Singh's coffers, further consolidating his power.

Further Conquests and Strategic Engagements

In 1823, Ranjit Singh's forces clashed with Yusufzai Pashtuns north of the Kabul River. Later, in 1834, Afghan forces led by Mohammed Azim Khan attempted to march toward Peshawar with a large army, but Ranjit Singh’s forces decisively defeated them, reinstating Yar Mohammad as the governor of Peshawar.

The Khyber Pass witnessed multiple encounters between Afghan and Sikh forces. In 1835, the two powers stood off at the Standoff at Khyber Pass, though no battle ensued. In 1837, the Battle of Jamrud marked the final confrontation between the Sikhs and the Afghans, with the Sikhs securing their western boundary.

Collaboration with the British

In 1838, Ranjit Singh formed a strategic alliance with the British East India Company by agreeing to support the British-backed restoration of Shah Shoja to the Afghan throne in Kabul. The British and Sikh forces jointly marched into Afghanistan, with the British army entering from the south and Ranjit Singh’s forces advancing through the Khyber Pass. This collaboration culminated in a victory parade in Kabul in late 1838.

Ranjit Singh's military campaigns greatly expanded the Sikh Empire, which stretched from the Himalayas in the north to the Ravi River in the south, and from the Sutlej River in the east to Kashmir and the Afghan frontier in the west. His military prowess and strategic alliances established the Sikh Empire as one of the most powerful states on the Indian subcontinent during his reign.

Geography of the Sikh Empire

The Sikh Empire, also referred to as the Sikh Raj or Sarkar-a-Khalsa, was centered in the Punjab region, which means "the land of the five rivers." These rivers—the Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Chenab, and Jhelum—are tributaries of the Indus River. The geography of the empire covered a vast and strategically significant area in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent.

At its peak, the geographical reach of the Sikh Empire extended:

• North of the Sutlej River, encompassing parts of Kashmir and regions in the northwestern foothills of the Himalayas.
• South to the fertile plains, including regions such as Multan and Amritsar.
• Westward into the Khyber Pass and parts of present-day Afghanistan, stretching the empire's borders to include major cities such as Peshawar and Attock.

Major towns and cities within the empire included:

• Srinagar (in Kashmir)
• Attock, Peshawar, Bannu, Rawalpindi (in present-day Pakistan)
• Jammu, Gujrat, Sialkot, Kangra (in present-day India)
• Amritsar, Lahore, and Multan (which served as key centers of power and trade)

The population of the Sikh Empire was diverse:

• Muslims made up approximately 70% of the population.
• Hindus constituted around 24%.
• Sikhs formed about 6–7% of the population.

The Sikh Empire was not only a political and military entity but also a hub of religious and cultural coexistence, with Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims living side by side. This diversity contributed to the unique character of the empire, making it a melting pot of traditions, languages, and cultural practices.

Governance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s governance was characterized by inclusivity and pragmatism. He was known for his ability to unite diverse peoples under his rule and for creating a highly organized, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious government. Here are some key aspects of his governance:

Military and Administrative Inclusivity:

• Diverse Military Leadership: Ranjit Singh’s army was made up of people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds. He allowed men from various religions, including Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, and even Europeans, to serve in prominent positions within his army and administration. For example, he recruited a few Europeans such as Jean-François Allard, a Frenchman who became one of his key military officers.
• Avoiding British Recruitment: While he was open to Europeans, Singh refrained from recruiting Britons into his service. He was cautious of British ambitions in India and preferred to avoid direct military collaboration with the British East India Company. Despite this, he maintained diplomatic relations with the British to safeguard his empire's interests.

Diplomatic Relations with the British:

• Maintaining Diplomatic Channels: Although Ranjit Singh was wary of the British, he understood the importance of diplomacy. In 1828, he sent gifts to George IV, the King of Britain, as a gesture of goodwill. In 1831, he sent a diplomatic mission to Simla to engage with the British Governor-General, William Bentinck. This meeting was followed by the Ropar Meeting, a significant diplomatic exchange.
• Cooperation in Afghanistan: In 1838, Ranjit Singh cooperated with the British in the removal of a hostile Islamic emir in Afghanistan. This collaboration highlighted his pragmatic approach to maintaining a balance of power in the region, especially in relation to the growing influence of the British East India Company.

Royal Court (Darbar):

• Darbar Khalsa: Ranjit Singh’s court, known as Darbar Khalsa, was a vibrant and dynamic institution where people from all walks of life—regardless of caste, religion, or ethnicity—could rise to power based on merit and loyalty to the state. The Darbar (royal court) was often held in large tents outdoors, emphasizing the flexible and mobile nature of his administration.
• Leadership and Governance Style: Ranjit Singh's leadership was marked by a focus on the welfare of his subjects, and his ability to unify different factions under his rule allowed the Sikh Empire to flourish, despite its diverse population.

In essence, Ranjit Singh’s governance was notable for its inclusivity, strategic alliances, and adaptability, all of which contributed to the stability and expansion of the Sikh Empire during his reign.

Religious Policies of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Maharaja Ranjit Singh's religious policies were deeply influenced by his personal devotion to Sikhism, but he also practiced secularism, promoting tolerance and respect for all religious communities within his empire. His reign is marked by a strong commitment to religious harmony, and his actions reflect an inclusive approach to governance.

Respect for All Religions:

• Secular Leadership: Ranjit Singh was a secular ruler who adhered to the Sikh faith but valued all religions equally. His policies were based on respect and inclusivity, treating Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims with fairness.
• Religious Tolerance: He built gurdwaras (Sikh temples), Hindu temples, and even mosques. His respect for other faiths extended to his personal actions as well—he often participated in religious ceremonies at Hindu temples and celebrated his victories by offering thanks at the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).

Contributions to Religious Sites:

• Support for Sikh Religious Sites: As a devoted Sikh, Ranjit Singh worked on the restoration and expansion of historic Sikh gurdwaras, most famously the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, which he plated with gold. He also contributed gold to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1835, donating one tonne of gold to plate the temple’s dome.
• Mai Moran Masjid: At the request of his beloved Muslim wife, Moran Sarkar, Ranjit Singh built the Mai Moran Masjid, a mosque, showcasing his affection for her and his commitment to respecting the Muslim community.

Religious Practices and Policies:

• Veneration of Cows: Reflecting the religious sentiment of the time, Ranjit Singh promoted the veneration of cows, making cow slaughter punishable by death under his rule.
• Respect for Places of Worship: Ranjit Singh's forces generally did not destroy places of worship belonging to their enemies. However, there were instances where Muslim mosques were repurposed. For example, Lahore's Badshahi Mosque was converted into an ammunition store and stables, while Moti Masjid was transformed into a Hindu temple but later restored as a mosque at the request of a Sufi fakir. Similarly, the Sonehri Mosque was initially converted into a Sikh gurdwara but was restored to its original form as a mosque.

Governance and Religious Diversity:

• Ecumenical Court: Ranjit Singh’s court was diverse in its composition. He appointed people from various religious backgrounds to high-ranking positions. For instance, his prime minister, Dhian Singh, was a Hindu (Dogra), his foreign minister, Fakir Azizuddin, was a Muslim, and his finance minister, Dina Nath, was also a Hindu (Brahmin). Even his artillery commanders, such as Mian Ghausa, were Muslims. This diversity in governance demonstrated his commitment to inclusivity and his ability to unite different communities.
• No Forced Conversions: Ranjit Singh did not engage in forced conversions. His approach was based on religious tolerance, and his wives, such as Bibi Mohran and Gilbahar Begum, retained their faiths, as did his Hindu wives.

Influence on Sikh Religious Affairs:

• Patronage of Sikh Sects: Ranjit Singh abolished the gurmata (decisions made by Sikh religious bodies) and provided patronage to the Udasi and Nirmala sects, which helped them gain prominence in Sikh religious matters. This patronage allowed these sects to control the religious affairs within the Sikh community.

In summary, Ranjit Singh’s religious policies were characterized by tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for all faiths. His personal commitment to Sikhism did not prevent him from supporting and respecting other religions, making his rule one of the most ecumenical in the history of India.

Administration and Military Reforms under Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Khalsa Army:

Maharaja Ranjit Singh's military was one of the most diverse and efficient forces of its time. His army, known as the Khalsa Army, included a variety of soldiers and officers from different religious and ethnic backgrounds.

Diversity in the Army: The Khalsa Army was not limited to Sikhs; it included Hindus, Muslims, and Europeans. Brahmins, along with individuals of various castes and communities, served in the army. In addition, European officers, such as Jean-François Allard, Alexander Gardner, and others from countries like Poland, Russia, Spain, Prussia, and France, were recruited to train and lead the troops. In 1835, the British officer Foulkes was also hired, signaling a warming relationship between Ranjit Singh and the British.

Regional Representation: The composition of the army reflected the regional demographics of Ranjit Singh's empire. Jat Sikhs dominated the army in the Doaba region, while Hindu Rajputs were more prominent in Jammu and the northern Indian hills. Muslims, particularly from the Jhelum area near Afghanistan, also formed a significant part of the army.

Military Reforms:

Ranjit Singh introduced several reforms that enhanced the training, organisation, and effectiveness of his military:

Training and Equipment: He reorganised the army to emphasise steady fire, improving infantry tactics and artillery. Ranjit Singh’s army adapted both traditional methods and new innovations, strengthening both the infantry and artillery. The focus was on marksmanship, logistical efficiency, and the use of modern weaponry.

Reorganisation of Military Responsibility: He restructured the military hierarchy to ensure better coordination and performance. Officers were held to higher standards, and there was a greater focus on the efficiency of troop deployment and manoeuvre.

Pay System: Unlike the Mughal system, where soldiers were often paid through feudal levies (Jagirs), Ranjit Singh’s government paid the standing army directly from the state treasury. This allowed for a more organised and reliable army that was not reliant on local landlords or militias for funding.

The Jagir System and Taxation:

Despite the military reforms, Ranjit Singh did not make significant changes to the Jagir system (feudal land revenue system), which continued the abuses seen under the Mughals:

Jagirs and Revenue Collection: The Jagir system allowed individuals with political influence to control the collection of taxes from peasants and merchants. These individuals, known as Jagirdars, maintained armed militias and were able to extort taxes from the population, keeping a portion for themselves and remitting the rest to the state. This system was prone to abuse, with arbitrary taxation and violence against the peasants.

Lack of Economic Reforms: Ranjit Singh’s failure to address the issues within the Jagir system meant that the economy continued to suffer from inconsistent taxation and exploitation of merchants and peasants. The administrative inefficiency and inequality created by the Jagirs contributed to internal unrest and made it harder to foster economic development, trade, and internal stability.

Legacy and Downfall:

Ranjit Singh’s reforms in the military laid the foundation for further conquests and expansion. However, his failure to reform the Jagir system and improve the internal economy created long-term problems:

Internal Struggles: After his death, the Sikh Empire faced a period of instability marked by succession struggles, internal divisions among the Sikhs, and political assassinations. The lack of uniform laws and failure to empower the peasantry and merchants weakened the empire.

Colonial Intervention: These internal weaknesses, coupled with the British offering better terms to the Jagirdars, made the Sikh Empire vulnerable to British annexation. The colonial powers easily capitalised on these divisions, leading to the eventual dissolution of the Sikh Empire and its incorporation into British India.

In summary, while Maharaja Ranjit Singh achieved significant military reforms and built a strong and diverse army, his inability to address the fundamental issues of land revenue collection and economic governance contributed to the eventual decline and collapse of the Sikh Empire after his death.

Infrastructure Investments under Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Maharaja Ranjit Singh made several key investments in the infrastructure of his empire to ensure military strength and self-sufficiency. These included:

Military Infrastructure: Ranjit Singh ensured that the Sikh Empire was self-sufficient in manufacturing weapons, equipment, and munitions needed for his army. The establishment of cannon foundries, gunpowder factories, and arms factories allowed the empire to produce its own war material. Some of these factories were owned and operated by the state, while others were run by private Sikh operatives.

Raw Material Production: His government also invested in the mining of raw materials, which were critical for both civilian and military purposes. This helped ensure that the empire was not reliant on foreign imports for essential goods needed in warfare.

However, Ranjit Singh's investments did not extend significantly to other areas of infrastructure like irrigation canals for improving agriculture, roads, or public works to enhance the productivity of land and commerce. The prosperity of his empire was primarily driven by security improvements, the reopening of trade routes, and the reduction of violence, all of which helped stimulate commerce and trade within the empire.

Muslim Accounts of Ranjit Singh’s Rule

Accounts from 19th-century Muslim historians provide a different perspective on Ranjit Singh's rule. Figures like Shahamat Ali criticized his governance, describing him as a despotic ruler in contrast to the more tolerant Mughals. These accounts suggest that the Khalsa army was driven by a desire for plunder and conquests. They describe the Sikh forces as being motivated by an "insatiable appetite for plunder" and a desire to expand their empire, sometimes through violent means.

Ishtiaq Ahmed and other Muslim historians note that Ranjit Singh's rule led to the persecution of Muslims in regions like Kashmir. They argued that, under his governance, there was a continuation of some of the persecution that had been carried out by the Afghan Sunni Muslim rulers prior to the Sikh Empire's conquest of Kashmir.

However, Sikh historians like Ratan Singh Bhangu challenged these Muslim accounts, arguing that they were biased and inaccurate. According to Anne Murphy, Bhangu remarked, "when would a Musalman praise the Sikhs?" This critique highlights the deeply partisan views held by different historians of the time.

Decline of the Sikh Empire

After Ranjit Singh's death in 1839, the Sikh Empire began to decline due to internal power struggles and external pressures. Some factors contributing to this decline include:

Economic System: The Jagir-based taxation system inherited from the Mughals contributed to instability. The taxation system, which allowed local intermediaries (Jagirdars) to control land revenue, led to conflict over tax control and created economic inefficiency. The power struggles among nobles and within Ranjit Singh's family, as various factions vied for control over the tax spoils, contributed to the collapse of stable governance.

Succession Struggles: After Ranjit Singh's death, his heirs were involved in a series of palace coups, assassinations, and political intrigues. This instability led to a weakened central authority and an inability to maintain control over the empire, making it more vulnerable to external threats, including the British.

Personal Life and Marriages

Ranjit Singh had a complex personal life, marked by multiple marriages, many of which were strategic alliances:

Mehtab Kaur: His first wife, whom he married in 1789, was from the Kanhaiya Misl. However, their marriage faced difficulties, as Mehtab Kaur never fully forgave Ranjit Singh for killing her father in battle. She primarily resided with her mother and passed away in 1813.

Datar Kaur: His second wife, whom he married in 1797, was highly respected by Ranjit Singh. She became his most beloved wife and the mother of his heir, Kharak Singh. Datar Kaur was intelligent and assisted in state affairs, even leading military campaigns.

Other Wives: Ranjit Singh married many other women, sometimes through the ritual of chādar andāzī (a ceremonial union) and occasionally adopting concubines. He had over 20 wives, and some scholars suggest that he may have married as many as 46 women. These marriages were often politically motivated and helped cement alliances with various Sikh misl leaders. Notably, Ranjit Singh's youngest widow, Jind Kaur, would give birth to Duleep Singh, the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire.

In sum, while Ranjit Singh is celebrated for his military reforms and the prosperity of his empire, his personal life and the succession struggles following his death played a significant role in the decline of the Sikh Empire. His strategic alliances through marriage helped solidify his political power, but the failure to establish a stable governance system posthumously led to the eventual annexation of the Sikh Empire by the British

Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, had numerous issues in both his personal life and reign, particularly related to his family and relationships.

Family and Issues with Sons:

Ranjit Singh had many sons, some of whom faced controversy or died under mysterious circumstances. His sons included:

1. Kharak Singh – The eldest and favored son, he succeeded Ranjit Singh as Maharaja.
2. Ishar Singh – His son with Mehtab Kaur, who died in infancy.
3. Rattan Singh – Born to Maharani Datar Kaur, granted the Jagatpur Bajaj estate.
4. Fateh Singh – Also born to Datar Kaur, who died young.
5. Sher Singh and Tara Singh – Twin sons born to Mehtab Kaur. Sher Singh briefly became Maharaja.
6. Multana Singh, Kashmira Singh, and Pashaura Singh – Sons of Ranjit Singh’s other queens, but rumors suggested that these sons may not have been his biological children.

It is said that many of his sons faced issues concerning their legitimacy. For example, Sher Singh’s paternity was questioned, with some alleging that he was the son of a weaver, while Tara Singh was said to be the son of a servant.

Punishment by the Akal Takht:

Ranjit Singh’s marriage to a Muslim nautch dancer, Moran Sarkar, caused a rift with the orthodox Sikh community. The Akali Phula Singh, a prominent Sikh leader, punished him for his actions, leading to a public apology. The event caused much controversy over Ranjit Singh’s religious practices and his acceptance of non-Sikh customs.

Death and Legacy:

Ranjit Singh died in 1839, largely due to health complications exacerbated by his alcoholism and opium use. His death marked the beginning of the decline of the Sikh Empire. However, his legacy remains significant in the establishment of a prosperous Sikh Empire, the unification of Sikhs, and his contributions to Sikh culture, such as the restoration of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) and the construction of other important gurdwaras.

In terms of cultural contributions, Ranjit Singh was instrumental in the establishment of the Thathera craft in Punjab, and he is remembered as a military and political leader who consolidated power in the Punjab region.

His death also led to the succession of his son, Duleep Singh, who would later be the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. The downfall of the Sikh Empire following his death culminated in British annexation.

Memorials:

• The Samadhi of Ranjit Singh is located in Lahore, Pakistan.
• Statues of Ranjit Singh are displayed in various locations, including the Parliament of India and Lahore Fort.
• A museum dedicated to his life and reign exists at Ram Bagh Palace in Amritsar.

Recognition:

Ranjit Singh was named the "Greatest Leader of All Time" in a BBC poll, reflecting his lasting influence in history. His legacy continues to be celebrated in popular culture through documentaries, TV series, and other mediums.

These issues, controversies, and his leadership continue to shape the perception of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's life and reign.

References 

• Kumari, K. (2024) Knowledge nugget of the day: Maharaja Ranjit Singh, The Indian Express. Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/knowledge-maharaja-ranjit-singh-history-upsc-9667732/ (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
• Ranjit Singh (2024) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ranjit-Singh-Sikh-maharaja (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
• Ranjit Singh - the pioneer geostrategic ruler (no date) The Tribune. Available at: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/comment/ranjit-singh-the-pioneer-geostrategic-ruler-793564/ (Accessed: 16 January 2025).
• Ranjit Singh Summary (no date) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/summary/Ranjit-Singh-Sikh-maharaja (Accessed: 16 January 2025).