The Era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was born to Sardar Maha Singh and Sardarni Raj Kaur on 13th November, 1780 in Gujranwala (now in Pakistan, Punjab). During his childhood, he suffered from smallpox which resulted in the loss of one eye. Maharaja was just 12 years old when his father Maha Singh fell ill and died in 1792. He was too young to understand and manage the affairs of the empire. He was raised under the guidance of his mother Raj Kaur and mother-in-law Sada Kaur. With time, he became a great warrior, brave soldier, able administrator and the ruler of Punjab.
In November 1798, Afghans planned an attack on Amritsar. Maharaja Ranjit Singh gathered his forces and faced Afghans 8 Km from Amritsar. Afghans were no match to Maharaja’s army and sensing their defeat, they fled towards Lahore. Maharaja chased them upto Lahore and disrupted their supply lines. Expecting a humiliating defeat, Nizam-ud-din of Kasur attacked Maharaja near Shahdara on the banks of Ravi but Sikh forces defeated the Mughals here as well. Maharaja became a terror to the falling Afghans so they went back to Afghanistan.
Later in 1799, Maharaja captured Lahore from the Bhangi Misl and made it his capital. After several battles, his enemies accepted him as their leader. He united the Sikh factions into one state and took the title of Maharaja on the day of Baisaskhi, 12th April, 1801. This was the first important victory that raised him to power. In 1802, Maharaja received complaints that some of the factions were looting and harassing the people of Amritsar. Maharaja marched his army towards Amritsar where Mai Sukhan and her young son gave him a fight but could not stand long against his forces. He took over the fort and the mint of Bhangis alongwith the famous Zamzama gun made of copper and brass but in turn gave appropriate lands to Mai Sukhan.
Maharaja took control of Amritsar and ordered that the holy city should not be looted. With time, Amritsar came under a single administration which brought law and order to the city and fame and honour to the Maharaja. In the following years he took the whole of central Punjab from Sutlej to Jhelum under his control. He stopped non secular style and practices. Maharaja also strengthened his army by inducting intense training to setup his forces in a more organized way. He was very efficient in planning the warfares and was always keen to adopt new methods keeping the old system that he inherited by his forefathers. His military system was a blend of both old and new designs. Maharaja never hesitated in experimenting new methods and techniques. He was a shrewd military fighter and always knew the importance of strengthening the army. For this purpose, he employed two former European Generals Jean-Francois Allard and Jean-Baptiste Vanture to impart European tactics and combat techniques to his Sikh Army. Later Auguste Court also joined them as a key player in raising the artillery and the weaponary.
Under Maharaja, Amritsar developed a lot and became the biggest trade centre of Punjab where Silk, Muslin, Spices, Tea and many other items from central Asia were exchanged for the local goods. His ambition was not confined to only increase the business in Amritsar but the city always had a special place in his heart. The golden grandeur of Sri Harmandir Sahib and much of its artistic embellishment was the result of Maharaja’s feeling for this holiest Sikh shrine. He used to sit and listen to the recitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. It is believed that he donated 100 kg of gold to Sri Harmandir Sahib. The complete gold and convoluted exclusive marble work was done under his expert guidance. This ever lasting beautification of gold and marble gave Sri Harmandir Sahib its popular name “Golden Temple”.
Somewhere in the year 1810, Maharaja signed a “Treaty of Amritsar” with the Britishers. According to this treaty, Satluj would be the International border line between Sikh Empire and British India. Maharaja’s court was one of the most glorious in India especially when he aspired to make an impression on foreign delegates. Crimson tented marquees were set up on gold and silver poles near the river. They were lined with lavish shawls from Kashmir with superior carpets on the floor. Maharaja had a golden throne where he used to sit only during the state occasions. He had some of the greatest jewels including the most famous Kohinoor diamond but he always used to dress simply. He always had an amazing energy and a persuasive personality. He had an open religious mind and respected all the religions which was also visible from the fact that he appointed Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims equally at all the high positions in his court.
