Influential Leaders: Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Legacy

Hey…

I hope all of you are doing well…

Well,
another day another great prompt it is,
my favorite historical figure…

Have you ever heard of Maharaja Ranjit Singh…?

One of the most admired figures even this day in Panjab,
with such a leadership that extended from near borders of Afghanistan,
Khyber Pass in current Pakistan,
to Panjab’s Satluj river in current day Panjab…

The sole leader who had the power to unify Sikh factions,
making the land of Panjab a secular empire where the rules of each religions were followed and respected,
being a Sikh he was inclusive of all people,
including keeping people from different faith in administrative and military positions,
which were very important to give to anybody…

The religious sites and their protection belonging to different faiths,
to the point he ordered repair of Mosques and temples,
Also,
The credits of modernization the forces belong to him,
hiring European mercenaries and military experts to train the army,
Having a special branch called Fauj-e-khas,
specializing in close order formation and bayonet tactics…

Having invested in artillery,
cannon foundries were built,
and field guns were standardized,
and that induced fear in the British Raj’s mind,
which were also because of traditional Sikh fighters,
called Nihangs ;
known for their ferocious nature and tactics that brought enemies to their knees…

Training men and equipping them with better arms than the rest of the states,
while keeping British rule at bay,
And his work and life were mentioned in British curriculum later…

Respecting Hindu sentiments,
cow slaughter was banned,
and having a corruption free court even though diverse,
that had wide focuses,
and,
living a modest life,
He never took the title of Maharaja,
But,
he accepted himself as the Servant of Khalsa…

Having a court in Lahore that became a center of culture and arts,
Also,
architectural marvel,
Known as,
“SHER-E-PANJAB”
“LION OF PANJAB”,
remembered till this day,
with deep respect by Panjabi speakers and Sikhs worldwide…

Imagine being alive at that point of time,
to witness all of this…!

Cheers 🥂

Love Waakiye 🤍