MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH
The land of Punjab had been victim of perpetual ingress of invaders from the North-West. For centuries, it suffered the ignominy of plundering, pillaging, mass scale genocide, cruelty of the alien forces who robed it of all its mighty glory. Incessant plunderings by the likes of Ahmed Shah Abdali and Mughals much before him had not only weakened the coffers of the natives but had also affected their will to resist. One such person who arrested the ever increasing decline of the state, who ruled on the minds of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs alike, who established a reign of peace and removed the fear of invaders from the minds of population was Maharaja Ranjit Singh who was born on 13th November 1780 at Gujranwala in the house of S. Mahan Singh Shukarchakia and Mai Raj Kaur. Mai Raj Kaur was the daughter of the king of Jind.
She was also known by the name of ‘Malwain’. The Lineage. The Lineage. The elders of Maharaja Ranjit Singhwere brave warriors who had earned fame and high position in Punjab by virtue of their exploits, ability and bravery. Having occupied a large area of Punjab, they had established their own misl (confedracy) by the name of Shukarchakia. This misl was established by great grand father of Ranjit Singh. His name was Budha Singh (Budh Singh). S. Budha Singh participated in many Dharam Yudhs (religious battles) as head of the Khalsa Dal. He had more than forty marks of wounds on his body received in various battlefields. S. Budha Singh died in 1718. He had two sons–S. Chanda Singh and S. Naudh Singh.
Both brothers won many battles and expanded their territorial jurisdiction from what was left by their father. The Sandhawalia dynasty of Raja Sansi were the descendents of S. Chanda Singh. Sardar Naudh Singh was great grandfather of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He was a courageous and a brave Sikh. He participated in many battles against Ahmad Shah Abdali as part of the force headed by S. Kapur Singh. He was the leading Sardar amongst the leaders of the misls. S. Naudh Singh died fighting Pathans in 1752. His son named Charhat Singh was born in 1721.
As he grew up, he became famous as a brave, courageous and valliant person beside being a benevolent Sikh. He achieved many significant victories along with the leaders of Khalsa Dal and earned name and fame for himself. During the two holocausts, he led the Khalsa Dal with panache, bravery and intelligence. He took over much territory from the Muslim of foreign origin and brought it under his control. He died in 1774 during a battle when his own gun had burst. S. Mahan Singh was the son of S. Charhat Singh. He was born in 1760. At the tender age of fourteen, S. Mahan Singh took over the command of the misl and discharged his duties to perfection. He too annexed much territory after defeating the muslim rulers/nawabs. During one of the battles, he fell seriously ill and handed over the command of his misl to his twelve year old son–Ranjit Singh, and returned home to Gujranwala. He died in 1792.
She was also known by the name of ‘Malwain’. The Lineage. The Lineage. The elders of Maharaja Ranjit Singhwere brave warriors who had earned fame and high position in Punjab by virtue of their exploits, ability and bravery. Having occupied a large area of Punjab, they had established their own misl (confedracy) by the name of Shukarchakia. This misl was established by great grand father of Ranjit Singh. His name was Budha Singh (Budh Singh). S. Budha Singh participated in many Dharam Yudhs (religious battles) as head of the Khalsa Dal. He had more than forty marks of wounds on his body received in various battlefields. S. Budha Singh died in 1718. He had two sons–S. Chanda Singh and S. Naudh Singh.
Both brothers won many battles and expanded their territorial jurisdiction from what was left by their father. The Sandhawalia dynasty of Raja Sansi were the descendents of S. Chanda Singh. Sardar Naudh Singh was great grandfather of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He was a courageous and a brave Sikh. He participated in many battles against Ahmad Shah Abdali as part of the force headed by S. Kapur Singh. He was the leading Sardar amongst the leaders of the misls. S. Naudh Singh died fighting Pathans in 1752. His son named Charhat Singh was born in 1721.
As he grew up, he became famous as a brave, courageous and valliant person beside being a benevolent Sikh. He achieved many significant victories along with the leaders of Khalsa Dal and earned name and fame for himself. During the two holocausts, he led the Khalsa Dal with panache, bravery and intelligence. He took over much territory from the Muslim of foreign origin and brought it under his control. He died in 1774 during a battle when his own gun had burst. S. Mahan Singh was the son of S. Charhat Singh. He was born in 1760. At the tender age of fourteen, S. Mahan Singh took over the command of the misl and discharged his duties to perfection. He too annexed much territory after defeating the muslim rulers/nawabs. During one of the battles, he fell seriously ill and handed over the command of his misl to his twelve year old son–Ranjit Singh, and returned home to Gujranwala. He died in 1792.
Birth and Childhood Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Birth and ChildhoodMaharaja Ranjit Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was born on 13th November 1780. He was named Budh Singh by his mother. His father S. Mahan Singh received the news of the birth of his son when he was returning after winning a campaign. To commemorate his victory, he named his son as Ranjit Singh. He became famous by this very name. For the religious education of his only son, he engaged a Granthî of a government Dharamshâlâ. At the same time, adequate arrangements were made to train him in horse riding, swimming, weapon training and other physical fitness. He was very fond of horse riding and weapon training.
Therefore he achieved proficiency in both these disciplines at a very young age. He could ride the horse the whole day without getting tired. He could wield the sword with such deftness that used to surprise many elders. He started going to the battlefield with his father at a very young age. In one of the battle, he was surprised by a Pathan with an attack. He was not more than ten years at that time. He was just not scared. With one slash of the sword, he brought the head of the Pathan rolling on the ground. S. Mahan Singh and other soldiers were very pleased to see this unique feat by a ten years old. Once when S. Mahan Singh fell seriously ill during a battle,
he handed over the command of the battle to Ranjit Singh and went away to Gujranwala. Ranjit Singh performed his duty with elain and won the battle. Before his death, Mahan Singh received the news of this victory. He was immensely pleased. He was now sure that his son would follow the footsteps of his elders and expand his regime and area of influence. Leadership of the Leadership of the Misl. After the death of his father, Ranjit Singh took over the reigns of his father’s misl at the age of twelve years. Since he was very young and not well versed with the intricacies of administration, both Sardar Dal Singh and Diwan Lakhpat Rai managed the affairs of the state according to the directions from Sardarni Raj Kaur. In 1798,
Diwan Lakhpat Rai died. Sardarni Raj Kaur, mother of Ranjit Singh also expired during this period. He was now 18 years old. So he took over the mantle of the misl/Raj in his own hands. In this task, he was fortunate to receive the help of another very intelligent woman. She was his mother-in-law, Rani Sada Kaur who was the leader of Kanaihya misl. Her daughter Mehtab Kaur was married to Ranjit Singh in 1795. By the wise counselling of Sada Kaur, Ranjit Singhprogressed and prospered a lot.
Therefore he achieved proficiency in both these disciplines at a very young age. He could ride the horse the whole day without getting tired. He could wield the sword with such deftness that used to surprise many elders. He started going to the battlefield with his father at a very young age. In one of the battle, he was surprised by a Pathan with an attack. He was not more than ten years at that time. He was just not scared. With one slash of the sword, he brought the head of the Pathan rolling on the ground. S. Mahan Singh and other soldiers were very pleased to see this unique feat by a ten years old. Once when S. Mahan Singh fell seriously ill during a battle,
he handed over the command of the battle to Ranjit Singh and went away to Gujranwala. Ranjit Singh performed his duty with elain and won the battle. Before his death, Mahan Singh received the news of this victory. He was immensely pleased. He was now sure that his son would follow the footsteps of his elders and expand his regime and area of influence. Leadership of the Leadership of the Misl. After the death of his father, Ranjit Singh took over the reigns of his father’s misl at the age of twelve years. Since he was very young and not well versed with the intricacies of administration, both Sardar Dal Singh and Diwan Lakhpat Rai managed the affairs of the state according to the directions from Sardarni Raj Kaur. In 1798,
Diwan Lakhpat Rai died. Sardarni Raj Kaur, mother of Ranjit Singh also expired during this period. He was now 18 years old. So he took over the mantle of the misl/Raj in his own hands. In this task, he was fortunate to receive the help of another very intelligent woman. She was his mother-in-law, Rani Sada Kaur who was the leader of Kanaihya misl. Her daughter Mehtab Kaur was married to Ranjit Singh in 1795. By the wise counselling of Sada Kaur, Ranjit Singhprogressed and prospered a lot.
Marriage and Issue
1. As described above, Ranjit Singh’s first marriage took place with Mehtab Kaur in 1795. She was daughter of S. Gurbaksh Singh and grand daughter of S. Jai Singh of Kanaihya Misl. This marriage was solemnised at Batala. She gave birth to Maharaja Sher Singh and Kanwar Tara Singh. She died in 1813. 2. His second marriage took place with Datar Kaur, daughter of S. Ram Singh Nakai in 1798. Her actual name was Raj Kaur. Since the name of Ranjit Singh’s mother was also Raj Kaur, therefore her name was changed to Datar Kaur. She gave birth to Maharaja Khark Singh, the eldest son of the Maharaja.
Maharaja Sahib used to address her as ‘Nakain’. She died in 1818. 3. His third marriage took place with Jind Kaur, daughter of S. Manna Singh Aulakh, a resident of village Chaarh (Sialkot). She gave birth to Maharaja Dalip Singh. After annexing Punjab, the Britishers imprisoned her in Sheikhupura and then in Chunar in (Uttar Pardesh). She escaped to Nepal in the disguise of a beggar woman. She stayed there honourably. Her son Dalip Singh had been taken away to England by the Britishers. In 1861, she reached England to meet him. She died there in 1891. 4. His fourth marriage took place in 1811 with the widow of Sardar Sahib Singh, a landlord of Gujarat. Her name was Rattan Kaur. She gave birth to Kanwar Multan Singh. 5. The fifth marriage of the Maharaja took place with Daya Kaur. She gave birth to Kanwar Kashmira Singh and Kanwar Peshaora Singh. She died in 1843.
Maharaja Sahib used to address her as ‘Nakain’. She died in 1818. 3. His third marriage took place with Jind Kaur, daughter of S. Manna Singh Aulakh, a resident of village Chaarh (Sialkot). She gave birth to Maharaja Dalip Singh. After annexing Punjab, the Britishers imprisoned her in Sheikhupura and then in Chunar in (Uttar Pardesh). She escaped to Nepal in the disguise of a beggar woman. She stayed there honourably. Her son Dalip Singh had been taken away to England by the Britishers. In 1861, she reached England to meet him. She died there in 1891. 4. His fourth marriage took place in 1811 with the widow of Sardar Sahib Singh, a landlord of Gujarat. Her name was Rattan Kaur. She gave birth to Kanwar Multan Singh. 5. The fifth marriage of the Maharaja took place with Daya Kaur. She gave birth to Kanwar Kashmira Singh and Kanwar Peshaora Singh. She died in 1843.
Occupation of Lahore.
Occupation of Lahore. After taking over the command of his misl and the reign of his territory, Ranjit Singhrealised that most of the area of Punjab was in the occupation of misls who were functioning independently. They were fighting with each other. Factionalism was rampant among them. Some areas like Multan and Kasur were under the rule of alien Muslims. Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not like this division and in-fightings of Sikh misls. So he decided to remove the divison and factionalism and establish one rule in the Punjab.
Such a state should have peace, prosperity and unity among them. So he kept this objective before himself and started working towards its fulfillment. Soon after the first marriage of the Maharaja Sahib, his mother-in-law needed his help. S. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia started ingressing into the territory of Kanaihiya misl. So Maharaja Ranjit Singh reached Batala at the head of a column of troops. On his way, he stayed at Lahore for two days. Lahore was in the hands of Bhangi Sardars. This is when he saw the fort of Lahore and developed a desire to occupy it. Without doing so, it was impossible to bring the whole of Punjab under one flag.
Such a state should have peace, prosperity and unity among them. So he kept this objective before himself and started working towards its fulfillment. Soon after the first marriage of the Maharaja Sahib, his mother-in-law needed his help. S. Jassa Singh Ramgarhia started ingressing into the territory of Kanaihiya misl. So Maharaja Ranjit Singh reached Batala at the head of a column of troops. On his way, he stayed at Lahore for two days. Lahore was in the hands of Bhangi Sardars. This is when he saw the fort of Lahore and developed a desire to occupy it. Without doing so, it was impossible to bring the whole of Punjab under one flag.
Invasions of Shah Zaman.
Invasions of Shah Zaman. Shah Zaman, grandson of Ahmed Shah Abdali became the king of Kabul in 1783. Like his grandfather, he too decided to invade India repeatedly. He came to India in 1793 for the first time and in 1795 for the second time. But due to internal disturbances in his kingdom and after facing defeat at the hands of the Khâlsâ, he did not come beyond Panja Sahib. In 1796 he invaded for the third time. On reaching Panja Sahib, he wrote a letter to the heads of the misls including S. Ranjit Singh to accept defeat and subjugation.
The Khâlsâ replied that they were prepared to fight. With great enthusiasm and speed, he reached Lahore. After occupation of Lahore, he headed towards Amritsar where the Khâlsâ army was waiting in full preparation. A pitched battle took place in which Shah Zaman absconded after a crushing defeat. In 1798, he attacked India for the fourth time. Fighting his way, he reached Lahore and occupied it. S. Ranjit Singh and some other Sardars attacked Lahore. Frightened, Shah Zaman took up positions in the fort. Khâlsâ army encircled the fort from all directions and blocked all routes that would help providing logistic support to the forces inside the fort. The Khâlsâ army tightened the noose on Shah Zaman and caused much hardship to him. Much peeved, he decided to come out and face the Sikhs in the open field.
An interesting incident of this time is worth narrating, that establishes how brave and courageous was Maharaja Ranjit Singh. When Shah Zaman was bottled up in the fort of Lahore, Maharaja Ranjit Singh took some Singhs with him and came close to the fort three times. On reaching ‘Samman Burj’ where Shah Zaman was staying, they fired shots and then Ranjit Singh shouted loudly–“O grand son of Ahmad Shah, the grand son of S. Charhat Singh has come to meet you. Come out if you have the courage.” He made this challenging cry thrice but Shah Zaman kept quiet. Soon after, he returned to his country. Occupation of Lahore.
Occupation of Lahore. Soon after the return of Shah Zaman, the Sardars of Bhangi misl re-occupied the city of Lahore. All the three Sardars namely S. Sahib Singh, Chet Singh and Mohar Singh used to fight with each other. The administration of the city had deteriorated. The population was much peeved. No one cared about the protection and defence of the city. Appreciating the situation, Nawab Nizam Din of Kasur decided to attack Lahore and capture it. Although the people of Lahore were much distressed by the behaviour of the Sikh Sardars,
yet they considered the Nawab of Kasur as worst adversity. They had also heard the glory and fame of Ranjit Singh. His subjects were happy, prosperous and living in peace. They were sure that the city will become more fortunate if Ranjit Singh becomes the ruler of Lahore. No one like the Nawab of Kasur would dare threaten it beside it becoming rich and prosperous. So some leading personalities of the city like Hakim Hakam Rai, Mian Mohkam Din, Mian Mohammad Barkar, Mian Mohammad Tahir, Mian Ashiq Mohammad, Bhai Gurbaksh Singh etc wrote a petition letter to Ranjit Singh requesting him to take over Lahore. As it is,
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was looking for a similar opportunity. Yet he did not want to act in haste. He sent Quazi Abdul Rehman, a trusted official of his darbar to Lahore to carryout an on the spot appreciation of the situation. At the same time, he himself went to Batala to consult his mother-in-law–Rani Sada Kaur. She counselled him in favour of occupation of Lahore. She also agreed to extend her help in this venture. Both collected an army of 25,000 each and set out towards Lahore. On reaching Lahore, they camped in the garden of Wazir Khan where Museum is located these days. Ranjit Singh divided his army into two groups. One group was placed under Rani Sada Kaur and it attacked from Delhi Gate side.
With the second group, Ranjit Singh started advancing from Luhari Gate side. The Bhangi Sardar could not face the onslaught. Sahib Singh and Mohar Singh absconded the city while Chet Singh hid himself in the fort. On a pre-fixed signal, by Mian Mohkam Din, the gates of the city were opened soon. S. Chet Singh vacated the fort. Thus Ranjit Singh occupied Lahore on 7th July 1799. The residents of the city celebrated the occasion. A just rule had been established and the people heaved a sigh of relief. S. Chet Singh accepted superemacy of Ranjit Singh. He was treated kindly. He was awarded a handsome Jagir. Sahib Singh and Mohar Singh, the two other Bhangi Sardars joined hands with Sardar Jodh Singh Ramgarhia and Nawab Nizam Din of Kasur in order to re-occupy Lahore.
A pitched battle fought at a place called Bhasin brought out Ranjit Singh victorious. He was magnanimous to grant handsome Jagirs to both Sahib Singh and Mohar Singh. Many other Sardars who accepted defeat were also rewarded with Jagirs. Invasion of Jammu. Invasion of Jammu. Soon after, Ranjit Singh invaded Jammu. He conquered Mirowal and Narowal on the way. The king of Jammu accepted defeat. He made an offering of twenty thousand rupees and an elephant. On his return journey, Ranjit Singhoccupied Sialkot and Dilawargarh. Sensing the ever increasing influence of Ranjit Singh the Britishers sent Yusaf Ali Khan to Lahore as their ambassador. He carried many gifts as good will gesture. He was extended much honour and welcomed the sentiments of friendship of the Britishers.
The Khâlsâ replied that they were prepared to fight. With great enthusiasm and speed, he reached Lahore. After occupation of Lahore, he headed towards Amritsar where the Khâlsâ army was waiting in full preparation. A pitched battle took place in which Shah Zaman absconded after a crushing defeat. In 1798, he attacked India for the fourth time. Fighting his way, he reached Lahore and occupied it. S. Ranjit Singh and some other Sardars attacked Lahore. Frightened, Shah Zaman took up positions in the fort. Khâlsâ army encircled the fort from all directions and blocked all routes that would help providing logistic support to the forces inside the fort. The Khâlsâ army tightened the noose on Shah Zaman and caused much hardship to him. Much peeved, he decided to come out and face the Sikhs in the open field.
An interesting incident of this time is worth narrating, that establishes how brave and courageous was Maharaja Ranjit Singh. When Shah Zaman was bottled up in the fort of Lahore, Maharaja Ranjit Singh took some Singhs with him and came close to the fort three times. On reaching ‘Samman Burj’ where Shah Zaman was staying, they fired shots and then Ranjit Singh shouted loudly–“O grand son of Ahmad Shah, the grand son of S. Charhat Singh has come to meet you. Come out if you have the courage.” He made this challenging cry thrice but Shah Zaman kept quiet. Soon after, he returned to his country. Occupation of Lahore.
Occupation of Lahore. Soon after the return of Shah Zaman, the Sardars of Bhangi misl re-occupied the city of Lahore. All the three Sardars namely S. Sahib Singh, Chet Singh and Mohar Singh used to fight with each other. The administration of the city had deteriorated. The population was much peeved. No one cared about the protection and defence of the city. Appreciating the situation, Nawab Nizam Din of Kasur decided to attack Lahore and capture it. Although the people of Lahore were much distressed by the behaviour of the Sikh Sardars,
yet they considered the Nawab of Kasur as worst adversity. They had also heard the glory and fame of Ranjit Singh. His subjects were happy, prosperous and living in peace. They were sure that the city will become more fortunate if Ranjit Singh becomes the ruler of Lahore. No one like the Nawab of Kasur would dare threaten it beside it becoming rich and prosperous. So some leading personalities of the city like Hakim Hakam Rai, Mian Mohkam Din, Mian Mohammad Barkar, Mian Mohammad Tahir, Mian Ashiq Mohammad, Bhai Gurbaksh Singh etc wrote a petition letter to Ranjit Singh requesting him to take over Lahore. As it is,
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was looking for a similar opportunity. Yet he did not want to act in haste. He sent Quazi Abdul Rehman, a trusted official of his darbar to Lahore to carryout an on the spot appreciation of the situation. At the same time, he himself went to Batala to consult his mother-in-law–Rani Sada Kaur. She counselled him in favour of occupation of Lahore. She also agreed to extend her help in this venture. Both collected an army of 25,000 each and set out towards Lahore. On reaching Lahore, they camped in the garden of Wazir Khan where Museum is located these days. Ranjit Singh divided his army into two groups. One group was placed under Rani Sada Kaur and it attacked from Delhi Gate side.
With the second group, Ranjit Singh started advancing from Luhari Gate side. The Bhangi Sardar could not face the onslaught. Sahib Singh and Mohar Singh absconded the city while Chet Singh hid himself in the fort. On a pre-fixed signal, by Mian Mohkam Din, the gates of the city were opened soon. S. Chet Singh vacated the fort. Thus Ranjit Singh occupied Lahore on 7th July 1799. The residents of the city celebrated the occasion. A just rule had been established and the people heaved a sigh of relief. S. Chet Singh accepted superemacy of Ranjit Singh. He was treated kindly. He was awarded a handsome Jagir. Sahib Singh and Mohar Singh, the two other Bhangi Sardars joined hands with Sardar Jodh Singh Ramgarhia and Nawab Nizam Din of Kasur in order to re-occupy Lahore.
A pitched battle fought at a place called Bhasin brought out Ranjit Singh victorious. He was magnanimous to grant handsome Jagirs to both Sahib Singh and Mohar Singh. Many other Sardars who accepted defeat were also rewarded with Jagirs. Invasion of Jammu. Invasion of Jammu. Soon after, Ranjit Singh invaded Jammu. He conquered Mirowal and Narowal on the way. The king of Jammu accepted defeat. He made an offering of twenty thousand rupees and an elephant. On his return journey, Ranjit Singhoccupied Sialkot and Dilawargarh. Sensing the ever increasing influence of Ranjit Singh the Britishers sent Yusaf Ali Khan to Lahore as their ambassador. He carried many gifts as good will gesture. He was extended much honour and welcomed the sentiments of friendship of the Britishers.
Title of Maharaja.
Title of Maharaja. On the Baisakhi day of 1801, a big gathering took place inside Lahore fort. Many Hindu, Muslim and Sikh Rajas and Sardars from Punjab attended the Darbar. After making a supplication (Ardâs) to the Almighty according to the Sikh traditions, Ranjit Singhsat on the royal throne. Baba Sahib Singh Bedi applied the RajTilak (consecration mark of kingship) to him. He was unanimously honoured with the title of Maharaja. Prayers were held in the mosque, temples and Gurudawaras of the city. It was a time of rejoicing for the residents of the city who observed ‘deepmala’ for three consecutive days. Orders were issued to release coins.
The mint produced coins of gold and silver. The Maharaja named the coin as Nanakshahi. Instead of his name, he engraved the names of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh. Whatever number of coins were minted on the first day were distributed in charity. Common Punjabi Rule. Common Punjabi Rule. Now Maharaja paid particular attention to the administration of the city. For managing the affairs of the state, merits of a person were considered. Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs were all given equal opportunities. The city was divided into Mohallâs (Segments or Avenues) and a Chaudhary (Person incharge) was appointed for every Mohallâ. Muslims discords were settled according to Sharah. Quazi Nizâm-ud-Din was appointed the principal Quazi of Lahore.
Saadulla Chishti and Mohammad Shah Mufti were appointed as magistrates under him. A charitable hospital was opened in the city. This was placed under the care of Fakir Noor-ud-Din, brother of Fakir Aziz-ud-Din. To maintain peace in the city and provide protection to the assets of the people, police force was raised. Imam Baksh was appointed as Kotwal of the city. Schools, temples and mosques were given liberal donations. Panchayats were established in the villages who were entrusted with the responsibilities of resolving disputes as well as administer the local affairs. Separate code of conduct was framed for the officials. It was a directive issued to the officials that they will keep the welfare of the people as their primary concern. Thus Maharaja Ranjit Singh established a common rule of Punjabis in the Punjab. It was his strong desire that such a rule should get established in the whole of Punjab.
The mint produced coins of gold and silver. The Maharaja named the coin as Nanakshahi. Instead of his name, he engraved the names of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh. Whatever number of coins were minted on the first day were distributed in charity. Common Punjabi Rule. Common Punjabi Rule. Now Maharaja paid particular attention to the administration of the city. For managing the affairs of the state, merits of a person were considered. Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs were all given equal opportunities. The city was divided into Mohallâs (Segments or Avenues) and a Chaudhary (Person incharge) was appointed for every Mohallâ. Muslims discords were settled according to Sharah. Quazi Nizâm-ud-Din was appointed the principal Quazi of Lahore.
Saadulla Chishti and Mohammad Shah Mufti were appointed as magistrates under him. A charitable hospital was opened in the city. This was placed under the care of Fakir Noor-ud-Din, brother of Fakir Aziz-ud-Din. To maintain peace in the city and provide protection to the assets of the people, police force was raised. Imam Baksh was appointed as Kotwal of the city. Schools, temples and mosques were given liberal donations. Panchayats were established in the villages who were entrusted with the responsibilities of resolving disputes as well as administer the local affairs. Separate code of conduct was framed for the officials. It was a directive issued to the officials that they will keep the welfare of the people as their primary concern. Thus Maharaja Ranjit Singh established a common rule of Punjabis in the Punjab. It was his strong desire that such a rule should get established in the whole of Punjab.
Political State of Punjab. Political State of Punjab.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to bring the entire Punjab under one rule. It was a difficult task. The Punjab was divided into number of small states. Central Punjab, Main Doab and Malwa were under the rule of misls Sardars. All of them were at daggers drawn with each other. They were very envious of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Kasur, Multan, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Kohat, Tank, Attock, Kashmir and Bahawalpur were under the muslim rule. Jammu, Kangra, Mandi, Suket, Basoli, Kulu and other hill states were under the Rajput chiefs.
The Britishers were a strong force in the East of Punjab. They were keen to annexe Punjab into their kingdom. He was surrounded by opponents from all sides. Despite their presence, Maharaja Ranjit Singhsucceeded in establishing his mighty empire. Although he could not succeed in uniting the whole of Punjab, he brought the spirit of being Punjabis into the minds of the people and thus a feeling of brotherhood. Unity Efforts. Unity Efforts. In order to achieve his aim, the first thing that the Maharaja did was to take possession of small hemlets under Sardars and Misaldars. These Sardars and Misaldars were granted adequate Jagirs. In 1802,
he occupied Amritsar and granted Jagirs to Bhangi Sardars. Secondly, he befriended the strong misls and removed misunderstandings amidst them. He brought Kanaihya and Nakai misls close to him by marrying into their families. He established brotherhood with Sardar Fateh Singh, leader of the Ahluwalia misl by exchanging his turban with him. He had the disputes between Nabha and Patiala settled and made them his own and each others friend. To establish his honourable intentions in their mind, he gave away a part of his won territory to Maharaja Jind and Nabha. Similarly, Phagwara and areas around it was won by him and handed over to S. Fateh Singh of Kapurthala. By such efforts, the Maharaja Sahib consolidated the broken and scattered strength of the Sikhs.
The Britishers were a strong force in the East of Punjab. They were keen to annexe Punjab into their kingdom. He was surrounded by opponents from all sides. Despite their presence, Maharaja Ranjit Singhsucceeded in establishing his mighty empire. Although he could not succeed in uniting the whole of Punjab, he brought the spirit of being Punjabis into the minds of the people and thus a feeling of brotherhood. Unity Efforts. Unity Efforts. In order to achieve his aim, the first thing that the Maharaja did was to take possession of small hemlets under Sardars and Misaldars. These Sardars and Misaldars were granted adequate Jagirs. In 1802,
he occupied Amritsar and granted Jagirs to Bhangi Sardars. Secondly, he befriended the strong misls and removed misunderstandings amidst them. He brought Kanaihya and Nakai misls close to him by marrying into their families. He established brotherhood with Sardar Fateh Singh, leader of the Ahluwalia misl by exchanging his turban with him. He had the disputes between Nabha and Patiala settled and made them his own and each others friend. To establish his honourable intentions in their mind, he gave away a part of his won territory to Maharaja Jind and Nabha. Similarly, Phagwara and areas around it was won by him and handed over to S. Fateh Singh of Kapurthala. By such efforts, the Maharaja Sahib consolidated the broken and scattered strength of the Sikhs.
Occupation of Pathan Territory. Occupation of Pathan Territory.
Some part of this consolidation was still left. There was much territory in North-West Punjab that had been under the rule of Pathans. Maharaja now decided to win these territories and bring them under his rule by annexing then with Punjab. This was necessary to establish a just and peaceful reign. First of all, he concentrated on Kasur which was very near Lahore. It was a state with all sorts of problems. Its ruler Nizam-ud-Din was against the Maharaja. He was keen to take over Lahore but the Maharaja did not let his dream get fulfilled. Then he joined hands with Bhangi Sardars and took part in the Battle of Bhasin against Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
After sorting out the affairs of Lahore, Maharaja Sahib sent an army against Kasur in 1801. After a fierce battle, Nizam-ud-Din accepted defeat and agreed to pay yearly tribute to the Lahore Darbar. But he was very unhappy at heart. Realising that the Maharaja was busy in a campaign against Chiniot, he revolted and declared Jehad. Maharaja once again defeated him by sending a garrison against him. Nizam-ud-Din wailed and whimpered and promised to remain loyal to him. The big hearted Maharaja forgave him. Nawab Nizam-ud-Din died in 1807. His brother Kutab Din became the Nawab of Kasur. He did not want to serve under Lahore Darbar.
Maharaja decided to end this troublesome thorn from his side once for all. So he attacked Kasur. After a pitched battle, Maharaja overcame the resistance and took over the state. Nawab Kutab-Din was caught absconding. He was given a Jagir at Mamdot in Ferozepur district. Its annual revenue then was one lakh rupees. In 1803, Maharaja won the cities of Jhang and its associated territory and annexed it in his kingdom Multan. After settling the score with Nawab of Kasur, the Maharaja turned towards Multan in 1803. This was the hub of Pathan Raj. Maharaja advanced towards Multan. Its ruler Nawab Muzaffar Khan accepted defeat without fighting and agreed to pay tribute. In the meantime, Nawab Kutab Din became rebelious and commenced Jehad. Nawab Muzaffar Khan of Multan helped him secretly. Maharaja Sahib came to know of it. He raided Multan and Nawab Muzaffar Khan claimed clemency and paid a sum of rupees seventy thousand as tribute.
After sorting out the affairs of Lahore, Maharaja Sahib sent an army against Kasur in 1801. After a fierce battle, Nizam-ud-Din accepted defeat and agreed to pay yearly tribute to the Lahore Darbar. But he was very unhappy at heart. Realising that the Maharaja was busy in a campaign against Chiniot, he revolted and declared Jehad. Maharaja once again defeated him by sending a garrison against him. Nizam-ud-Din wailed and whimpered and promised to remain loyal to him. The big hearted Maharaja forgave him. Nawab Nizam-ud-Din died in 1807. His brother Kutab Din became the Nawab of Kasur. He did not want to serve under Lahore Darbar.
Maharaja decided to end this troublesome thorn from his side once for all. So he attacked Kasur. After a pitched battle, Maharaja overcame the resistance and took over the state. Nawab Kutab-Din was caught absconding. He was given a Jagir at Mamdot in Ferozepur district. Its annual revenue then was one lakh rupees. In 1803, Maharaja won the cities of Jhang and its associated territory and annexed it in his kingdom Multan. After settling the score with Nawab of Kasur, the Maharaja turned towards Multan in 1803. This was the hub of Pathan Raj. Maharaja advanced towards Multan. Its ruler Nawab Muzaffar Khan accepted defeat without fighting and agreed to pay tribute. In the meantime, Nawab Kutab Din became rebelious and commenced Jehad. Nawab Muzaffar Khan of Multan helped him secretly. Maharaja Sahib came to know of it. He raided Multan and Nawab Muzaffar Khan claimed clemency and paid a sum of rupees seventy thousand as tribute.
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