Ranjit Singh

Ranjit Singh

Painting of Maharajah
Ranjit Singh

Model of Ranjit Singh's
Tomb

Ranjit Singh was a king, or maharajah, known as 'the lion of the punjab'. Born in 1780, the son of the clan chief, Ranjit became one of the most famous characters in Sikh history. In the early 1800s he created a huge empire, stretching from the Punjab (now part of India & Pakistan) to present day Kashmir, and beyond.

When Ranjit was only ten years old his father was killed in a battle. The young boy had to take over from his dad - imagine being a clan chief when you're ten! His bad luck didn't end there either. Ranjit was left blind in one eye after catching a nasty disease called smallpox.

Despite this difficult start in life Ranjit Singh went on to set up a powerful empire, which was famous for its arts, writers and warriors.

When Ranjit became chief of his clan, or Misl, one of the first things he did was to persuade the other Misl chiefs to make peace with each other. For many years they'd been fighting over land, so this was no easy task. He knew they would be stronger together though.

Once the Misls were at peace, they formed an army and took over Lahore, capital of the Punjab. Ranjit Singh became Maharajah in 1802, aged only 22. Over almost forty years Ranjit Singh ruled over his empire.

Ranjit Singh died in 1839. He is remembered by Sikhs all over the world as a ferocious warrior and an intelligent, fair leader.