Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Ranjit Singh was born on the 13th of November, 1780. He was the only son of Sardar Maha Singh. His parents paid little attention to his education. He did not get any regular education.

In childhood, Ranjit Singh fell a victim to small-pox. He lost his left eye. He was hardly ten years old when he started going for battles. Around the year 1792, his father died.

In 1796, he was married to Mehtab Kaur. Soon after the death of his father, he took over the reign of administration.

In 1798, Shah Zaman attacked Punjab. Some of his cannon fell into the Jhelum. Ranjit Singh got the cannon out of the river and sent them to Shah Zaman. This gesture pleased Shah Zaman. He gifted the city of Lahore to Ranjit Singh. Ranjit Singh started ruling Punjab on behalf of the Afghan king.

Ranjit Singh became a symbol of intellectual and wisdom. He had very able lieutenants. He respected men of wisdom and learning. He was a secular ruler. He gave equal respect to all faiths and religions.