When enslavement of the conquered was accepted as the standard during those dreary times of colonialism all around the world, Maharaja Ranjit Singh treated his governed populace with love and affection. He is known for his genius in politics, and his compassion for the various religions and sects of the people he ruled. Also known as the Sher-e-Punjab or ‘Lion of Punjab’, he was renowned for his love for humanity, and in-depth awareness and respect for human values. Indeed, Maharaja Ranjit Singh is a revered icon in Punjabi and Indian history.
Beacon of goodness in times of colonialism
Slavery was the very first outcome of colonisation. Men and women from African tribes were portrayed as animals or mysterious creatures in the West. This inhumane treatment of people started during the initial 19th century. Slaves were not citizens of the state in the eyes of the governing class. They had no legal standing. In the Judeo-Arabic culture, slave fidelity was one of the most essential attributes of the "ghulam." However, for Maharaja Ranjit Singh, there were no slaves. Under his reign, everyone had the same rights and duties to the state. This was the time when Khalsa Raj was entrenching its roots in the Indian subcontinent.
Named the Greatest World Leader
According to a BBC survey, Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been named the ‘greatest world leader’. The editor of BBC World Histories Magazine, Matt Elton wrote, ‘Ranjit Singh’s overwhelming success in our poll suggests that the qualities of his leadership continue to inspire people around the world in the 21st century. Five thousand scholars from all over the world participated in this poll which included eminent historians like Matthew Lockwood, Margaret MacMillan, and Gus Casely-Hayford. Ranjit Singh received 38 percent votes. The second-best got only 25. The top 20, way below the line, included Joan of Arc, Mughal emperor Akbar, Russian empress Catherine the Great, and US President Abraham Lincoln.’
For Punjabis and Sikhs across the globe, it is a source of great pride that a Sikh maharaja is recognised for his rule of love, equality, and justice for all cultures and religions at a time when intolerance is completely ruling not only one nation but the entire world. The classic French revolutionary adage, "annihilate the other," was the order of the day. In times like those, it is encouraging to see that sane voices acknowledge the superiority of humanity, wherever it may be and whenever it may have existed. The world's intelligentsia still values the inherent "condition humaine"—the brotherhood of all people—regardless of their religion or country of birth.
Leadership that sways people even now
Scholars have acknowledged Maharaja Ranjit Singh's wisdom in abolishing the death penalty in the initial 19th century. In those times of imperialism and control by fear and violent force, conceptualising justice and equality of human connections across racial and religious lines is unquestionably a high point in the history of political thought. This reflects his profound understanding of people and humanity.
Another surprising fact is that in the Khalsa Raj, where Sikhs were in minority, he governed people with zero coercion and no forced religious conversions. He was well-known for his generous contributions to all sacred places of worship. In Varanasi, at a famous temple, the priests proudly display the gold bell presented by the Maharaja. There are numerous examples of his philanthropic acts. Many temples and mosques were built at the expense of the state in his kingdom.
Preacher of religious harmony
Throughout his reign, Maharaja Ranjit Singh preached religious harmony, and the same was reflected in his actions. He willingly welcomed a good soldier or politician from any background, be they Muslim, Hindu, or even from a foreign land. A Muslim wazir held the position of being his most reliable advisor. His army was trained by French and Italian generals. In his court, there were painters, architects, and scholars, from every major religion and cultural background. There was no discrimination based on caste, creed, race, or religion. They all served the same state.
Though he was a monarch, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the most modest of men. According to multiple historical accounts, he lived a simple life.
Anecdotes say that on and off, his Muslim Prime Minister reminded him of his kingly title and advised him to adhere to the Oriental Throne's regal clothing and code. The Maharaja spoke to him politely while explaining his poor beginnings and that of his fellow sardars. As far as the sardars were concerned, they always addressed him as “brother”. No honorific title was ever used in their address. It was quite typical for Maharaja, even after being known as the Lion of the Punjab and the Sovereign of Punjab. In that informal ambiance, he felt comfortable.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh is known for bringing Sikhs together and establishing the affluent Sikh Empire. Rebuilding the Harmandir Sahib, famously known as Golden Temple, in Amritsar and other significant gurudwaras like the Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar and the Hazur Sahib Nanded in Maharashtra under his patronage are part of his lasting cultural and artistic legacy. He is also remembered for his conquests and for establishing a well-trained, self-sufficient Khalsa army to defend the empire.
The BBC survey ranked Maharaja Ranjit Singh as the greatest leader of all time due to the extraordinarily progressive political, social, and cultural order he established during his rule. We Punjabis are undoubtedly appreciative of this honor.
When enslavement of the conquered was accepted as the standard during those dreary times of colonialism all around the world, Maharaja Ranjit Singh treated his governed populace with love and affection. He is known for his genius in politics, and his compassion for the various religions and sects of the people he ruled. Also known as the Sher-e-Punjab or ‘Lion of Punjab’, he was renowned for his love for humanity, and in-depth awareness and respect for human values. Indeed, Maharaja Ranjit Singh is a revered icon in Punjabi and Indian history.
Beacon of goodness in times of colonialism
Slavery was the very first outcome of colonisation. Men and women from African tribes were portrayed as animals or mysterious creatures in the West. This inhumane treatment of people started during the initial 19th century. Slaves were not citizens of the state in the eyes of the governing class. They had no legal standing. In the Judeo-Arabic culture, slave fidelity was one of the most essential attributes of the "ghulam." However, for Maharaja Ranjit Singh, there were no slaves. Under his reign, everyone had the same rights and duties to the state. This was the time when Khalsa Raj was entrenching its roots in the Indian subcontinent.
Named the Greatest World Leader
According to a BBC survey, Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been named the ‘greatest world leader’. The editor of BBC World Histories Magazine, Matt Elton wrote, ‘Ranjit Singh’s overwhelming success in our poll suggests that the qualities of his leadership continue to inspire people around the world in the 21st century. Five thousand scholars from all over the world participated in this poll which included eminent historians like Matthew Lockwood, Margaret MacMillan, and Gus Casely-Hayford. Ranjit Singh received 38 percent votes. The second-best got only 25. The top 20, way below the line, included Joan of Arc, Mughal emperor Akbar, Russian empress Catherine the Great, and US President Abraham Lincoln.’
For Punjabis and Sikhs across the globe, it is a source of great pride that a Sikh maharaja is recognised for his rule of love, equality, and justice for all cultures and religions at a time when intolerance is completely ruling not only one nation but the entire world. The classic French revolutionary adage, "annihilate the other," was the order of the day. In times like those, it is encouraging to see that sane voices acknowledge the superiority of humanity, wherever it may be and whenever it may have existed. The world's intelligentsia still values the inherent "condition humaine"—the brotherhood of all people—regardless of their religion or country of birth.
Leadership that sways people even now
Scholars have acknowledged Maharaja Ranjit Singh's wisdom in abolishing the death penalty in the initial 19th century. In those times of imperialism and control by fear and violent force, conceptualising justice and equality of human connections across racial and religious lines is unquestionably a high point in the history of political thought. This reflects his profound understanding of people and humanity.
Another surprising fact is that in the Khalsa Raj, where Sikhs were in minority, he governed people with zero coercion and no forced religious conversions. He was well-known for his generous contributions to all sacred places of worship. In Varanasi, at a famous temple, the priests proudly display the gold bell presented by the Maharaja. There are numerous examples of his philanthropic acts. Many temples and mosques were built at the expense of the state in his kingdom.
Preacher of religious harmony
Throughout his reign, Maharaja Ranjit Singh preached religious harmony, and the same was reflected in his actions. He willingly welcomed a good soldier or politician from any background, be they Muslim, Hindu, or even from a foreign land. A Muslim wazir held the position of being his most reliable advisor. His army was trained by French and Italian generals. In his court, there were painters, architects, and scholars, from every major religion and cultural background. There was no discrimination based on caste, creed, race, or religion. They all served the same state.
Though he was a monarch, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the most modest of men. According to multiple historical accounts, he lived a simple life.
Anecdotes say that on and off, his Muslim Prime Minister reminded him of his kingly title and advised him to adhere to the Oriental Throne's regal clothing and code. The Maharaja spoke to him politely while explaining his poor beginnings and that of his fellow sardars. As far as the sardars were concerned, they always addressed him as “brother”. No honorific title was ever used in their address. It was quite typical for Maharaja, even after being known as the Lion of the Punjab and the Sovereign of Punjab. In that informal ambiance, he felt comfortable.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh is known for bringing Sikhs together and establishing the affluent Sikh Empire. Rebuilding the Harmandir Sahib, famously known as Golden Temple, in Amritsar and other significant gurudwaras like the Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar and the Hazur Sahib Nanded in Maharashtra under his patronage are part of his lasting cultural and artistic legacy. He is also remembered for his conquests and for establishing a well-trained, self-sufficient Khalsa army to defend the empire.
The BBC survey ranked Maharaja Ranjit Singh as the greatest leader of all time due to the extraordinarily progressive political, social, and cultural order he established during his rule. We Punjabis are undoubtedly appreciative of this honor.