The Reign of the Khalsa (Sher-e-Punjab: Maharaja Ranjit Singh)
One of the most glorious chapters in Sikh history is the golden era of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh, famously known as the Khalsa Raj. This reign was founded by the descendants of Sardar Nodh Singh of the Sukerchakia Misl, whose exemplary leadership brought unparalleled bravery and prosperity to Punjab.
Baba Budha Singh and the Establishment of the Sukerchakia Misl
This illustrious lineage began with Baba Bhag Mal Ji’s son, Budha Mal Ji. Dedicated to the service of Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, Baba Budha Mal Ji was baptized into the Khalsa by partaking of Khande di Pahul (Amrit) from Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and was hence known as Budha Singh. He participated in numerous battles under Guru Sahib’s leadership, leaving his body marked with 43 battle scars. His valor became legendary when he crossed the Jhelum River 50 times on his mare, Desa. These extraordinary feats earned him the title “Desa Baba Budha Singh.”
His son, Chanda Singh Ji, became the chief of the Sandhawalia Misl, while another son, Nodh Singh Ji, established the Sukerchakia Misl. Sardar Nodh Singh Ji’s son, Sardar Charat Singh Ji, was a valiant warrior who defeated the brutal invader Ahmad Shah Abdali in battle. His son, Sardar Maha Singh Ji, carried forward this legacy, and his wife, Raj Kaur Ji, gave birth to Ranjit Singh in 1780.
Childhood of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh
The childhood of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was fraught with challenges. He lost vision in one eye due to smallpox, yet his bravery remained undiminished. At the age of 13, he killed an enemy, Hashmat Khan, in battle, earning him the title of Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of Punjab).
Foundation of the Khalsa Raj
In 1801, Ranjit Singh ascended the throne and named his kingdom Sultanat-e-Khalsa. Coins minted during his reign bore the names of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He implemented a Panchayati Raj system and expanded his empire to cover 100,000 square kilometers.
Religious Tolerance and Social Reforms
Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a secular and just ruler who respected all religions. He endowed jagirs (land grants) to Sri Nankana Sahib and other prominent Gurdwaras in Punjab. He also donated gold for the reconstruction of temples in Jwalamukhi, Kashi, and Haridwar. His reign saw the renovation of Muslim shrines, including Hazrat Data Ganj’s mausoleum.
Kohinoor and the Khyber Pass
Maharaja Ranjit Singh acquired the Kohinoor diamond for 200,000 gold coins and made it the pride of his throne. He captured the Khyber Pass, closing the route for foreign invasions into India. The construction of the Jamrud Fort is a testament to his visionary leadership.
A Just and Benevolent Ruler
During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign, no individual was ever executed, nor did any communal riots occur. When famine struck the kingdom, he opened his granaries to the people.
Punishment by Akal Takht
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was deeply committed to upholding Sikh principles. Once, when he violated discipline, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Akali Phula Singh Ji, sentenced him to be whipped. The Maharaja willingly accepted this punishment, setting an exemplary standard.
Final Days
After 40 years of a golden reign, Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh departed from this world in 1839. His religious devotion, valor, and justice remain immortalized in Sikh history. Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh stands as a proud symbol of the glorious Sikh heritage.
