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The Regime of Maharaja Ranjit Singh: Historians’ Observations With his policy and deeds, Maharaja Ranjit Singh brought peace, prosperity, communal harmony and stability to the land of the five rivers. People here had long suffered at the hands of marauding tribal chieftains and alien invaders from the North West Frontier, whose only objective was plunder and mayhem. The Punjab was fortunate in having a ruler whose sole aim was people’s welfare. They could now live a life of dignity and pride.
The historian Sita Ram Kohli writes: "Having been brought up in the military traditions of his race, he soon came to realise that even if the Sikhs had been successful against the Mughals and the Durranis, it was not possible for them to be able to hold their own against a European nation unless they gave up their indigenous weapons and old tactics of war and adopt new ones in their place. The close proximity of the British on the other side of Sutlej was a constant reminder to Ranjit Singh, that brave and intrepid though his men were, they could be no match for an equal body of soldiers of the East India Company who were trained in Western methods and strategy of war. "He was convinced that a change in the training and discipline of his army had become imperative and that unless it was done, not only the efficiency and value of his army would remain unchanged but their existence might be jeopardised at a critical moment. Excellent material indeed he had with him, what was required was patient, persistent and earnest endeavour on his part to persuade his people to accept the change. How far did Ranjit Singh succeed in his efforts could be known from the study of the military records of his government, as well as from the facts of the history of his reign." Ranjit Singh was mighty monarch who liquidated the independent principalities of the Punjab and adjoining areas one by one and progressively consolidated his position. After dealing with the Sikh chiefs of Majha and Malwa regions, he consolidated his position in the rest of the Punjab. In 1801, he assumed the title of Maharaja of Punjab. Men of talent and prowess from all over Hindustan began to flock to his standard. Among them were deserters from the regiments of the East India Company. They were paraded before him and he saw for the first time soldiers march in step on simple words of command. He recognized that the secret of British success against larger and better-equipped armies lay in their superior discipline. Thus, he had learnt a valuable lesson. Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s court was popularly known as Lahore Durbar. It was the most cosmopolitan court in the age of feudal lordship. The court language was Persian, a continuation of the Mughal legacy. Even the excellent revenue system designed by Raja Todar Mal continued to operate as of yore. Ranjit Singh was sincerely secular in his outlook. He accorded equal respect to all religions and thus became a confidante of their leading figures. All his citizens reposed full faith in his even-minded justice and sagaciousness. The famous Faqir Brothers continued to hold significant posts because of their integrity, loyalty and wisdom. They were Faqir Aziz-ud-Din (foreign minister), Faqir Nur-ud-Din (home minister) and Faqir Inam-ud-Din (custodian of the fort of Gobindgarh). He bestowed lavish jaagirs to prominent centres of all religions without any discrimination. This endeared him to the followers of all faiths and they became pillars of his empire. This book discusses various aspects of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his rule, without being his detailed biography, or a treatise on his administration and polity. A broad mind, secular outlook, even-handed justice and integrity have been the strength of all great rulers, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh was no exception. He added merits were his exceptional insight and daring.
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Although
illiterate, Ranjit Singh like the Mughal Emperor Akbar was a born
genius, endowed with practical wisdom to successfully grapple with all
sorts of exigencies and challenges. The British could not cow him
because of his farsightedness, courage and steely resolve and the
Afghans could not harass him and deter him from the path that he had
chosen to tread. He modernised his army with induction of modern
weapons and European officers. He was able to raise their efficiency
to the level of the East India Company’s army.