Ranjit Singh (1780

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Biography

Ranjit Singh, born as Buddh Singh, was the founder and first maharaja of the Sikh Empire, ruling from 1801 until his death in 1839.

Timeline

The story of Ranjit Singh, told in moments.

1790 Life

Fought his first battle at age ten. By twelve, after his father's death, he commanded the Misl. He was illiterate but a gifted tactician.

What was fighting your first battle at ten like? How did a 12-year-old command a warrior confederacy? Was illiteracy ever a disadvantage for a tactician?

1799 Event

Captured Lahore at 18. It became his capital. He was crowned Maharaja of the Sikh Empire in 1801. He unified the Punjab under one rule for the first time.

What did it feel like to capture Lahore at 18? Was becoming Maharaja the goal or just the beginning? How did you unify the Punjab?

1813 Event

Acquired the Koh-i-Noor diamond. He wore it on his arm. His empire stretched from the Khyber Pass to the Sutlej River. The British, expanding from the east, considered him the one leader they couldn't easily defeat.

What did wearing the Koh-i-Noor feel like? Were the British the enemy you feared most? How did you keep an empire from the Khyber Pass to the Sutlej?

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