Maharajaah Ranjit Singh was born in 1780 in Gujranwala which is now in modern day Pakistan. He was born into a nomadic Sikh Sansi family and later became known as the first ever Maharaja of the Sikh empire. He was also commonly known as the "The Lion of Punjab" or the "Sher-e-Punjab."
His father was Maha Singh who was the misaldar, or commander, of the Sukerchakia territory in west Punjab. Sadly, his father died when Ranjit was only 12 years old. He was then raised by Sada Kaur who controlled the Kanheva misaldar. He then took control of the Sukerchakia when he reached the age of 18.
Ranjit is said to have been a great and fearless warrior who led his people into battles, such as in 1802 which saw him take control of Amritsar. Due to the great legacy he left, a lot of writers and poets have been inspired to write about him so that his legacy can continue to live on
One of these poems, by Shah Mohammad, is called "Teja Singh see Yaar Farangian daa." When translated into English it can be translated in the following way:
"Sikh soldiers squeezed British soldiers' blood, as one squeezes lemon.
If Maharaja Ranjit Singh had been alive,
He would have appreciated and honoured the Sikh soldiers for bravery
As some Sikh soldiers fought with just swords in their hands."
His father was Maha Singh who was the misaldar, or commander, of the Sukerchakia territory in west Punjab. Sadly, his father died when Ranjit was only 12 years old. He was then raised by Sada Kaur who controlled the Kanheva misaldar. He then took control of the Sukerchakia when he reached the age of 18.
Ranjit is said to have been a great and fearless warrior who led his people into battles, such as in 1802 which saw him take control of Amritsar. Due to the great legacy he left, a lot of writers and poets have been inspired to write about him so that his legacy can continue to live on
One of these poems, by Shah Mohammad, is called "Teja Singh see Yaar Farangian daa." When translated into English it can be translated in the following way:
"Sikh soldiers squeezed British soldiers' blood, as one squeezes lemon.
If Maharaja Ranjit Singh had been alive,
He would have appreciated and honoured the Sikh soldiers for bravery
As some Sikh soldiers fought with just swords in their hands."