Statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh - Sculpture in Amritsar, Amritsar Cantt. - Amritsar, India

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji.. One of India's famous Sikh rulers, under whom India fought many battles and won...

Beautiful Sculpted statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Absolutely mesmerising to look at. Ranjit Singh was the first Indian in a millennium to turn the tide of invasion back into the homelands of the traditional conquerors of India, the Pashtuns (Afghans), and he thus became known as the Lion of the Punjab. At their height, his domains extended from the Khyber Pass in the northwest to the Sutlej River in the east and from the Kashmir region at the northern limit of the Indian subcontinent southward to the Thar (Great Indian) Desert. Although he was uneducated, he was a shrewd judge of people and events, free from religious bigotry, and was mild in the treatment of his adversaries. Ranjit Singh was reported to be short and unattractive. He was blind in one eye and had a face pitted with pockmarks. A lover of life, he liked to surround himself with handsome men and women, and he had a passion for hunting, horses, and strong liquor. He was the only child of Maha Singh, on whose death in 1792 he became chief of the Shukerchakias, a Sikh group. His inheritance included Gujranwala town and the surrounding villages, now in Pakistan. At 15 he married the daughter of a chieftain of the Kanhayas, and for many years his affairs were directed by his ambitious mother-in-law, the widow Sada Kaur. A second marriage, to a girl of the Nakkais, made Ranjit Singh preeminent among the clans of the Sikh confederacy. In July 1799 he seized Lahore, the capital of the Punjab (now the capital of Punjab province, Pakistan). The Afghan king, Zaman Shah, confirmed Ranjit Singh as governor of the city, but in 1801 Ranjit Singh proclaimed himself maharaja of the Punjab. He had coins struck in the name of the Sikh Gurus, the revered line of Sikh leaders, and proceeded to administer the state in the name of the Sikh commonwealth. A year later he captured Amritsar (now in Punjab state, India), the most-important commercial entrepot in northern India and sacred city of the Sikhs. Thereafter, he proceeded to subdue the smaller Sikh and Pashtun principalities that were scattered throughout the Punjab.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh, also known as Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of Punjab), was a prominent Sikh leader and the founder of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. He ruled the Punjab region from 1801 until his death in 1839. Maharaja Ranjit Singh is considered one of the most notable figures in Sikh history due to his military prowess, administrative skills, and efforts to unite and strengthen the Sikh community. Ranjit Singh was born on November 13, 1780, in Gujranwala (now part of Pakistan) into a Sikh family. He became the Maharaja of the Sikh Empire at the young age of 21 after the death of his father, Maha Singh. Under his leadership, the Sikh Empire expanded and consolidated its territories, encompassing much of present-day Punjab, along with parts of present-day Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Jammu and Kashmir. One of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's significant achievements was his military prowess and the modernization of the Sikh Army. He employed European military advisers and introduced reforms that enhanced the training, discipline, and equipment of his troops. This enabled the Sikh Empire to successfully resist invasions and expand its influence. Ranjit Singh's rule was marked by religious tolerance, as he fostered a secular state where people of different faiths, including Hindus and Muslims, were respected and given key positions in the administration. He himself respected all religions and promoted a policy of inclusivity and harmony among different communities. Under his patronage, the arts, culture, and architecture flourished in the Sikh Empire. He constructed several impressive buildings, including the famous Golden Temple in Amritsar, which he covered with gold and marble. He also built palaces, forts, and monuments, leaving a lasting architectural legacy. Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign came to an end with his death on June 27, 1839. After his demise, the Sikh Empire faced internal conflicts and external pressures from the British Empire, eventually leading to its downfall and the annexation of Punjab by the British in 1849. Despite the eventual dissolution of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh's legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered by Sikhs and others. He is admired for his military achievements, his role in uniting the Sikh community, and his efforts to promote religious tolerance and cultural development. Maharaja Ranjit Singh is considered a pivotal figure in Sikh history and his reign is often referred to as a golden era for the Sikhs.

Beautiful Sculpted statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Absolutely mesmerising to look at. Ranjit Singh was the first Indian in a millennium to turn the tide of invasion back into the homelands of the traditional conquerors of India, the Pashtuns (Afghans), and he thus became known as the Lion of the Punjab. At their height, his domains extended from the Khyber Pass in the northwest to the Sutlej River in the east and from the Kashmir region at the northern limit of the Indian subcontinent southward to the Thar (Great Indian) Desert. Although he was uneducated, he was a shrewd judge of people and events, free from religious bigotry, and was mild in the treatment of his adversaries. Ranjit Singh was reported to be short and unattractive. He was blind in one eye and had a face pitted with pockmarks. A lover of life, he liked to surround himself with handsome men and women, and he had a passion for hunting, horses, and strong liquor. He was the only child of Maha Singh, on whose death in 1792 he became chief of the Shukerchakias, a Sikh group. His inheritance included Gujranwala town and the surrounding villages, now in Pakistan. At 15 he married the daughter of a chieftain of the Kanhayas, and for many years his affairs were directed by his ambitious mother-in-law, the widow Sada Kaur. A second marriage, to a girl of the Nakkais, made Ranjit Singh preeminent among the clans of the Sikh confederacy. In July 1799 he seized Lahore, the capital of the Punjab (now the capital of Punjab province, Pakistan). The Afghan king, Zaman Shah, confirmed Ranjit Singh as governor of the city, but in 1801 Ranjit Singh proclaimed himself maharaja of the Punjab. He had coins struck in the name of the Sikh Gurus, the revered line of Sikh leaders, and proceeded to administer the state in the name of the Sikh commonwealth. A year later he captured Amritsar (now in Punjab state, India), the most-important commercial entrepot in northern India and sacred city of the Sikhs. Thereafter, he proceeded to subdue the smaller Sikh and Pashtun principalities that were scattered throughout the Punjab.

Located near golden Temple, One of the main landmark near golden Temple. The statue shows Maharaja Ranjit Singh saddled on his horse proudly looking towards the horizon. The statue is a symbol of the Sikh power during the 18th century.

The statue is massive and presents a great look. Located very near to the famous Golden Temple on the main road, you cannot miss it. The great King Ranjit Singh, is rightly called the Lion of Punjab (Sher-e-Punjab) is a legend. You will find everyone takes photos in front of it. Don't miss! It will be a proud moment. Despite his handicaps like small pox and losing one eye, he rose like a lion to fight the war alongside his father when he was just 10! First Sikh emperor to drive back the enemies and built Sikh empire. He is remembered for his donation of Gold to cover the famous Harminder Sahib temple with playing and thus making it Golden Temple. Well maintained place, worth visiting. No entry fee.

Sculpted statue of Mahraja Ranjit Singh. It lies on heritage walk on way to Golden Temples

The Statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh stands tall and proud in Amritsar, paying tribute to one of Punjab's most revered historical figures. Majestically placed in the heart of the city, the statue captures the essence of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's grandeur and valor. As I approached the statue, I was struck by its imposing presence. Towering at a height of several meters, the intricately crafted bronze sculpture showcases the Maharaja seated on his majestic horse, exuding a sense of regal authority. The attention to detail in the statue is remarkable. The finely sculpted facial features, the intricate armor, and the ornate turban all speak of the Maharaja's opulence and nobility. The statue is a fitting representation of his legacy as the Lion of Punjab. The location of the statue, amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, adds to its splendor. The surrounding area serves as a peaceful oasis, offering a tranquil space for reflection and admiration. The Statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh serves as a reminder of his significant contributions to Punjab's history and culture. Known for his military prowess and his efforts in uniting the region, Maharaja Ranjit Singh's rule marked a golden era for Punjab. Visiting the statue is not just a visual treat, but also an opportunity to connect with the rich heritage of Punjab and pay homage to a visionary leader. It serves as a source of inspiration and pride for the people, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of Punjab and its glorious past. In conclusion, the Statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Amritsar is a magnificent tribute to a legendary figure. Its grandeur, craftsmanship, and historical significance make it a must-visit landmark for anyone interested in the rich history and culture of Punjab.