Maharaja Ranjit Singh - Polity - Economy and Society - Book By J S Grewal

Foreword To The  Book 'Maharaja Ranjit Singh - Polity - Economy and Society' -Book By J S Grewal

Maharaja Ranjit Singh as the only sovereign ruler of the Punjab region enjoys a unique place in history. He united diverse elements to mould them into a powerful state and created the strongest indigenous army in Asia. His catholicity and generosity encompassed all sections of the Punjabi society. Their participation in government and administration was a mark of his statesmanship. He was truly 'the Maharaja' for all peoples of the Punjab.

The best way a University can pay homage to this great son of the land is to encourage research on him. Guru Nanak Dev University has brought out a number of publications related to Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his times. This little volume has the unique distinction of being a book useful alike to the young reader and the researcher. It combines narrative with analysis in a manner that enables the reader to grasp the diversity of the Punjabi society and the complexities of historical processes. Remaining close to empirical evidence, Professor J.S. Grewal takes into account the latest research on the subject. I thank him warmly for writing this book for Guru Nanak Dev University.

Guru Nanak Dev University                                                                                                S.P. Singh
Amritsar                                                                                                                    Vice-Chancellor

Preface To The  Book 'Maharaja Ranjit Singh - Polity - Economy and Society' -Book By J S Grewal

In 1982, Guru Nanak Dev University published Maharaja Ranjit Singh for the young reader. It came to be appreciated more by the serious student of history. Therefore, this revised edition has been enlarged with chapters on politico-administrative organization, agrarian and urban economy, and social order. Like the first edition, it has no references and notes but it does take into account the known contemporary sources and later historical re­search. In fact, there is hardly any statement in this book that cannot be traced to a credible source. Indeed, the essential understanding of Ranjit Singh emerges from this empirical evidence.

I take this opportunity to thank Dr. S.P. Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, for his decision to bring out a new edition. I am thankful to a number of scholars who have helped me in preparing this edition, especially Professor Indu Banga, Dr Reeta Grewal, Dr Veena Sachdeva, Ms Sheena Pal and Ms Kuldeep Grewal. This book is dedicated to my wife, Harjinder, who has always been a source of personal strength tome.

Table of Contents 'Maharaja Ranjit Singh - Polity - Economy and Society' -Book By J S Grewal