Preface To The Book 'Rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh - Nature and Relevance' By S P Singh & J S Sabar

The reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was characteristically different from all his contemporaries and predecessors as well. He accomplished the task of the political unification of the Punjab and brought about peace, prosperity and all round development in every aspect of the life of the people of Punjab. The Maharaja was a secular ruler in the true sense of the term. He was devout sikh; listened the bani from Sri Guru Granth Sahib every day; paid homage at Sri Darbar Sahib frequently; made eleborate offerings in terms of money, gold and canopies. In his running of the state, however, he was always careful about the merits of persons to be appointed as administrators and generals. From the discussions in the following articles contributed by the eminent scholars of different disciplines, it can be easily made out that the Maharaja appointed Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and even Christians in his administrative and military set-up.

The policies pursued by the Maharaja benefited all sections of society. The state policies encouraged peasants to bring more land under clutivation, with the result that the agricultural production increased and added to their prosperity. The peasantry of Punjab was much more comfortable than ever before. Likewise, there was tremendous increase and development in trade and commerce during this period and as a consequence of which, significant urban growth was witnessed in the Punjab.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a ruler whose parallel is difficult to find anywhere in the world. He was easily accessible to all; no capital punishement was awarded under his rule. Although several other rulers had employed Europeans in their armies, no one did succeed. The Maharaja was open to innovations and, therefore, could make the best use of the talent and experience of the Europeans to the maximum advantage of the Kingdom of Lahore. There were over sixty Europeans in his army and administrators, some of whom were nazims and commanders.

The articles included in this volume deal with several aspects of nature and relevance of the study of the rule of Maharaja Ranjit singh.

We hope that this collection of articles will add further to understanding of the nature of the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. We dedicate this volume to the memory of the Maharaja on the accasion of Bi-centenary Celebrations of his Coronation.

S.P. Singh
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar                                                                   Jasbir Singh Sabar

About The Author 'J S Sabar' Of The Book 'Rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh - Nature and Relevance'

Dr. J.S. Sabar, M.A. Ph.D., He is a Professor and Head of Sikh Studies in the Deptt. of Guru Nanak Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. His major publications includes Bhagat Ravidas: Sarot Pustak, Gian Ratnawali, Bawa Ramdas, Pawan gatha Guru Ravidas etc. He has contributed hundred of research paper in Journals of repute in India and abroad.

Table Of Contents Of The Book 'Rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh - Nature and Relevance'  By S P Singh & J S Sabar