Maharaja Ranjit Singh, revered as the ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ or the Lion of Punjab, was one of the greatest sovereigns of 19th-century India. His death not only signaled the end of a glorious era but also led to significant political shifts and tragic royal customs. This article explores the circumstances of his death, the act of Sati by his queens, and the enduring monument of his Samadhi in Lahore.
1. The Death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Ranjit Singh died on 27 June 1839, in Lahore, following a prolonged illness. His health had been in decline for years due to strokes and paralysis. Despite being frail in his final days, he remained spiritually alert and participated in courtly matters as long as he could. His death marked the beginning of instability within the Sikh Empire.
2. The Practice of Sati
In a controversial and heart-wrenching ritual, four of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s queens and seven concubines committed Sati – voluntarily entering his funeral pyre. This practice, though outlawed in many places, was a symbolic yet tragic display of loyalty in that era. The main queens believed to have undergone Sati include:
– Rani Raj Kaur
– Rani Har Devi
– Rani Mahtab Kaur
– Rani Gul Begum*
These acts were deeply criticized in historical retrospectives as signs of a society grappling with feudal honor and lack of women’s agency.
3. The Samadhi in Lahore
His ashes were immersed in Haridwar while the Lotus shaped Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, constructed near Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara Dera Sahib, remains one of the most symbolic landmarks in Lahore, Pakistan. Architecturally, the monument is a fusion of Sikh, Hindu, and Mughal elements. Some unique features include:
– Gilded fluted domes
– Marble and limestone structure
– Frescoes and miniature paintings depicting Sikh themes
– Guarded central chamber with the urn containing his ashes
This Samadhi is also part of the larger Sikh pilgrimage circuit and is considered a revered site for global Sikhs.
4. Historical Significance and Legacy
After his death, the empire began to collapse under internal strife and British interference. However, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s legacy of religious tolerance, military innovation, and secular administration lives on. His Samadhi stands not just as a tomb, but as a symbol of an era when Punjab was sovereign, strong, and united.
Conclusion
Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s final journey was marked by both glory and tragedy. His death, the Sati of his queens, and the construction of his Samadhi reflect the emotional and political complexity of the Sikh Empire’s twilight. Yet, in death as in life, Ranjit Singh remains an enduring figure in the annals of Indian and Sikh history.
Author/post editor
