2018-07-07 Sat

The great leader of the Sikh Empire, Maharaja Ranjit Singh ruled the northwest Indian Subcontinent in the early half of 19th century. After the death of his father, he fought several wars to expel the Afghans in his teenage years and was proclaimed a Maharaja of Punjab at age 21.

Ranjit Singh's reign introduced reforms, modernization, investment into infrastructure and general prosperity. In 1799 Raja Ranjit Singh’s Army of 25000 Khalsa, supported by another 25000 Khalsa led by his mother-in-law Rani Sada Kaur of Kanhaiya misl, in a joint operation attacked the region controlled by Bhangi Sikhs centred around Lahore. The rulers escaped, marking Lahore as the first major conquest of Ranjit Singh.

In 1799 (VS 1856), Ranjit Singh established the Sikh State with Lahore as his political capital. He issued several coins during his reign. His silver Rupee exists with the leaf symbol and double spring with buds/berries on the left side of the leaf on its obverse. The reverse of a coin depicts the Nanak Shahi Couplet.

India post was issued commemorative postage stamp to honor this great leader.

Image Source: Mintage World and Classical Numisma