INTRODUCTION:

Maharaja Ranjit Singh with his distinctive qualities has his name written in golden letters in the pages of world history. The recorded history finds no parallel for his remarkable military genius, able administratorship and astute statesmanship. Born on 13th of November 1780 in Gujranwala, in present-day Pakistan to Mahan Singh and his wife Raj Kaur, Ranjit Singh headed a small confederacy, Sukerchakia Misl upon the death of his father at a young age of 18. With his exemplary martial abilities, presence of mind and strong leadership qualities he became the ruler of punjab at the age of 21. He annexed other misls or confederacies to unite to one state and by 1801 he was successful in his attempts and at the young age of 21 he assumed the title of Maharaja on pious occasion of Baisakhi when Sahib Singh Bedi, a descendant of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji conducted the coronation ceremony, smearing Ranjit Singh ‘s forehead with saffron and then upon he ascended the throne of Punjab. Ranjit singh ‘s loss of one eye due to smallpox never proved to be an obstacle in his farsightedness and calculative maneuvers as he was destined to emerge as Sher-e- Punjab.

Upon assuming power he started campaigns to expand his territory. stretching from the southern districts of Punjab bordering Sindh to the Khyber Pass in the west, Kashmir in the north east, and up to Sutlej in the east. He exercised his sovereign authority from the capital city of Lahore and maintained his control over punjab for nearly four decades through his qualities of both head and heart. Through his extraordinary genius and intellect, foresight, forbearance, dexterity, inquisitiveness, and immense inclination for excellence and perfectionism without compromising the principles of morality and humanism, he rose to a stature of a perfect statesman whose greatness and achievements are second to none in the recorded history.

His charisma, qualities and the aura with which he opened a new chapter in the history of Punjab has given him a special place of honour and esteem. Not only did the native Sikhs, Hindu and Urdu writers and poets give a vivid account of his valour and strength but many European traveller, writers and administrators have penned Ranjit Singh ‘s able administratorship and his efficient governance model in their works, travelogues etc for instance, Barron Charles Hugel an illustrious Austrian traveller who came to India to pen down his first hand account was extremely impressed with the warmth and affection of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the support extended to him by emperor ‘s administration to make his visit to Punjab and Kashmir comfortable writes: "Never perhaps was so large an empire founded by one man with so little criminality." With the daring and originality of his many-sided genius, Ranjit Singh played a pioneering role in altering the course of history and giving people of punjab the environment of peace, harmony, progress and prosperity. Contrary to the environment of fear, plunder, forced conversions and the inhuman practices of the then Mughal rulers, the tolerance, acceptance and accomodation shown towards all communities (the three principal communities-Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs) under Maharaja Ranjit Singh ‘s reign is laudable and worth highlighting. He was instrumental in establishing a new political order that gave precedence to liberalism and freedom of expression and worship to all his subjects by replacing the repressive and unjust, inhuman policies of mughal rulers, who had indiscriminately followed the policy of ethnic cleansing. Now that lot is being said about a sovereign who established fair administration in his polity, kept all at an equal footing, dispensed justice without prejudice it becomes imperative to have a deeper insight to his mechanism of establishing a perfect political social order that won him accolades and honour.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

The study undertaken is a desk top research. Information is gathered from books, journals available both in hard and soft form.

OBJECTIVE OF THE PAPER:

1. To understand governance and draw distinction between governance and good governance

2. To examine the unique and novel development during Ranjit Singh ‘s reign in Punjab

3. To bring to light the vision and mission of Maharaja Ranjit Singh that kept him ahead of times and

4. To find whether his model of governance fitted well in the present day essentials of good governance.

The Sikh empire under the Governance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh:

History is testimony to the fact that that the institution of monarchy in India or elsewhere gave primacy to personal and family ambitions over serving public interests. And so is it replete with instances of upheaval and discontent among masses for the restoration of their rights and preservation of their liberty and dignity. The history of India is no exception. People of this land have been a victim and witness to bloodshed, mass killings, tortures, genocide and of apathy of the rulers. However, the case of Khalsa kingdom and that of emperor Ranjit Singh was different, the ideals and duties of the ruler was to serve the people selflessly. Ranjit Singh was the head of the state and the head of the government all by himself. Following and abiding by the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, the power that he vested was understood by him as a sacred trust that ought to be best utilised for the good and well being of the people. The values of justice, freedom and human dignity, were held in high esteem not through any defined statements or religious vows or policy pronouncements, but through action and deeds. Maharaja while exercising his authority tried his best to follow the Guru’s tenet "Exercise forbearance in the midst of power, be humble in the midst of honour". The down-to-earth nature of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his humility was proverbial, he credited each success to the favour of God.

Ranjit Singh’s rule was of the kind wherein the rare norms of public conduct and social ethics were religiously observed and followed. With strict instructions from the emperor, the victory march by the Khalsa army was performed without violating the sikh tradition of up keeping compassion, tolerance and valuing humanity over and above every thing. The ideal of democracy and that all people must enjoy freedom of speech, expression and religion, are and that continue to be the core elements of Sikhism, for the protection of which the gurus laid their lives, pervaded in Ranjit Singh ‘s administration. In appreciation of Maharaja ‘s rule Baron Charles Hugel, wrote that nothing took place throughout the kingdom without his (Emperor ‘s) express commands, and he was the soul which animated the entire body. It was a benevolent government working purely in the interest of the people. The Maharaja was healing the wounds sustained and the ordeal gone through by the people during the twenty foreign invasions from 1739 to 1799 in 60 years¹.

Maharaja Ranjit singh ‘s rule within his polity fell much in line with the essentials of the modern day good governance.

Governance as we all are familiar, is a concept concerning the management of resources, distribution of benefits and burdens, decision making and authoritative control and it of course adds to the power and prestige of the ruler and for this simple reason rulers have been engaged in expanding their empire and augmenting their authority and control. In recent times governance and good governance might have emerged as a catch phrase or a buzzword but effective and good governance has always been matter of concern in all times and in all societies. But the malfunctioning of political system and the poor governance have largely been responsible for the shaping the course of history. To provide effective and good governance within the polity of course has not been given precedence by, by and large all rulers. Good governance that demands the fair distribution of resources, fair and equal opportunities of growth and development to all, freedom of speech and expression, freedom to profess and follow one‘s own religion, safeguarding rights, liberties and property of the populace and dispensation of justice with all fairness and parity. This indeed is no easy a task and rulers in all times and circumstances have failed to come up to the expectation of the masses and to provide them security of all kinds. But Maharaja Ranjit singh was successful in carving a powerful empire in Punjab through his governance abilities and leadership skills.

The text that follows throws light on the ways and manners by which efficient governance was given to the populace

The Cosmopolitan Character of the Lahore Darbar:

The Lahore Darbar, Ranjit Singh ‘s court at Lahore had a very diversified composition. With overthrowing of the Mughal and Afghan rule in Punjab, a new governing class comprising of varied denominations viz religions, regions, races and nationalities, was given the responsibility of running the state and its administration by late 18th century. It comprised ministers, councillors and advisers of all faiths and religions- Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and Christians. A devout follower of Guru Nanak‘s teachings, regularly observed prayers and humbly submitting himself to the divine will proclaimed that he was a representative of Khalsa made all attempts to establish his rule in conformity to ethical and humanitarian values. The Sikhs and the Hindus constituted a minuscule of his populace, Muslims were in majority, immediately after assuming the throne, as gesture of good will towards the Muslim community he paid a visit to the local Mosque and also announced that Muslims under his rule would be governed by Muslim religious law. The Qazis and Muftis were appointed to deliver justice and settle disputes and were paid from the State treasury. Nizam-ud-Din was appointed as the Qazi of Lahore. Muhammad Shahpur and Sadaullah were well known Muftis. The three Fakir brothers, occupying position of eminence in Lahore were close to the emperor and were his confidante speak volumes of Ranjit Singh ‘s broadened vision, open mindedness, secular and cosmopolitan outlook.

In the royal court no one else possessed rank and status as courtier equal to that of Faqir Aziz-ud-Din. Only Faqir Aziz- ud-Din was appointed for delicate and special civil embassies. Diwan Mohkam Chand and Misr Diwan Chand were among the select and popular generals of the Khalsa army. Diwans Moti Ram and Sawan Mai were top class governors who were entrusted with the administration of the largest of the provinces of the kingdom.

Despite the fact that he was born and brought up in the Sikh faith, adhered to sikh values and principles, he did not proclaim Sikhism as the religion of the state. He also did not make any conscious effort to propagate it. Under his broad religious and secular outlook due respect was accorded to all religions and that was seemingly visible in the appointment of high ranking officials like the Prime Minister and the foreign minister who belonged to communities other than sikhism. Many muslims were Ranjit Singh‘s close associates, on whom the emperor relied for important matters and issues and his faith in Muslim men was reciprocated with their participation in the Anglo-Sikh wars in which muslim soldiers fought with zeal. commitment and as valiantly as the Sikhs.

Worked to Maintain Qualities of both Head and Heart:

As an emperor his foremost responsibility lay in consolidating his power and providing territorial security to his subjects while as a responsible human being he was expected to not shun away from his social responsibilities and have a generous, forgiving heart. Interestingly he lived to enhance the qualities of both head and heart.

He left no stone unturned in enhancing his military capabilities to the extent that observing the discipline and training of the European soldiers he appointed Ventura, Avitabile, Allard and others as generals and few others who occupied senior administrative positions during Ranjit Singh’s rule. This way he ensured that people of his polity feel safe and secure from external threats and was successful in giving fair administration to his people.

The extent of sympathy and concern that the emperor showed to the fallen foes and rulers of the conquered territory is exemplary in the sense that he valued human rights and dignity above status and position. Instead of swaggering about his many conquests he treated the rulers of the conquered territories with respect and dignity by appointing them in his own service on responsible posts commensurate with their status and caliber, and conferred upon them large jagirs for their maintenance and comfort. Interestingly, this practice was not confined to Misl chiefs alone but Muhammadan chiefs were also treated in the same way. Nawab Qutab-ud-Din (former ruler of Qasur), Nawab, Hafiz Ahmad Khan of Mankera, Nawab Sarfraz Khan Multani and other big and small chiefs received jagirs and pensions from the Maharaja².

Social Welfarist Approach:

Social welfare and good of the people was specially looked after by the Maharaja. He continued with earlier system of levying taxes and revenue. The offices of the taulqa, choudhary, muqaddam and qanungo were in prevalence, as were in the past, some rules concerning the share of produce to be given to the State remained similar to the rules formulated by the Mughals while some were introduced afresh. But the most striking feature was that those in authority dared not misuse their power and position. It was ensured by him that no official big or small oppressed the poor. Maharaja Ranjit singh established a free hospital for the poor and needy in the city of lahore that was put under the charge of his personal physician, Hakim Nur-ur-Din. Maharaja Ranjit Singh ‘s concern for his subjects was to an extent that he did not hesitate touring his kingdom in disguise at night to catch the pulse of the subjects. He earnestly brought in to practice the ethos of secularism and socialism as propagated by the great Sikh gurus.

Developmental Initiatives:

Maharaja Ranjit singh laid a special thrust on the development of towns and cities. The capital cities like Peshawar, Multan and S ri nagar flourished and prospered and so did the towns like Wazirabad, Sialkot, Bhera, Satghara, Jhang and new towns like Haripur developed. Amritsar emerged as the largest and the busiest city under Ranjit Singh ‘s rule and in due course of time happened to be a trading centre of Punjab that was well linked to other cities and towns through well-laid out roads. The city was full of life and vibrancy as mentioned by Jacquemont, who visited the city on the 8th of March in 1831 as is also highlighted by Ganesh Das, an eminent Persian writer while penning down the prosperity of the city of Amritsar. He says “'Today there is no other city in the whole of the Punjab which is as large as Amritsar. Merchants from all countries have come to Amritsar and settled here. Many Khatris of Lahore have adopted Amritsar as their home'. The sahukars of Amritsar, according to him, were extremely rich. Amritsar was the abode of numerous rich merchants as the biggest commercial city of the kingdom”. According to Hugel, Amritsar was the richest city in the Northern India'. It was larger than Lahore. 'The wealth of the whole Punjab comes collected in it and the great merchants have made it their abode'. Amritsar was the most bustling of all the cities of the Punjab: 'in every street the most beautiful productions of India are seen exhibited for sale'.

Trade and Commerce was promoted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. With attention paid to growth of cities and towns, the enabling environment for the craftsmen, traders, manufacturers and merchants was provided so that they could flourish and grow. The cities and towns were well connected to villages so that easy transportation of raw products was possible that could further be converted in to manufactured goods for sale with in the kingdom and outside. According to Ganesh Das, number of urban centers in Ranjit singh ‘s kingdom exceeded hundred while the number of large villages with small markets crossed thousands. Lahore became an industrial center for metal work and textiles; Multan for silk, cotton, glazed pottery, woollen carpets and enamelling of silver. Wazirabad produced large quantities of coarse cloth and Sialkot was known for various varieties of paper³. Every urban center was known for its distinct product or manufacture that was supplied/traded at a large scale. For instance, wools, carpets and shawls of Kashmir had a big market in Amritsar from where they were also exported to distant lands like other products to name a few were rice, wheat, poppy, indigo, hides skins etc. Multan too emerged as the centre for commerce and banking as the emperor showed keen interest in encouraging the silk trade of Multan. Thus it can be concluded that industry and trade was promoted through out his dominions.

Devolution of Power:

Ranjit’s Kingdom was roughly divided into four Subas, Lahore, Multan (Dar-ul-Aman), Kashmir (Jannat-e-Nazir) and Peshawar. Besides Lahore, Multan and its adjacent territories were under the control of autonomous Jagirdars who paid fixed amount to the central government annually. Every Suba was further alienated into Parganas (Districts) that was further branched to Tehsils/Talluqa (Sub districts) and towns and that was further branched to Mouzas. Mouza was the smallest unit of the Suba. The standard of this classification was administrative suitability, cultural or clannish sympathy and revenue facilities and the appointment of officials for running the administration was purely on the basis of merit. The king was the supreme head of the administration. To assist him in the administration there were a number of officials who were responsible to the king. At the centre the Diwan helped the king in revenue administration and he was the most powerful official next to king. The various officials at the provincial level were as follows: Nazim (Head of a Suba) Kardar (Head of a Pargana) Chaudhuri (Head of a Tappa) Muqaddams (Head of a village)

Thrust Laid on Agricultural Reforms:

Agricultural reforms were introduced by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Artificial means of irrigation like canals and wells played a crucial role in the extension of agriculture and increased the agricultural production substantially. Taqavi⁴ loans were provided for the development of artificial means of irrigation. Agriculture being backbone of economy land revenue was the primary source of income of the state. An equally important incentive for the extension of agricultural production was the low rates of assessment Land revenue was realised on the basis of Batai⁵, Kankut ⁶and Zabti⁷system. Agriculture though was traditional but was not primitive. Organic fertilisers were extensively used to increase crop production and so was crop rotation encouraged. This is to say that farmers and cultivators were happy and prospering in the regime of maharaja Ranjit Singh. The agrarian policies were favourable to actual cultivator. As a result, some of the former tenants became proprietors, some pastoral people became agriculturalists.

Peace and Tranquility Ensured:

After decades of unrest and turmoil meted out to the people of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave four decades of peace, contentment and growth to his subjects through his astute statesmanship and by consolidating the erstwhile fragmented Punjab in to a prosperous state with highly efficient political, social, economic and political order. He maintained his command over the kingdom, won the hearts of his subjects and earned their loyalty by adhering to non-sectarian approach. Shah Mohammad, a muslim poet ‘s work “Kissa Shah Mohammad” also called as “Jangnama Singhan te Firangian da” provides a contemporary account of Maharaja’s fair, just rule that worked for the common interest and good of all⁸.

Apart from making regular visits to temples and Mosques, the reverence and donations that Maharaja Ranjit Singh offered for them was no less than what he had for the Sikh shrines or gurudwaras. He spent large sums of money for the restoration of the buildings of two Mughal emperors-Jahangir and Shah Jahan-in Lahore.huge sums were spent on the restoration of the buildings of two Mughal emperors-Jahangir and Shah Jahan-in Lahore. Nor were any funds denied for the upkeep of the tombsof various distinguished Muslims.

People of all faiths and religion co-existed harmoniously and the period of forceful conversions and the fear of persecution no more loomed over the head of people. The days of repression, execution and torture were over. People enjoyed the basic civil liberties without discrimination and in case, they felt a threat to their liberty they fearlessly approached for justice which they knew would be fair, impartial and speedy. Capital punishment however, was not awarded under any circumstances, which even the modern democracies have failed to abolish. He is said to be the most humane ruler. In the words of India ‘s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his celebrated work ‘Discovery of India ‘he says “Ranjit Singh was remarkably humane at a time when India and the world seethed with callousness and inhumanity. He built up a kingdom and a powerful army, and yet he disliked bloodshed. He abolished the death sentence for every crime, however heinous it might be, when in England even petty pilferers had to face death."

Emotional bonding and solidarity among people of all faiths and religion was at its highest and was a result of joint celebrations and observance of all festivals by all people. The holy books of the Muslims and the Hindus were translated into other languages. Tolerance, social harmony and cohesiveness was a distinctive feature during Maharaja Ranjit Singh ‘s reign.

Outrightly Rejected Divine Absolutism:

Unlike other emperors not only of India but of the entire World for whom the institution of monarchy was divinely ordained and that the idea of divine rights that connotes divine absolutism was sacrosanctly held. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was markedly different. In contrast to his contemporaries, who were averse to criticism and correction, he was open and receptive to the extent that through an official notice addressed to the Chief Kotwal of Lahore, in 1825,Maharaja Ranjit Singh made himself clear, "If even His Highness himself or any other member of his family should issue an inappropriate order against any resident of Lahore, it should be brought to his notice, so that it may be amended.” This indeed is something too unique about the emperor the king had claimed equality with his subjects and won the love and association of its subjects. Of course, this is a quality worth emulating by present day rulers who are short tempered and non receptive to criticism and prefer imposing restrictions on freedom of speech and expression of people when they are being questioned and fingers are pointed towards them.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh ‘s Democratic, Secular Policies and Broad Vision: Observation of the Contemporaries:

George Keene, a contemporary observer of the Punjab scene stated: "In hundreds and in thousands, the orderly crowds stream on. Not a bough is broken from a wayside tree, not a rude remark addressed to the traveller as he treads his horse’s way." As result, many people from the Satluj states migrated to the Maharaja’s territories where there was more security for life and property, where their rights and privileges were better protected. The Maharaja provided to his subjects all the fundamental rights and basic freedoms supposed to be enshrined in any modern constitution of today⁹.

Charles Metcalfe, the British representative who negotiated the Amritsar Treaty with Ranjit Singh, admired him for his “unprejudiced use of talented men of all religions”. Sikhs formed hardly 12% of Punjab’s overall population while Hindus and Muslims were the majority. That Ranjit Singh was able to carve out a powerful empire in Punjab despite this is a testament to his political skill. The nobility of the Maharaja included men of all religious denominations–Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. About one-fifth of the members of the Lahore Darbar nobility were the dispossessed chiefs and their dependents. Mian Ghausa, a Muslims gunner, was head of artillery whereas European officers hired after the Napoleonic wars–Court, Ventura, Avitabile, Allard and others–became generals and occupied senior administrative positions during Ranjit Singh’s rule¹⁰.

CONCLUSION:

Thus it can be concluded that the Khalsa kingdom established by emperor Ranjit Singh is a representation of unique blend of idealist philosophy and a realist approach. In his shrewd diplomatic efforts and governance measures, the interest, needs, security and dignity of common man was kept above all things. Ranjit Singh’s office and power were a sacred trust to be used for the well-being of the people and not for his own. The values of justice, equality, freedom and human dignity were religiously propagated and up held. With his open, secular and democratic policies that he he held steadfastly, enabled him to provide a model of good governance to the heterogeneous population of the Sikh nation and bring Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims united under one banner. The good and well-being of his subjects, their security and safety mattered him the mosr, the appointment of Italians, Frenchmen, Englishmen, Greeks, Spaniards, Russians, Americans, a German and an Austrian in his army and administration is a testimony to it. He also employed several Western doctors and artists.

Thus from the discussion above it would not be an exaggeration that ultimate needs of the people viz. Peace, security, material prosperity, freedom of speech, expression, religion and practicing of one's own culture were all ensured by the Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and made an attempt to heal the wounds and injuries inflicted upon people by earlier Persian, Afghan and Mughal rulers.

REFERENCES:

1. Madanjit Kaur (2007) The Regime of Maharaja Ranjit Singh: Historians ' Observation Unistar Books Pvt Ltd Chandigarh.

2. Financial, Civil and Military Administration of the Maharaja http://www.searchsikhism.com/maharaja-ranjit-singh/financial-civil-and-military-administration-of-the-maharaja acessed on 22/5/18

3. Grewal, J.S (2001) Maharaja Ranjit Singh: Polity, Economy and Society. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

4. Taqavi loans are extended to poor farmers to increase the agricultural produce.

5. Batai: Actual produce obtained after harvesting was used as the basis of sharing of crops. This system was prevailing since the Mughal times. In this system the goverrlment had to keep constant check on the harvest, otherwise it might be deprived of its actual share.

6. Kankut: In this system the government share was assessed on the basis of standing crops on or before harvesting. This system was also prevalent during the Mughal period. An advantage in this system was that the government did not have to keep constant check on the crops; because of the estimation of the government share before harvesting the government would plan its budget.

7. Zabti: This was the system of cash payment on the basis of the measurement of crops. Generally for the cash crops like cotton, indigo, sugarcane, tobacco, etc. this method was applied.

8. Shah Bipin. Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Genocide of the Sikhs in the 18th Century http://www.academia.edu/8527335/ Maharaja_Ranjit_singh_and_the_Genocides_of_the_Sikhs_in_18th_century accesed on 22/5/18

9. Cunnigham, J. D,: History of the Sikhs Reprint, New Delhi 1966.

10. Duggal Kartar Singh (2001) Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Last to Lay Arms. Abhinav Publications, New Delhi.

Received on 12.01.2019 Modified on 19.01.2019

Res. J. Humanities and Social Sciences. 2019; 10(1): 201-206.

DOI: 10.5958/2321-5828.2019.00035.4