Parminder Singh Bhamba

  Education Policy in Punjab During the Reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh The Sikh Empire, under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, was a period of significant progress and reform in many areas, including education. Despite the common misconception that pre-British Punjab lacked a formal education system, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s policies paint a different picture. Inclusive Education System   Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who himself had no formal education, recognized the importance of learning and took steps to ensure an inclusive education system.  His reign saw the establishment of numerous schools in Amritsar and Lahore, which were open to all segments of the Punjabi population 1 . These institutions were not limited by religious or social boundaries, offering education to Muslims, Sikhs, and other communities alike. Religious Freedom and Equal Access   The Maharaja’s policies promoted religious freedom and equal access to education.  Schools attached to religious e...