Parminder Singh Bhamba

Hari Singh Nalwa: The Fearless General of the Sikh Empire In the annals of history, few military commanders have left an indelible mark as Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa, the celebrated general of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Born on April 29, 1791, in Gujranwala, a town in the Majha region of Punjab, Nalwa’s legacy is etched in the conquests that expanded the Sikh Empire to its zenith. Military Prowess and Conquests  Nalwa’s military career was marked by significant victories that extended the Sikh Empire’s boundaries beyond the Indus River, right up to the mouth of the Khyber Pass 1 . His role in the conquests of Kasur, Sialkot, Attock, Multan, Kashmir, Peshawar, and Jamrud is legendary.  As the commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Army, he was instrumental in establishing Sikh rule in territories that had been elusive for centuries 2 . Character and Governance  Beyond his military achievements ,  Nalwa was known for his administrative acumen.  He se...

  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...

 Progressive and Secular :Maharaja Ranjit Singh.  Maharaja Ranjit Singh, born on November 13, 1780, in Gujranwala, now in Pakistan, was a leader whose impact on the history of the Indian subcontinent is indelible. Known as the Lion of Punjab, he founded and ruled the Sikh Empire from 1801 until his death.  Early Life and Rise to Power Ranjit Singh was the only child of Maha Singh, and he inherited the leadership of the Sukerchakia Misl at the tender age of 12 after his father's death. Despite his physical shortcomings, being blind in one eye and marked with smallpox scars, he was a charismatic leader with a strategic mind.  Conquests and Expansion At 21, he captured Lahore and declared himself the Maharaja of Punjab, marking the beginning of an empire that would grow under his leadership. He united the various Sikh misls and expanded his territory to include regions from the Khyber Pass to the Sutlej River and from Kashmir to the Thar Desert.  Military Prowess R...