Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) popularly known as the Lion of the Panjab is, perhaps, the most outstanding figure in Panjab history.

Because of his extraordinary qualities as a fighter, conqueror and an empire builder Ranjit Singh is often compared with Napoleon Bonaparte, Bismarck and Akbar.

Rising from the position of the chief of o­ne of the twelve Sikh confederacies in the eighteenth century Panjab, Ranjit Singh was the first Panjabi ruler who established a vast empire in North India, which extended from the Khyber Pass in the North West, Sutlej in the East, deserts of Sind in the South and China and Tibet in the North.

Because of his benevolent policies the Maharaja endeared himself to his subjects, a majority of whom were other than his co religionists. Through his genius Ranjit Singh built a powerful military system and modernized his army o­n European lines with the help of French and Italian generals