In which year did Maharaja Ranjit Singh established his capital at Lahore?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 4: 1799.
Explanation:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Lahore on July 7, 1799, and established it as his capital.
Historical Context: At that time, Lahore was ruled by the chieftains of the 'Bhangi Misl.' The residents of Lahore themselves invited Ranjit Singh to take control of the city, as they were distressed by the mismanagement of the incumbent rulers.
Significance: The conquest of Lahore proved to be a major milestone in Ranjit Singh's political rise. It established him as the most powerful ruler of Punjab.
Coronation: Subsequently, on April 12, 1801 (on the day of Vaisakhi), he officially assumed the title of 'Maharaja of Punjab.'
Important Facts Related to Maharaja Ranjit Singh (from an examination perspective):
Misl: He belonged to the Sukerchakia Misl.
Two Capitals:
Lahore: Served as his political capital.
Amritsar: Served as his religious capital, which he conquered in 1805.
Treaty of Amritsar (1809): This treaty was concluded between Ranjit Singh and the British (represented by Charles Metcalfe, Lord Minto's envoy), establishing the Sutlej River as the boundary between the two states.
Kohinoor Diamond: He acquired the famous Kohinoor diamond from the Afghan ruler, Shah Shuja.
Military Reforms: His army, the 'Fauj-i-Khas,' was considered the second most modern army in Asia, having been trained by French and Italian generals.
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: To which Misl did Maharaja Ranjit Singh belong?
Answer: Sukerchakia Misl.
Question: In which year was the 'Treaty of Amritsar' concluded between Ranjit Singh and the British?
Answer: In 1809. Question: When was Ranjit Singh crowned as the Maharaja of Punjab?
Answer: In 1801.