Sikh Empire | iexam

Sikh Empire was established in the early 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The roots of the empire trace back to the Sikh Gurus, especially Guru Nanak (1469–1539), who founded Sikhism.
Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru, transformed Sikhs into a military force with the creation of the Khalsa in 1699.
After the death of Guru Gobind Singh, Banda Singh Bahadur led the Sikhs in uprisings against the Mughal Empire.
Banda Singh Bahadur introduced agrarian reforms, distributing land to the tillers and abolishing feudal practices.
Misls, or regional confederacies, played a crucial role in consolidating Sikh power during the 18th century.
There were 12 prominent Misls, such as the Ahluwalia, Bhangi, and Ramgarhia Misls.
The Sikhs employed innovative military strategies, including hit-and-run tactics, to counter Mughal and Afghan invasions.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, also known as the "Lion of Punjab," unified the Misls and established a centralized state in 1799.
Ranjit Singh made Lahore the capital of the Sikh Empire.
The Sikh Empire was known for its secular policies and tolerance towards all religions.
Ranjit Singh modernized the army with the help of European advisors, such as Jean-Baptiste Ventura and Claude Auguste Court.
The empire extended across Punjab, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of modern-day Pakistan.
The famous Koh-i-Noor diamond was part of Ranjit Singh's treasury.
The Sikh Empire effectively resisted invasions from Afghan forces led by Ahmed Shah Abdali.
Ranjit Singh maintained cordial relations with the British East India Company while preserving the sovereignty of his empire.
The Treaty of Amritsar (1809) between Ranjit Singh and the British established boundaries and mutual non-aggression.
Ranjit Singh patronized art, culture, and architecture, commissioning structures like the Golden Temple and Sheesh Mahal.
The Sikh army, known as the Khalsa Army, was one of the most disciplined and modernized forces in Asia.
The Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845–1849) marked the decline of the Sikh Empire.
The First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846) ended with the Treaty of Lahore, leading to significant territorial losses.
The Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–1849) resulted in the annexation of Punjab by the British.
Key generals like Hari Singh Nalwa and Dewan Mokham Chand contributed to the military strength of the empire.
The Sikh Empire's administration emphasized justice and equality, with reforms in land revenue and governance.
The empire's downfall was partly due to internal power struggles and succession issues after Ranjit Singh's death in 1839.
Ranjit Singh's death led to a power vacuum, weakening the empire's resistance against external forces.
The Sikh Empire played a crucial role in resisting the expansion of foreign powers in India.
Key forts like Lohgarh, Gobindgarh, and Attock symbolize the military prowess of the Sikhs.
Ranjit Singh abolished capital punishment and promoted humanitarian values in governance.
The Sikh Empire is remembered for its contributions to Indian unity and resistance against colonialism.
The legacy of the Sikh Empire inspired future movements for Indian independence.
The rise of the Sikh Empire highlighted the importance of regional autonomy in Indian history.
The empire's policies of secularism and inclusiveness set an example for modern governance.