Sikh Empire

  1. Sikh Empire was established in the early 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
  2. The roots of the empire trace back to the Sikh Gurus, especially Guru Nanak (1469–1539), who founded Sikhism.
  3. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru, transformed Sikhs into a military force with the creation of the Khalsa in 1699.
  4. After the death of Guru Gobind Singh, Banda Singh Bahadur led the Sikhs in uprisings against the Mughal Empire.
  5. Banda Singh Bahadur introduced agrarian reforms, distributing land to the tillers and abolishing feudal practices.
  6. Misls, or regional confederacies, played a crucial role in consolidating Sikh power during the 18th century.
  7. There were 12 prominent Misls, such as the Ahluwalia, Bhangi, and Ramgarhia Misls.
  8. The Sikhs employed innovative military strategies, including hit-and-run tactics, to counter Mughal and Afghan invasions.
  9. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, also known as the "Lion of Punjab," unified the Misls and established a centralized state in 1799.
  10. Ranjit Singh made Lahore the capital of the Sikh Empire.
  11. The Sikh Empire was known for its secular policies and tolerance towards all religions.
  12. Ranjit Singh modernized the army with the help of European advisors, such as Jean-Baptiste Ventura and Claude Auguste Court.
  13. The empire extended across Punjab, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of modern-day Pakistan.
  14. The famous Koh-i-Noor diamond was part of Ranjit Singh's treasury.
  15. The Sikh Empire effectively resisted invasions from Afghan forces led by Ahmed Shah Abdali.
  16. Ranjit Singh maintained cordial relations with the British East India Company while preserving the sovereignty of his empire.
  17. The Treaty of Amritsar (1809) between Ranjit Singh and the British established boundaries and mutual non-aggression.
  18. Ranjit Singh patronized art, culture, and architecture, commissioning structures like the Golden Temple and Sheesh Mahal.
  19. The Sikh army, known as the Khalsa Army, was one of the most disciplined and modernized forces in Asia.
  20. The Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845–1849) marked the decline of the Sikh Empire.
  21. The First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846) ended with the Treaty of Lahore, leading to significant territorial losses.
  22. The Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–1849) resulted in the annexation of Punjab by the British.
  23. Key generals like Hari Singh Nalwa and Dewan Mokham Chand contributed to the military strength of the empire.
  24. The Sikh Empire's administration emphasized justice and equality, with reforms in land revenue and governance.
  25. The empire's downfall was partly due to internal power struggles and succession issues after Ranjit Singh's death in 1839.
  26. Ranjit Singh's death led to a power vacuum, weakening the empire's resistance against external forces.
  27. The Sikh Empire played a crucial role in resisting the expansion of foreign powers in India.
  28. Key forts like Lohgarh, Gobindgarh, and Attock symbolize the military prowess of the Sikhs.
  29. Ranjit Singh abolished capital punishment and promoted humanitarian values in governance.
  30. The Sikh Empire is remembered for its contributions to Indian unity and resistance against colonialism.
  31. The legacy of the Sikh Empire inspired future movements for Indian independence.
  32. The rise of the Sikh Empire highlighted the importance of regional autonomy in Indian history.
  33. The empire's policies of secularism and inclusiveness set an example for modern governance.
Category
Regional Kingdoms and Rise of Marathas (17th–18th Century)
History of India
Who was the founder of the Sikh Empire?
In which year was the Sikh Empire established?
What was the capital of the Sikh Empire?
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was also known as the “Lion of ____.”
What was the official religion of the Sikh Empire?
Who was the commander-in-chief of the Sikh Khalsa Army under Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Which treaty marked the end of the First Anglo-Sikh War?
Who was the last ruler of the Sikh Empire?
Which prominent Sikh leader resisted the Mughal Empire before the establishment of the Sikh Empire?
What was the name of the fortified Sikh state established by Guru Gobind Singh?
Who was responsible for the modernization of the Sikh Army?
Which European nation had officers serving in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army?
The famous Koh-i-Noor diamond was taken by the British from which ruler?
Which region was annexed by the Sikh Empire in 1819?
The Treaty of Amritsar (1809) was signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and which power?
What was the name of the Sikh fort that played a key role in the empire's defense?
Who led the Sikh forces during the Second Anglo-Sikh War?
What was the central governing council of the Sikh Empire called?
Which famous Sikh general led successful campaigns in the northwest?
What was the predominant language used in the Sikh Empire for administration?
The Sikh Empire reached its peak under which ruler?
Which river marked the boundary between the Sikh Empire and British territories after the Treaty of Amritsar?
What was the name of the Sikh military force?
Which Sikh warrior was known for his campaigns in Ladakh and Tibet?
Which Mughal emperor executed Guru Tegh Bahadur?
The Anglo-Sikh Wars were fought between the British and which Sikh governing body?
What was Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s policy towards religious tolerance?
Who was known as the “Napoleon of the East” for his military strategies?
In which battle did the British defeat the Sikh forces in the First Anglo-Sikh War?
The famous Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, was compiled by which Guru?
What was the primary cause of the decline of the Sikh Empire?
In which year did the British annex the Sikh Empire?
Who was the governor of Kashmir under the Sikh Empire?