Ranjit Singh, popularly known as Sher-e-Punjab or "Lion of Punjab", was the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, which ruled the northwest Indian subcontinent in the early half of the 19th century. He survived smallpox in infancy but lost sight in his left eye. He fought his first battle alongside his father at age 10. After his father died around Ranjit's early teenage years, Ranjit subsequently fought several wars to expel the Afghans throughout his teenage years. At the age of 21, he was proclaimed the "Maharaja of Punjab". His empire grew in the Punjab region under his leadership through 1839.
Painting of Maharaja Ranjit Singh from the Tazkirat al-Umara, written for James Skinner, ca.1830
Image: Handprint signature and Gurmukhi script seal of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who was illiterate in the official Perso Arabic script of his empire
Birthplace of Ranjit Singh in Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan.
Ranjit Singh as a young boy, detail from a late 18th century painting of a diplomatic meeting between Sikh Misls
Maharaja is a Sanskrit title for a "great ruler", "great king", or "high king".
Maharani Rudrama Devi was one the few ruling queens in Indian History. She ruled for 26 years (1263–1289) and built the Warangal fort, several major temples, dharmashalas and civic services for the poor
Ranjit Singh, first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire
The Maratha Rajarshi Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj of Kolhapur.
The Maratha Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda.
