Dalip Singh: The Last Maharajah of Punjab

 

Maharajah Ranjit Singh ruled Punjab in what is known as Sikh Empire from 1798-1837. He had 11 official wives. His youngest queen was Ran Jindan Kaur who was with child when the Maharajah Ranjit died in 1837. Most queens of Ranjit Singh committed Sati on the funeral pyre, but Ran Jindan because of her condition was spared. Jindan gave birth to Prince Dalip Singh, but he was not crown prince as he had elder brothers.

Within 6 years of Maharajah Ranjit death all his sons were either poisoned or murdered. Thus Dalip Singh by a quirk of fate was crowned Maharajah and his mother became queen regent. Punjab was in unrest and led to wars with the East India Company. Known as Anglo-Sikh war,the Sikh were defeated and Dalip Singh deposed. He was taken away to England and became a ward of Queen Victoria. Later when he grew up, he realized his heritage,but it was too late. He lived an excessive life and died in Paris in 1893. He left behind 1 son and 3 daughters all of whom died childless.

Dalip Singh was not allowed to visit Punjab. He was the last Sikh Maharajah, a tragic figure at that