Empire of the Sikhs: The Life and Times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh [Paperback]

Patwant Singh (Author), Jyoti M. Rai (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2009

Ranjit Singh was one of the most powerful and charismatic Indian rulers of his age, but has been largely forgotten by recent Western historians. Yet his achievements have had a lasting impact. He unified the warring chiefdoms of the Punjab in a northern Empire of the Sikhs, built up a formidable modern army, kept the British in check to the south, and closed the Khyber Pass through which plunderers had for centuries poured into India. He was also humane and just in his victories, giving employment to defeated foes, and honored religious faiths other than his own. This new biography uses a variety of eye-witness accounts from Indian and European sources to chronicle his life and the controversial period of the Anglo-Sikh Wars following his death.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A laudatory biography of Maharaha Ranjit Singh. --Book News

A good, basic introduction to the life and times of Ranjit Singh. --Choice

About the Author

Patwant Singh is the author of Of Dreams and Demons: An Indian Memoir, The Second Partition: Fault-Lines in India’s Democracy, The Sikhs, and The World According to Washington: An Asian View.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Peter Owen Ltd (April 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 072061323X
• ISBN-13: 978-0720613230
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #921,298 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #56 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions > Sikhism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Objective, thorough portrayal, January 10, 2012

By 

Amardeep Rehal (chicago) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Empire of the Sikhs: The Life and Times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Paperback)

There aren't too many books available that provide a balanced, thoughtful and objective viewpoint on Ranjit Singh, but this book thankfully meets all those marks. Everything is supported with notes and references, providing much insight that I wasn't aware of previously. It's a thoughtful read on his accomplishments and shortcomings.

It's important to have such a book finally written on Ranjit Singh because he was such a significant figure in Sikh history. It seems much of his stunning deeds have been forgotten, which is a shame considering what he means to the Sikh people during his time and even now. This book will help new generations understand fully what he did for Sikhism and the tremendous legacy he created, not through brute force or submission as most leaders of his time, but through an open mind and understanding, reflecting the foundations of Sikhism in practice.

Patwant Singh has written many excellent books on Sikh history and this was his last, passing away not too long ago. A tremendous achievement for a tremendous leader.