CIVIL ADMINISTRATION OF MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH AS REFLECTED IN THE WRITING OF BIKRAMA JIT HASRAT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v11.i7.2023.6022Keywords:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Civil Administration, Bikrama Jit Hasrat, Sikh Empire, Governance And Policies, Decentralization, Revenue System, Economic Reforms, Religious Harmony, Merit-Based Bureaucracy, Military And Civil Balance, Administrative Structure, Law And Order, Trade And CommerceAbstract [English]
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, is widely known for his military prowess, but his civil administration was equally significant. This paper explores his governance as depicted in the writings of historian Bikrama Jit Hasrat. Ranjit Singh’s administration was marked by efficiency, inclusivity, and justice. His governance system was highly structured yet flexible, ensuring effective delegation of authority. The revenue policies focused on equitable taxation, fostering agricultural and economic growth. His judiciary, though informal, was based on customary laws and personal intervention, ensuring fair justice. Trade and commerce flourished under his rule due to minimal taxation and infrastructural development. Despite being a military leader, Ranjit Singh maintained a balance between military expansion and civil governance, prioritizing the welfare of his people. Hasrat’s writings highlight the Maharaja’s unique ability to blend centralization with local autonomy, making his administration effective and people-centric. This study affirms that Ranjit Singh was not just a conqueror but also a visionary administrator whose policies ensured Punjab's prosperity. His governance model remains a significant example of effective leadership in South Asia.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Daljeet Kaur
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