Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780–1839), the Lion of Punjab, was not just a great warrior and ruler but also a patron of art, literature, and poetry. His court was home to many scholars, poets, and intellectuals who enriched Punjabi, Persian, and Sanskrit literature.
During his reign, Punjabi poetry flourished—especially in the form of war poetry, historical poetry, and Sikh spiritual writings. His support helped preserve Punjabi literature and Sikh history.
Here are some of the most influential poets of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s era, whose work shaped the literary and cultural heritage of Punjab.
1. Fakir Syed Azizuddin – The Court Poet & Diplomat
Role in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Court
Fakir Syed Azizuddin was one of the most trusted advisors and diplomats of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He was a poet, scholar, and administrator who played a major role in political affairs and poetry writing in Persian and Punjabi.
Why is he important?
- He served as Ranjit Singh’s chief diplomat, maintaining relations with the British and Afghan rulers.
- His poetry reflected Punjab’s rich culture, Sufi wisdom, and political philosophy.
- He promoted tolerance between different communities, as Ranjit Singh’s empire was diverse.
Notable Work & Poetry Style
While much of his work remains in Persian manuscripts, he was known for his Sufi-influenced poetry that blended spiritual wisdom with governance philosophy.
2. Kavi Bhai Santokh Singh (1787–1843) – The Sikh Historian & Poet
Role in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Time
Bhai Santokh Singh was a Sikh scholar and poet whose epic writings on Sikh history were widely respected. Though he wasn’t an official poet in the court, his historical poetry was deeply valued by Ranjit Singh’s administration.
Why is he important?
- He wrote Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth, a monumental poetic narration of Sikh history.
- His work played a key role in documenting the spiritual and historical evolution of Sikhism during Ranjit Singh’s rule.
- His poetry blended devotion with historical accuracy, making it a vital literary work of that time.
Famous Work
📖 Sri Gur Pratap Suraj Granth – A detailed poetic history of the Gurus, widely read even today.
3. Qadir Bakhsh ‘Dilshad’ (1805–1860) – The Court Poet of Lahore Darbar
Role in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Court
Qadir Bakhsh Dilshad was a court poet in Lahore who documented the daily life, grandeur, and military exploits of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule. He wrote in Persian, Punjabi, and Urdu, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the era.
Why is he important?
- His poetry praised the greatness of Ranjit Singh’s rule, highlighting justice, bravery, and prosperity.
- He described the magnificent Lahore Darbar (Ranjit Singh’s court) through rich literary expressions.
- His poetry preserved the glory of the Sikh empire for future generations.
Notable Work & Poetry Style
He was known for ghazals and war poetry, blending romantic and historical themes.
4. Shah Muhammad (1780–1862) – The Poet of Punjab’s Wars
Role in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Time
Shah Muhammad was one of the greatest Punjabi poets of his time, known for his Jangnamas (war ballads). His poetry focused on Punjab’s battles, the Sikh empire’s struggles, and British colonial expansion.
Why is he important?
- His poetry documented the rise and fall of the Sikh empire, giving a firsthand account of events.
- He wrote about Ranjit Singh’s military campaigns and later the Anglo-Sikh Wars.
- His work gives us a poetic narrative of the battlefield, which was rare at that time.
Famous Work
📖 Jangnama Maharaja Ranjit Singh – A poetic account of Punjab’s wars and battles.
Famous Lines from Jangnama
“Ajj Ranjit Singh ne saadi shaan vadayi ae,
Lahoo na ditta dharti te giran, jithe Sikh di bhujhayi ae.”
(Today, Ranjit Singh has raised our pride,
Not a drop of blood was shed where a Sikh warrior stood.)
5. Giani Gian Singh (1822–1921) – The Historian Poet of Punjab
Role in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Time
Giani Gian Singh was a historian and poet who lived in the later years of Ranjit Singh’s empire. Though he was not in Ranjit Singh’s court, his poetry and writings documented the Sikh empire and its rulers.
Why is he important?
- His work was one of the first detailed Punjabi historical records of the Sikh Empire.
- He preserved Sikh heritage through poetic storytelling.
- His writings were influential in understanding the political and military history of Punjab.
Famous Work
📖 Panth Parkash – A poetic history of Sikh warriors and leaders, including Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Conclusion: The Literary Golden Age of Punjab
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was not only a great warrior and ruler but also a patron of poetry and literature. Under his rule, Punjab saw a flourishing literary culture, where poets played a key role in:
✅ Preserving Sikh & Punjabi history through poetic storytelling.
✅ Writing war ballads that described battles and bravery.
✅ Promoting Punjabi culture & Sufi philosophy in poetry.
These poets of Ranjit Singh’s time kept the legacy of Punjab alive through their words, ensuring that future generations remember the great Sikh Empire.
