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Period

Sikh Empire

1799–1849 CE

The Sikh Empire emerged when Ranjit Singh captured Lahore in 1799 and consolidated the Sikh misls into a powerful Punjabi state. Its territories eventually extended across much of the Punjab and into Kashmir, Peshawar and the north-western frontier.

Ranjit Singh combined diplomacy with military reform, developing the Khalsa army with modern infantry, artillery and cavalry. After his death in 1839, rapid changes of ruler, court violence and conflict between the Lahore Durbar and the army weakened the state.

Related people for Sikh Empire

Books

2 Best Novels About the Sikh Empire

Non-Fiction

6 Best Non-Fiction Books About the Sikh Empire

Histories, biographies and reference works are listed separately from the historical novels above.