||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh July 25,2024 ||

New Delhi: Addressing Parliament yesterday, Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha passionately called for the return of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji’s royal throne from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to India. Highlighting the throne’s profound historical and cultural significance, Chadha urged the Indian government to utilize its diplomatic channels to negotiate its repatriation.

Chadha emphasized that Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign represents a golden period in Indian history. His rule not only united the region of Punjab but also established a legacy of secularism, justice, and good governance. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, also known as the Lion of Punjab, is celebrated for his contributions to the social, cultural, and political fabric of the region.

Golden Era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Rule:

Maharaja Ranjit Singh ascended to power in 1801, and his rule until 1839 marked a period of unprecedented stability and prosperity in Punjab. Some key highlights of his reign include:

Unification and Expansion:

Consolidation of Power: Singh successfully unified various Sikh misls (confederacies) and other local chieftains, bringing them under a centralized administration.

Territorial Expansion: His military acumen and diplomatic skills enabled the expansion of his empire, which at its peak, extended from the Khyber Pass to the Sutlej River.

Secular Administration:

Inclusivity:Ranjit Singh’s administration was marked by religious inclusivity, appointing Hindus, Muslims, and Europeans to high-ranking positions.

Cultural Patronage: He was a great patron of arts and culture, commissioning numerous architectural projects, including the gold-plating of the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.

Justice and Good Governance:

Legal Reforms:The Maharaja introduced progressive legal reforms, ensuring a fair justice system that was respected and trusted by his subjects.

Economic Prosperity: Under his rule, agriculture, trade, and industry flourished, significantly improving the economic conditions of the region.

Military Innovations:

Modernization of Army:He modernized the army by incorporating European officers and adopting contemporary military techniques and equipment.

Strong Defense:The fortifications and strategic defenses established during his reign protected Punjab from external invasions, particularly from Afghan and British forces.

Advocacy for Educational Inclusion:

In his speech, Chadha also stressed the importance of educating young Indians about Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s remarkable legacy. He called for the inclusion of comprehensive chapters on Singh’s contributions and governance in school curricula. This, he argued, would ensure that students understand the historical significance and enduring impact of Singh’s rule on Indian history.

Diplomatic Efforts for Cultural Repatriation:

Chadha’s demand for the repatriation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s throne aligns with a broader movement to reclaim Indian artifacts from foreign museums. He urged the Government of India to prioritize diplomatic efforts to secure the return of this invaluable artifact, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of Punjab and India.

In conclusion, Raghav Chadha’s parliamentary address not only seeks to reclaim a piece of India’s heritage but also aims to honor and perpetuate the legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. By advocating for the throne’s return and the inclusion of Singh’s history in educational materials, Chadha underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of one of India’s greatest rulers.