Abstract
This paper focuses upon the reign of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, his governance, the economic condition of the Punjab in the early 19th century, revenue administration of the Punjab and the influence of the western courtiers in the Court of Ranjeet Singh as depicted by the Orientalist travelers. The influence of European tourists to the Court of Maharaja had already existed but one can see that this influence was greatly increased after 1826. Towards the end of 1826 the Maharaja was attacked by sickness. And he sought the aid of Dr. Murray, an English army surgeon at Ludhiana. Dr. Murray stayed with Ranjeet for eight months and closely studied the political and military situation in the Punjab. Maharaja Ranjeet Singh drew many foreign mercenaries into his service. He attracted the attention of numerous travelers, soldiers, and diplomats. Though Ranjeet Singh had a very unpleasant physical appearance with his smallpox pitted face and his single eye yet his capability of persistent questions, his delight in dancing girls and his impressive capacity for the most ardent spirits, he fascinated many Europeans travelers and finds space to become a topic of discussion in their travel writings.
Keyword(s)
RANJEET SINGH, MAHARAJA, Punjab, influence, WESTERN COURTIERS/ TOURISTS