Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class History Book Solutions Chapter 20 Civil and Military Administration of Ranjit Singh Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.
PSEB Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 20 Civil and Military Administration of Ranjit Singh
Long Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
Give an outline of Central Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Maharaja was the pivot of central administration. Every word uttered by him was deemed law. Maharaja Ranjit Singh used his powers for the public welfare. In order to get cooperation in running the administration, the Maharaja had appointed many ministers, of which prominent were the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Diwan, Chief Commander and Deorhiwala. It rested on Maharaja’s will to accept their advice or not.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh usually accepted the advice of his ministers for the efficiency of the administration. He had also established 12 departments or daftars for the smooth functioning of administration. Of these departments, main were Daftar-i-Abwab-ul-Mal, Daftar-i-Tauzihat, Daftar-i-Mawajib, Daftar-i-Roznamcha-i-Ikhrajat. Decidedly, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s central administration was good.
Question 2.
What was the position of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the Central Administration?
Answer:
Maharaja was head of the State and he was the pivot around which the entire administration of the state revolved. He himself prepared all the internal and external policies. He himself appointed all the ministers, high ranking civil and military officers of the state. He could also remove them from their posts whenever he wanted. He was also the highest court of justice of the state and every word uttered by him became law for the people.
None could dare violate his orders. He was the Commander-in-Chief of the army. He could declare war or peace with any ruler. He could impose or reduce or abolish taxes on his subjects. In short, powers of the Maharaja were in no way less than those of an autocrat. But the Maharaja never misused these powers. He used them for the public welfare.
Question 3.
Describe the Provincial Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
In order to run the administration smoothly, Maharaja Ranjit Singh had divided his empire into four provinces. The names of these provinces were
- Suba- i-Lahore
- Suba-i-Multan
- Suba-i-Kashmir and
- Suba-i-Peshawar.
The administration of the Suba or Province was under Nazim (Governor). His main duties were to maintain peace, law and order in the state, to enforce the orders of the Maharaja, to decide the lawsuits and to supervise the work of other officials of the province. In this way powers of the Nazim were boundless. However, he could never misuse his powers as he got all the instructions from the Maharaja.
Unworthy Nazims were removed from their posts. Famous Nazims of Maharaja Ranjit Singh were:
- Sardar Lehna Singh Majithia,
- Misar Roop Lai
- Diwan Sawan Mai
- Cols. Mihan Singh
- General Hari Singh Nalwa and
- Avitabile.
Question 4.
What was the position of Kardar during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Each Suba was further divided into many Paraganas. The chief official of the Pargana was called Kardar. The office of a Kardar was considered more important than that of the Nazims. He was a pivotal functionary who had direct contact with the people. His position was like a present-day Deputy Commissioner. He had many duties to do.
The chief duties of the Kardar were to establish peace in the Pargana, to get the Maharaja’s order implemented, to collect the land revenue, to look after public welfare and administer justice. In brief, the Kardar exercised enormous powers in his Pargana. He was assisted by Qanungos and Muqaddams. Dr. Bhagat Singh aptly says, The Kardar was in fact most important official of Local Government.
Question 5.
Write a note on Local Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
What do you know about the Local Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
1. Administration of the Parganas: Each Suba was further divided into many Parganas. The chief official of the Pargana was called Kardar. The chief duties of the Kardar were to establish peace in the Pargana, to get the Maharaja’s orders implemented, to collect the land revenue, to look after public welfare and administer justice. In brief, the Kardar exercised enormous powers in his Pargana. He was assisted by Qanungos and Muqaddams.
2. Village Administration: The smallest unit of administration was the village. It was then called ‘Mauza’. The administration of the village was in the hands of the Panchayat. The Panchayat looked after the people of the village and settled their petty disputes. The people showed great regard for the Panchayat and they mostly accepted its decisions. The Patwari maintained the record of the village land.
The Chaudhary would help the government in collecting land revenue. Muqaddam (Lambardar) was head of the village. He worked as a link between the government and the people. The Chowkidar was the watchman of the village. The Maharaja did not interfere in the working of the village.
3. AdministratioiM>f the city of Lahore: During the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the administration of Lahore city was run differently from other cities. The chief official of Lahore city was ‘Kotwal’. At the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Imam Bakhsh was appointed to this important post. The chief functions of a Kotwal were to give practical shape to the Maharaja’s orders, to maintain peace in the city, to supervise the work of Mohalladars, to make arrangements for cleanliness in the city, to keep details of the foreign visitors, to supervise trade and industry and to examine weights and measures etc.
The whole city was divided into Mohallas. Each Mohalla was under a Mohalladar. He used to look after the Mohalla under him.
Question 6.
Write a short note on the administration of the city of Lahore during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
During the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the administration of Lahore city was run differently from other cities. The whole city was divided into Mohallas. A Mohalla was under a Mohalladar. The Mohalladar maintained peace and order in hia mohalla and looked after the arrangement of cleanliness.
The chief official of Lahore city was ‘Kotwal’. The chief functions of a Kotwal were to give practical shape to the Maharaja s orders, to maintain peace in the city, to supervise the work of Mohalladars. to make arrangements for cleanliness in the city, to keep details of the foreign visitors, to supervise trade and industry and to examine weights and measures etc. He used to take necessary action against the guilty persons.
Question 7.
Write a short note on the Financial Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Describe main features of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s land revenue administration.
Answer:
Economic Condition. Land revenue constituted the most important source of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s income. Out of a total revenue amounting to a little over three crores of rupees about two crores were contributed by land revenue. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times the following methods of assessment of land revenue were prevalent:
1. Batai System : During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times, the Batai system was widely prevalent. According to this system, the land revenue was assessed after harvesting. The system however had certain serious flaws. First, the state couldn’t have any idea of its income in advance. Secondly, the government had to appoint a large number of staff in order to ensure that there was no misappropriation of the produce by the farmers. Consequently, this system proved very expensive for the’government. Maharaja Ranjit Singh dispensed with this system in 1823 A.D.
2. Kankut System: In 1824 A.D. the Maharaja introduced the Kankut system in many parts of his Kingdom. Under this system revenue was determined on the basis of standing crops. The assessed revenue was realized in the form of cash.
3. Bigha System: In some parts of the State, Bigha system of assessment was prevalent. According to the Bigha system, the produce of per Bigha was assessed for determining the land revenue. On its basis, the government would find out how many Bighas of land a farmer owned and how much revenue, he owed to the government.
4. Plough System : In certain places of Ranjit Singh’s kingdom, land revenue was determined according to the plough system. According to this system the land which could be ploughed by a pair of oxen was considered a unit. On the basis of produce per unit, the government would fix its share. As a result a peasant had to pay land revenue in proportion to the number of pairs of bulls, he possessed.
5. Well System : In some parts of Ranjit Singh’s state, the government determined its share on the basis of well-system. According to this system, in order to determine the land revenue that much land was made a unit which could be easily irrigated by one well.
Question 8.
Write a brief note on Jagirdari system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
What were the chief features of Jagirdari system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Many types of Jagirs were prevalent during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time. Of these, service Jagirs was considered the most important. These Jagirs were given to high military and civil officials of the state in lieu of their salaries. Besides, Inam Jagirs, Subsistence Jagirs, Watan Jagirs and Dharamarth Jagirs were also prevalent. Dharamarth Jagirs were given to religious institutions and holy persons. These Jagirs were given on permanent basis.
These Jagirs were managed by Jagirdar himself directly or by his agents. The Jagirdar not only collected revenue in his Jagir but he had also the right to decide the law-suits. Sometimes he was also given command of military expeditions. Military Jagirdars had the right of recruiting soldiers also. Although the Jagirdari system had some defects yet it suited the conditions of those times.
Question 9.
What do you know about the Judicial system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Or
Discuss the main features of the Judicial system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
The judicial system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was simple. Laws were not written. Justice was done on the basis of existing conventions, customs and sacred scriptures. The final verdict rested with the Maharaja. In order to give justice to his subjects, Ranjit.Singh had set up many courts in his empire. The Panchayats settled disputes in the villages. In towns and cities, there were courts of Qazis. Non-Muslims also went> to the court of Qazi besides the Muslims.
The Qazi did justice according to Shariat (religious laws). Ranjit Singh had appointed special officers , called Adalti, for dispensing justice. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time, punishments were not rigid. The capital punishment was not awarded to anybody. Normally, fines were imposed on culprits. In short,'”the judicial system of Ranjit Singh was congenial to the social and political conditions of those times.
Question 10.
What were the main features of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s military ‘ administration?
Or
What reforms were introduced by Ranjit Singh to improve his military system?
Or
Write a short note on the military administration of Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
1. Composition : Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army consisted of persons belonging to different classes. These included the Sikhs, the Rajputs, the Brahmans, the Khatris, the Gorkhas, the Muslims, the Purbia Hindustanis and the Europeans.
2. Recruitment: The enlistment in the army during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time was entirely voluntary. Only strong and sturdy persons were recruited in the army. The task of recruiting officers was in the hands of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
3. Pay: Before the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh the soldiers were paid either in the form of Jagirs or out of the plunder. The soldiers were paid in kind, twice a year at the time of harvest. Maharaja Ranjit Singh introduced the system of making payment in cash.
4. Promotions : Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave promotions to the soldiers, only on the basis of their ability. While giving promotions to his soldiers, the Maharaja did not discriminate against anyone on the basis of caste or religion.
5. Rewards and Honours : Every year Maharaja Ranjit Singh spent lakhs of rupees on presents and honours, which he gave to the soldiers for their acts of bravery in the battlefield and also for their glorious services to the Lahore Darbar.
Question 11.
Write a brief note on the Fauj-i-Khas of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army.
Answer:
The Fauj-i-Khas of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army was its most important and most powerful part. It was commanded and trained by General Ventura. It consisted of 4 battalions of infantry, 2 regiments of cavalry and 1 troop of artillery. This army was trained in European Style. Selected soldiers were enlisted in it. Their arms and horses were also of best quality. That is why it was called Fauj-i- Khas. This army had separate insignia and separate flag. It used French words of command. This army was so disciplined that European officers were also amazed to watch its performance. It was really a show-piece of the Maharaja’s army.
Question 12.
What do you mean by Fauj-e-Be-Qawaid of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Fauj-i-Be-Qawaid means that army which did not observe any prescribed rules. This army was divided into four parts
- Ghorcharas
- Fauj-i-Kilajat
- Akalis and
- Jsagirdari Fauj.
A brief description of these is as follows :
1. Ghorcharas : Ghorcharas were the most important part of the Be-Qawaid army. It was divided into two categories,
- Ghorcharas Khas and
- Misldar Swars. Ghorcharas Khas consisted of the relatives of-the dignitaries of the court of landed gentry. The Misldar Swars consisted of those horsemen, who were previously employed with the Misl Sardars. They were regarded inferior m status to Ghorcharas Khas. The Ghorcharas retained their old methods of warfare and regarded the European’s practices, as the tricks of the dancing girl: In 1838-39 A.D. the strength of the Ghorcharas was 10,795.
2. Fauj-i-Kilajat : For the defence of the forts, Ranjit Singh had a separate army which was called Fauj-i-Kilajat. The number of these troops varied according to the importance of the forts. In important forts, a large number of soldiers were kept. In small forts the strength of the soldiers ranged between 25 and 50. The commanding officer of the fort was called either Quiladar or Thanedar.
3. The Akalis: The Akalis were known for their bravery. They called themselves the immortal army of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Each Akali proclaimed himself equivalent to 1,25,000 soldiers. The Akalis always moved fully armed to the teeth. They were opposed to all types of training. It was very difficult for Ranjit Singh to keep them under his control. They fought like devils and performed feats of amazing bravery in the battlefield. Therefore, they were always employed in the most dangerous expeditions. Their number was about 3,000. Akali Phula Singh and Akali Sadhu Singh were their famous leaders.
4. Jagirdari Fauj : During the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, those Jagirdars, who were given military Jagirs had to keep soldiers for the service of the state. The small Jagirdars kept only the cavaliers, whereas the big Jagirdars kept infantry and artillery, in addition to the cavaliers. The Jagirdars themselves recruited their soldiers. These soldiers were inspected from time to time by the state.
Question 13.
What was Ranjit Singh’s attitude towards his subjects?
Answer:
Ranjit Singh’s behaviour towards his subjects was good. He never ignored public interests. State officials were given instructions that they should take extra care for the welfare of public. He travelled in disguise very often to know the real condition of people. Those who violated his orders, were given punishment. The peasants and the poor were given special state facilities. When once there was famine in Kashmir, the Maharaja had sent there a thousand loaded mules with corn.
He gave patronage not only to the Sikhs and Hindus but also to the Muslims. He gave them land exempted from revenue in charity. As a result, his subjects were well-off during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Essay Type Questions:
Civil Administration Of Maharaja Ranjit Singh:
Question 1.
Describe the Civil Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Give a brief account of the Civil Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Describe about the Civil Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Explain in detail the Central and Provincial Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Describe the Central and Provincial Administrative sy stem of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Give a detailed description of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Provincial and Local Administration.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was not only a great conqueror but also an efficient administrator. The salient features of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s civil administration were as follows :
1. Central Administration
(1) The Maharaja : The Maharaja was the head of the State. All the state affairs were looked after by him. He framed all the internal and external policies. All the major civil and military appointments were made by hj^He could dismiss anyone from his office at will. He was the Chief Justice of the State. His word was law. Nobody could dare defy his orders. He had the right to impose, to withdraw or to reduce any tax.
He was the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The armed forces always abided by his command. He was empowered to declare or end war. He was totally free ttf sign any treaty with any other ruler. In short, the Maharaja’s powers were in no way less than those of a dictator. But the Maharaja never misused these powers. He considered that his own welfare lies in the welfare of the subjects.
(2) Ministers: For the efficient performance of administration, the Maharaja had organised a Council of Ministers. The ministers were appointed by the Maharaja himself. Only those persons who were able, honest and loyal, to the state were appointed ministers. These ministers would give suggestions to the Maharaja about their respective departments. Their suggestions were not binding on the Maharaja. But the Maharaja normally formulated the state policies keeping in view the suggestions of these ministers. The important ministers of the Maharaja were as follows:
1. Prime Minister : Next to the Maharaja in importance was the place of Prime Minister (Wazir). He advised the Maharaja in all political affairs of the state. He looked after all the departments, except finance and foreign affairs. He represented the Maharaja in his absence. He decided cases by holding his court. He sent only very important cases to the Maharaja. All types of petitions were sent to the Maharaja only through him. He got all the orders of the Maharaja implemented. During Ranjit Singh’s time, Raja Dhian Singh held this office for a long time.
2. Foreign Minister: During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times, the office of the Foreign Minister was also very important. He gave suggestions to the Maharaja regarding war and peace with other powers. He tried to improve rel ations of foreign countries with the Lahore Darbar. He read to the Maharaja the letters received from the foreign countries and sent their replies as the Maharaja advised him. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Faqir Aziz-ud-Din held this office. The Maharaja greatly valued his opinion.
3. Finance Minister : The Finance Minister was one of the important ministers of the Maharaja and was called Diwan. His chief function was to maintain an account of income and expenditure of the state. The papers concerning expenditure of all the departments were first placed before the Diwan for scrutiny. The Diwan would read out the daily report of his department to the Maharaja and received orders to this effect from him. Diwan Bhiwani Das, Diwan Ganga Ram and Diwan Dina Nath were the famous Finance Ministers of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
4. Cohunander-in-Chief : Maharaja Ranjit Singh himself was the Chief Commander of his army. All the major campaigns were commanded by the Maharaja himself. In addition, the Maharaja would appoint different generals for different campaigns. Their chief task was to lead the army in battles and maintain discipline among soldiers. Diyan Mohkam Chand, Misar Diwan Chand and Hari Singh Nalwa were the famous Generals of Ranjit Singh.
5. Deorhiwala : The Deorhiwala looked after the royal family and the palace. No one could enter the palace without his permission. To arrange somebody’s meeting with the Maharaja in the palace depended on him. He also acted as a watch man of the royal pplace. In addition, all the ceremonies in the palace were performed under his supervision. Jamadar Khushal Singh held this office for quite a long time. After him this office was given to Dhidn Singh.
(3) Central Departments or Daftars: For administrative efficiency Maharaja Ranjit Singh had established various departments or daftars. A brief description of the prominent daftars is as follows :
- Daftar-i-Abwab-ul-Mal: It maintained the account of different sources Of income the state.
- Daftar-i-Mal : It kept account of land revenue received from various Parganas and Taluqas.
- Daftar-i-Wajuhat: It kept the account of the income accrued from court fee and custom duty on opium, bhang and other intoxicants.
- Daftar-i-Taujihat: It maintained the account of the royal family.
- Daftar-i-Mawaj ib : It maintained the account, of salaries paid to the military and civil officials.
- Daftar-i-Roznamacha-i-Ikhrajat : It kept the account of daily expenditure of the state.
- Daftar-i-Toshakhana : In this department, expensive things were taken care of. This office was divided into two parts
Toshakhana Khaas and Toshakhana Bahela. Gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, etc. were kept at Toshakhana Khaas. The things of general use were kept at Toshakhana Bahela.
II. Provincial Administration
With a view to run the administration efficiently, Maharaja Ranjit Singh had divided his kingdom into four provinces. The names of these provinces were
- Suba-i-Lahore
- Suba-i-Multan
- Suba-i-Kashmir and
- Suba-i- Peshawar.
Nazim was the highest authority of the Suba. His main duty was to maintain peace and order in the Suba. For this purpose, he was allowed to maintain a small force. In addition, he supervised the. work of other officials of the Suba. He got the orders of the Maharaja implemented in the Suba. He decided the civil and criminal cases.
He heard the appeals against the decisions of the Kardas. He helped the various Suba officials in the collection of land revenue. He also supervised the work of district Kardars. Thus, the Nazim exercised vast powers in his own Suba. But, he had to seek the prior approval of the Maharaja, before taking any crucial decision about his Suba. The Maharaja could change the Nazim, whenever he wanted. The famous Nazims of Maharaja Ranjit Singh were
- Sardar Lehna Singh Majithia
- Misar Roop Lai
- Diwan Sawan Mai
- Karnail Mihan Singh
- Avitabile
III. Local Administration
(a) Administration of the Parganas : Each Suba was further divided into many Parganas. The’ chief official of the Pargana was called Kardar. The office of a Kardar was considered more important than that of the Nazims. He was a pivotal functionary, who. had a direct contact with the people. His position was like a present day Deputy Commissioner.
He had many duties to do. The chief duties of the Kardar were to establish peace in the Pargana, to get the Maharaja’s orders implemented, to collect the land revenue, to look after public welfare and administer justice. In brief, the Kardar exercised enormous powers in his Pargana. He was assisted by Qanungos and Muqaddams.
(b) Village Administration : The smallest unit of administration was the village. It was then called ‘Mauza’. The administration of the village was in the hands of the Panchayat. The Panchayat looked after the people of the village and settled their petty disputes. The people showed great regard for the Panchayat and they mostly accepted its decisions.
The Patwari maintained the record of the village land. The Chaudhary would help the government in collecting land revenue. Muqaddam (Lambardar) was head of the village. He worked as a link between the government and the people. The Chowkidar was the watchman of the village. The Maharaja did not interfere in the working of the village.
(c) Administration of the city of Lahore : During the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the administration of Lahore city was run differently from other cities. The chief official of Lahore city was ‘Kotwal’. At the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Imam Bakhsh was appointed to this important post. The chief functions of a Kotwal were to give practical shape to the Maharaja’s orders, to maintain peace in the city, to supervise the work of Mohalladars, to make arrangements for cleanliness-in the city, to keep details of the foreign visitors, to supervise trade and industry and to examine weights and measures etc. The whole city was divided into Mohallas. Each Mohalla was under a Mohalladar. He used to look after the Mohalla under him.
Financial Administration Of J Maharaja Ranjit Singh:
Question 2.
Give a detailed description of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Financial Administration.
Or
Discuss the salient features of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Financial Administration.
Or
Describe the Financial System of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in detail.
Or
Examine critically the land revenue system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Discuss the land revenue system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Every state needs funds for carrying on its administration and implementing many other projects. Such funds are raised by a well devised financial system. The financial system prevailing in the Punjab during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign was the simplest of its kind. At first, the finance system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was not regularised. In 1808 A.D. he decided to improve the existing financial system. So, he appointed Diwan Bhiwani Das as his Finance Minister.
Diwan Bhiwani Das soon after his appointment established Daftar-i-Abwab-ul- Mal, Daftar-i-Abwab-ul-Tahwil, Daftar-i-Taujihat and Daftar-i-Roznamcha-i- Ikhrazat with a view to regularise the financial system.
IV. Land Revenue Administration:
Land revenue constituted the most important source of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s income. Out of a total revenue amounting to a little over three crores of rupees about two crores were contributed by land revenue. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times the following methods of assessment of land revenue were prevalent:
(1) Batai System: During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times, the Batai system was widely prevalent. According to this system, the land revenue was assessed after harvesting. The system however had certain serious flaws. First, the state couldn’t have any idea of its income in advance. Secondly, the government had to appoint a large number of staff in order to ensure that there was no misappropriation of the produce by the farmers. Consequently, this system: proved very expensive for the government. Maharaja Ranjit Singh dispensed with this system in 1823 A.D.
(2) Kankut System: In 1824 A.D. the Maharaja introduced the Kankut system in many parts of his kingdom. Under this system revenue was determined on the basis of standing crops. The assessed revenue was realized in the form of cash.
(3) Bigha System: In some parts of the State, Bigha system of assessment was prevalent. According to the Bigha system, the produce of per Bigha was assessed for determining the land revenue. On its basis, the government would find out how many Bighas of land a farmer owned and how much revenue, he owed to the government.
(4) Plough System: In certain places of Ranjit Singh’s kingdom, land revenue was determined according to the plough system. According to this system the land which could be ploughed by a pair of oxen was considered a unit. On the basis of produce per unit, the government would fix its share. As a result a peasant had to pay land revenue in proportion to the number of pairs of bulls, he possessed.
(5) Well System : In some parts of Ranjit Singh’s state, the government determined its share on the basis of well-system. According to this system, in order to determine the land revenue that much land was made a unit which could be easily irrigated by one well.
(6) Ijaradari System: According to the Ijaradari system, the government would hand over the land of a village or a group of villages to a contractor and realize the fixed land revenue from him. This contractor had the right to collect revenue from the land under him. These contractors were called Ijaradars. The government gave them the right to collect land revenue for 2 to 6 years.
Collection of Land Revenue
During the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the land revenue was collected twice a year. This revenue was collected at the time of Rabi and Kharif harvests. There is a considerable difference of opinion among historians over the government share of the produce. It varied from place to place and according to the fertility of the soil. Most of the historians agree that they government charged 50% revenue on the very fertile land. Very little land revenue was charged from those who cultivated the barren land, till it became completely fertile. Usually it ranged from 2/5th to l/3rd of the total produce. Dr. B.J. Hasrat aptly says,
“Neither unduly benevolent nor exceedingly oppressive, the land revenue system of Ranjit Singh was highly practical and suited to the requirements of the time. During the times of Ranjit Singh, in addition to the land revenue, the government had the following other main sources of income :
(1) Custom Duties: Next to land revenue, the other main source of state income was custom duties. There was a network of octroi posts all over the state. Custom duties were imposed upon all articles irrespective of their being domestic or foreign. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times the total income from custom duties amounted to 17 lakhs.
(2) Nazrana : Nazrana was also the chief source of state income. It was that cash or precious gifts, which the courtiers of the state and the other people presented to the Maharaja on different occasions.
(3) Zabti: It was also an important source of state income. Maharaja Ranjit Singh would confiscate the property of guilty officials. Besides this, in the event of Jagirdar’s death, the Jagirs given to them were confiscated. These Jagirs were either retained by the state or retained by the successors of the Jagirdars, in lieu of money.
(4) Income from Judiciary : Income from judiciary was also a good source of state income. The government would get Jurmana from the guilty persons and ‘Shukrana’ from those, who were declared innocent.
(5) Excise yTteetaxes charged on the sale of opium, bhang, wine and other
intoxicants were called excise. The government earned sufficient annual income through this tax.
(6) Income from Salt: The government had the exclusive right to extract salt from the salt mines. It had the right to manufacture salt or sell it.
(7) Abwabs : Abwabs were those small taxes which were charged along with the land revenue. They were normally 5% to 15% of the land revenue.
(8) Professional Tax : Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s government had imposed professional tax on the people of different professions. This tax was charged at the rate of Re. 1 to Rs. 2 per person.
Total Income of the Kingdom
We do not have any specific knowledge of the total income of the kingdom during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times. We can estimate from the different details given by the historians that during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times the total annual income of the state was between 2 crore and 3 crore.
Expenditure:
During Ranjit Singh’s reign no formal budget was prepared. The government would spend its income on running the administration, paying salaries to the army, courtiers and other civil officials, manufacturing war-materials, developing agriculture, executing government plans, running charitable institutions and awarding prizes. ,
Question 3.
Make an assessment of the Judicial Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
What do you know about the Judicial Administration of Ranjit Singh? Explain in detail.
Or
Explain the Judicial System and Financial Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
The judicial system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was very simple. There were no written laws. Judicial decisions were made in accordance with the customary conventions and religious beliefs. No distinction was made between civil and criminal cases. The chief characteristics of Ranjit Singh’s judicial system were as follows :
Courts:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh had established the following courts to deliver justice to his people:
1. Panchayat: In the judicial system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Panchayat Was the smallest, but the most important court. The Panchayat generally consisted of five members. Almost all the civil and criminal cases of the village were heard by the Panchayat. The Panchayat decided cases according to the conventions of the people. The people greatly respected the Panchayat.
2. Qazi’s Court: During Ranjit Singh’s time, the Qazi’s courts were set up in the cities. During Ranjit Singh’s times people of all religions were appointed to this office. Appeals against the judgements of the Panchayats were made in the Qazi’s court and new cases were also heard.
3. Jagirdar’s Court: During the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Jagirs were administered by the Jagirdars. These Jagirdars were empowered to decide both civil and criminal cases within the jurisdiction of these Jagirs.
4. Kardar’s Court: Kardar was the chief officer of the Pargana. In his court, all the civil and criminal cases of the Pargana were heard and judgements given.
5. Nazim’s Court: In every province, the chief judicial officer was the Nazim. He normally decided criminal cases but some civil cases were also decided.
6. Adalti’s Court: In order to give justice, to his subjects Ranjit Singh had appointed Adaltis in all the big cities. Both the civil and criminal cases were heard in these courts.
7. Adalat-i-Ala : Adalat-i-Ala was the highest court below the Maharaja. This court was set up at Lahore. This court was like the High Court of today. In this court appeals against the judgements of the courts of Kardar and Nazim were heard.
8. Maharaja’s Court: The Maharaja’s court was the highest court. His decisions were final. Maharaja Ranjit Singh considered it his first duty to give impartial justice to the people. The aggrieved party could appeal to the Maharaja directly. At that time, it was not necessary that the case should come to the Maharaja through the channel of lower courts. The Maharaja also heard appeals against the decisions of Kardars, Nazims and Adalat-i-Ala. The power to award death sentence rested only with the Maharaja. He could pardon any criminal.
Working of the Courts:
During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times, the working system of the courts was simple and practical. In order to get justice, the people were at liberty to knock at the door of any court in the state. At that time the laws were not written, so the judges would deliver their judgements on the basis of prevalent conventions. The disposal of the cases was speedy. The people could appeal to the Maharaja against the decisions of the lower courts.
Punishments:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was opposed to give severe punishments to the criminals. He had done away with many inhuman punishments. The death sentence was not awarded to any criminal. Normally, the criminals were fined. The punishment of amputating a part of the body was scarcely given to the criminals. This punishment was given to those criminals who committed crimes time and again.
Estimate of Ranjit Singh’s Judicial System:
The historians have either admired or severely criticised the judicial system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh on the basis of following merits and demerits :
(1) Demerits : Some historians have strongly criticised the judicial system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. They advance the following arguments :
1. Justice was Sold: One major demerit of Ranjit Singh’s, judicial system was that the government had made justice a source of income. One could escape punishment by paying fine to the government after committing even the most serious crime. Where justice is sold, to call it justice is an insult to justice:
2. Court’s Rights were not Clear : During the times of Ranjit Singh, the rights of various courts were not clear. Civil and criminal cases were not differentiated from each other.
3. No Written Laws : During Ranjit Singh’s times laws were not written. Therefore while delivering justice, the judges would have their own ways. In the absence of written laws, the possibility of the dispensation of right justice was reduced.
4. Wrong Decisions: Ranjit Singh was the Chief Justice of the state. No appeal could be made against his decisions.The decisions of these cases were adversely affected by the mental state of the Maharaja. Whenever the Maharaja was in a happy state of niind, he would even acquit the most serious criminal. On the contrary, if the Maharaja happened to be in angry mood, he would give a severe punishment even to an ordinary criminal.
(2) Merits : Many historians have admired the judicial system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. They advance the following arguments :
1. Justice was not Sold : Some historians are of the opinion that justice was sold during the regime of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Any criminal could have his punishment waived off by paying fine to the government. Most of the historians have contradicted this view that justice was not sold during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times.
2. Fast and Cheap Justice : Another prominent merit of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s judicial system was that the people of those days used to get fast and cheap justice. The cases were not allowed to get lost in the judicial complications.
3. Laws were based on Conventions : It is true that there were no written laws during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s period but the society never felt their absence. The reason being that the judges delivered their judgements on the basis of prevalent conventions and religious traditions. The people greatly respected these conventions.
4. Strict watch over the Judges : The Maharaja kept a strict watch over the judges so that they might dispense justice justly. He would take action against those judges who did not discharge their duties sincerely.
Jagirdari System Of Maharaja Ranjit Singh:
Question 4.
Discuss about the Jagirdari System of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Jagirdari system was prevalent among the Sikh Misls, even before . Maharaja Ranjit Singh, but Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave it a new shape. The following were the chief characteristics of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Jagirdari system :
Kinds of Jagirs:
During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times the following Jagirs were in vogue :
1. Service Jagirs : Service Jagirs were the most significant of all the Jagirs which were given during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. They constituted the bulk of the landed grants. Service Jagirs were given both to the military and civil persons. All service Jagirs whether civil or military were held depending on the pleasure of the Maharaja. They could be enlarged, reduced or confiscated depending upon how their guarantors discharged their assigned responsibilities. A brief description of these Jagirs is as follows:
(1) Military Jagirs : Military Jagirs were those Jagirs in which the Jagirdars had to keep certain number of horsemen for the state service. These Jagirdars were given Jagirs by the. state in return for expenditure incurred for the maintenance of these horsemen. Maharaja Ranjit Singh took special care that every military Jagirdar must keep under him the horsemen fixed by the government. So, the Jagirdar’s horsemen were inspected from time to time. Those Jagirdars, whose horsemen were found less in number, were given punishments. In 1830 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had introduced the branding of horses.
(2) Civil Jagirs : Civil Jagirs were given to the civil officers of the state in lieu of the salary they received. They had the right to collect land revenue from their Jagirs. The Civil Jagirdars did not need to keep fixed horsemen under them. The number of Civil Jagirs was very large.
2. Inam Jagirs : Inam Jagirs were those Jagirs which the Maharaja would give to the people in recognition of their special services or as reward for their acts of valour. Inam Jagirs were normally hereditary.
3. Subsistence Jagirs : Subsistence Jagirs were those Jagirs which the Maharaja gave to the people for sustenance purpose. For such Jagirs the Maharaja did not expect any service. Normally these Jagirs were given to the Maharaja’s relatives, the defeated rulers and their dependents and the Jagirdar’s dependents for their subsistence. The Subsistence Jagirs like the Inam Jagirs were also hereditary, jfm^at was expected in return was a payment of a small nazrana (tribute) in token of their loyalty to the state.
4. Watan Jagirs : Watan Jagirs were also called Patidar Jagirs. These were those Jagirs which were given to the Jagirdars in his native village. These Jagirs were, in vogue, during the times of the Sikh Misls. These Jagirs were hereditary. Maharaja Ranjit Singh continued the Watan Jagirs, but he ordered some Watan Jagirdars to render military service.
5. Dharamarth Jagirs : Dharamarth Jagirs were those Jagirs which were given to religious institutions, like gurdwaras, temples and mosques, or holy persons. The income accrued from the Dharamafth Jagirs given to the religious institutions was spent for providing accommodation to the pilgrims, on the langar and on the upkeep of sacred places. The Dharamarth Jagirs were given on permanent basis.
Other Features of the Jagirdari System:
1. Size of the Jagirs : There was a great difference in the size of all the Jagirs, whatever the category of a Jagir might be, but the greatest difference was in the Service Jagirs. The Service. Jagir could be equivalent to a village or part thereof or from an acre to as big as the whole district.
2. Administration of the Jagirs : The administration of the Jagirs was managed either directly by the Jagirdars themselves or indirectly by their agents. The administration of small Jagirs was managed by the Jagirdars, themselves or by the members of their family, in their absence. Those Jagirdars who had large Jagirs scattered over a number of places could not manage it alone. So, they appointed *Mukhtars’ to look after the administrative work of the Jagirs.
The amount of land revenue to be collected by the Jagirdar or their agents was fixed by the government. The Jagirdar had to keep it in view that the farmers working under him or his labourers should not be displeased with him.
Civil And Military Administration Of Ranjit Singh:
3. Duties of the Jagirdars : During the regime of Maharaja Ranjit Singh the Jagirdars not only collected the revenue from the Jagirs under them but also decided the judicial cases of the people living in their Jagirs. Many a time, the Maharaja would give command of small military campaigns to the brave Jagirdars also. Often the Maharaja would authorise the Jagirdars to collect arrears of land revenue from the areas under them. Sometimes Jagirdars were sent on diplomatic missions and were given the responsibility to welcome the important foreign dignitaries. In short, the Jagirdars enjoyed enormous powers during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Merits of the Jagirdari System
1. Free from the burden of Collecting Revenue : During the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, many civil and military officers had been given the Jagirs. These Jagirdars were given the right to collect revenue from the Jagir under them. So, the government became free from the burden of collecting revenue.
2. A large force was prepared : During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times those Jagirdars who were given military Jagirs had to keep soldiers for the service of the state. The Maharaja inspected these soldiers from time to time. The Jagirdars would send these soldiers to the help of the Maharaja at the time of need. A large reserve force for Maharaja Ranjit Singh was thus prepared by the Jagirdars.
3. Help in the Administration : During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times the Jagirdars not only collected the revenue, but also settled all the judicial matters in the Jagirs under them. These Jagirdars were also empowered to collect Nazrana. In order to maintain peace, they would also sometimes lead small military campaigns. In this way, the Jagirdar proved help&d to Maharaja Ranjit Singh in matters of state administration.
4. Restriction on the despotism of Ranjit Singh : The Jagirdari system imposed restriction on the despotism of Ranjit Singh. Since the Maharaja sought the help of the Jagirdars in running his administration, he could not rule by free will. He had to keep in mind the wishes of the Jagirdars.
Demerits of the Jagirdari System:
1. Lack of unity in the Army: During the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Jagirdars had their own army- Its recruitment was made according to the Jagirdar’s own whims. The soldiers under every Jagirdar did not undergo the same sort of training. Consequently, there was a lack of co-ordination in them. Besides, these soldiers were more loyal to the Jagirdars than to the Maharaja.
2. Exploitation of Farmers : The Jagirdars were empowered to collect land revenue from the Jagirs held by them.’ These Jagirdars would try to collect maximum Revenue from the farmers. The big Jagirdars would often take fixed amount of money from the contractors and allow them to collect revenue. These contractors would greatly exploit the farmers to earn maximum profit.
3. Jagirdars led a luxurious Life : Since the big Jagirdars were very rich, they led a life of luxury. They would indulge in debauchery and merry-making in
their palaces. One reason being that these Jagirdars knew that after their death their Jagir could be confiscated. Thus, the valuable wealth of the state was wasted.
4. Jagirdari System proved harmful to the Successors of Ranjit Singh: Maharaja Ranjit Singh had given enormous powers to the Jagirdars. As long as he was alive, he kept them under his control, but after his death, his weak successors could not keep them under their control. They began to take part in anti-state conspiracies. It proved very harmful to the Sikh empire.
Although the Jagirdari system suffered from certain defects, yet it eminently suited during the regime of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Military Administration Of Maharaja Ranjit Singh:
Question 5.
Give an account of the Military Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Describe in detail the military system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Write briefly the military organisation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Why was his army called the ‘Engine of Power?
Or
Describe the various reforms introduced by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in order to westernise his army.
Or
Discuss critically the Military Administration of Ranjit Singh.
Or
Describe the salient features of the Military Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Describe the merits and demerits of the Military Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was not only a great conqueror, but also a military administrator of a very high order. Before Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the military system of the Sikhs was very defective. There was a total lack of discipline among the soldiers. They were neither paraded nor given training of any kind. The infantry was considered very inferior. The Sikhs considered it below their dignity to join the infantry. The army was also not well-organised. There was no practice of branding the horses. The soldiers were not given salaries in cash.
They were given a share of the booty. As a result, the soldiers paid more attention to plundering than fighting. No record of the details of soldiers was maintained. Above all, the Sikh army did not have the modern sophisticated weapons. Artillery was not considered an essential part of the army. Such an army can not be called an army in the true sense of the word. Ranjit Singh was dreaming of establishing a powerful Sikh empire. In order to realise his dream, he felt the urgency of creating a strong and disciplined army. Therefore, he planned to modernise his army.
Division of Army:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh had divided his army into two wings,
- Fauj-i-Ain (regular army) and
- Fauj-i-Be-Qawaid (irregular army).
A brief description of these wings is as follows :
Fauj-i-Ain:
The regular army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was called Fauj-i-Ain. It comprised all the three arms,
- Infantry
- Cavalry and
- Artillery.
1. Infantry : Maharaja Ranjit Singh was fully aware of the importance of infantry. The task of recruitment in this army had started after 1805 A.D., which continued throughout the Maharaja’s reign. In the beginning, the number of the Sikhs in this army was nominal. The reason being that the Sikhs looked down upon infantry. Therefore, in the beginning, Maharaja Ranjit Singh recruited the Pathans and the Gorkhas in this section of the army.
Afterwards, owing to Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s efforts, the Sikhs too began to join it. In 1822 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh employed General Ventura to train the infantry on western pattern. Under his able guidance, the infantry became the efficienfand the most disciplined army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh within a few years. In 1838-39 A.D. the strength of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s infantry rose to 26617.
2. Cavalry : The second important part of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army was cavalry. In order to organise it on western lines, Maharaja Ranjit Singh appointed General Allard in 1822 A.D. Under his command the cavalry became very strong. In 1838-39, the overall strength of the cavalry was 4090.
3. Artillery : Maharaja Ranjit Singh was fully aware of the importance of artillery in the modern warfare. Therefore, he paid a special attention to the development of artillery in 1810 A.D. In 1812 A.D. he organised Topkhana-i-Khas.. In order to make the artillery more powerful he employed General Court in 1827 A.D., and Col. Alexander Gardener in 1832 A.D. Under their able guidance the artillery made matchless progress in a few years. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had divided his artillery into four categories:
- Topkhana-i-Fili,
- Topkhana-i- Shutri
4. Topkhana-i-Aspi,
5. Topkhana-i-Gavi. Topkhana-i-Fili consisted of very heavy guns, which were pulled by the elephants. Topkhana-i-Shutri consisted of those guns, which were pulled by the camels. Topkhana-i-Aspi consisted of those guns, which were pulled by the horses. Topkhana-i-Gavi consisted of those guns, which were pulled by the oxen.
Fauj-i-Khas:
Fauj-i-Khas was the most important and the strongest portion of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army. It was trained under the command of General Ventura. It consisted of four battalions of infantry, two regiments of cavalry, and a troop of artillery. It was trained and disciplined strictly on European patterns. In it, very selected soldiers were recruited. Their weapons and horses were, also, of the superior type. That is why this army was called Fauj-i-Khas. It had a separate flag and emblem.
Fauj-l-Be-Qawaid:
Fauj-i-Be-Qawaid means that army that did not observe any prescribed rules. This army was divided into four parts
- Ghorcharas
- Fauj-i-Kilajat
- Akalis and
- Jagirdari Fauj.
A brief description of these is as follows :
1. Ghorcharas: Ghorcharas were the most important part of the Be-Qawaid army. It was divided into two categories,
- Ghorcharas Khas and
- Misldar Swars. Ghorcharas Khas consisted of the relatives of the dignitaries of the court of landed gentry. The Misldar Swars consisted of those horsemen, who were previously employed with the Misl Sardars. They were regarded inferior in status to Ghorcharas Khas. The Ghorcharas retained their old methods of warfare and regarded the Europeans practices, as the tricks of the dancing girl. In 1838-39 A.D. the strength of the Ghorcharas was 10,795.
2. Fauj-i-Kilajat: For the defence of the forts, Ranjit Singh had a separate army which was called Fauj-i-Kilajat. 1116 number of these troops varied according to the importance of the forts. In important forts, a large number of soldiers were kept. In small forts the strength of the soldiers ranged between 25 and 50. The commanding officer of the fort was called either Quiladar or Thanedar.
3. The Akalis: The Akalis were known for their bravery. They called themSelves the immortal army of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Each Akali proclaimed himself equivalent to 1,25,000 soldiers. The Akalis always moved fully armed to the teeth. They were opposed to q}l types of training. It was very difficult for Ranjit Singh to keep them under his control. They fought like devils and performed feats of amazing bravery in the battlefield. Therefore, they were always employed in the most dangerous expeditions. Their number was about 3,000. Akali Phula Singh and Akali Sadhu Singh were their famous leaders.
4. Jagirdari Fauj: During the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, those Jagirdars, who were given military Jagirs had to keep soldiers for the service of the state. The small Jagirdars kept only the cavaliers, whereas the big Jagirdars kept infantry and artillery, in addition to the cavaliers. The Jagirdars themselves recruited their soldiers. These soldiers were inspected from time to time by the state.
Other Features:
1. Total Strength of the Army: Most of the historians agree to the view that Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army ranged between 75,000 and 1,00,000.
2. Composition: Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army consisted of persons belonging to different classes. These included the Sikhs, the Rajputs, the Brahmans, the Khatris, the Gorkhas, the Muslims. The Purbia Hindustanis and the Europeans.
3. Recruitment: The enlistment in the army during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time was entirely voluntary. Only strong and sturdy persons were recruited in the army. The task of recruiting officers was in the hands of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
4. Pay: Before the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh the soldiers were paid either in the form of Jagirs or out of the plunder. The soldiers were paid in kind, twice a year at the time of harvest. Maharaja Ranjit Singh introduced the system of making payment in cash.
5. Promotions : Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave promotions to the soldiers, only on the basis of their ability. While giving promotions to his soldiers, the Maharaja did not discriminate against anyone on the basis of caste or religion.
6. Rewards and Honours : Every year Maharaja Ranjit Singh spent lakhs of rupees on presents and honours, which he gave to the soldiers for their acts of bravery in the battlefield and also for their glorious services to th^Li&hore Darbar.
7. Discipline: Maharaja Ranjit Singh had maintained a high depeb of discipline in his army. Those who violated the military rules were awarded severe punishments. Gen. Sir Charles Gough and Arthur D. Innes aptly say, “The Sikh army was the most efficient, the hardest to overcome, that we have ever faced ip India.”
Short Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
Give an outline of Central Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Every word uttered by Maharaja Ranjit Singh was deemed law. In order – to get cooperation in running the administration, the Maharaja had appointed many ministers, of which prominent were the Prime Minister, Foreign Miniate. Finance Minister, Diwan, Chief Commander and Deorhiwala. It rested on Maharaja’s will to accept their advice or not. He had also established 12 departments or daftars for the smooth functioning of administration.
Question 2.
What was the position of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the Central Administration?
Answer:
Maharaja was head of the State and he was the pivot around which the entire administration of the state revolved. He himself appointed all the ministers, high ranking civil and military officers of the state. He was also the highest court of justice of the state and every word uttered by him became law for the people. He was the Commander-in-Chief of the army. He could declare war or peace with any ruler.
Question 3.
Write a short note on the Provincial Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh had divided his empire into four Provinces,
- Suba-i-Lahore
- Suba-i-Multan
- Suba-i-Kashmir and
- Suba-i-Peshawar.
The administration of the Suba or Province was under Nazim (Governor). His main duties were to maintain peace, and to enforce the orders of the Maharaja in the province. He also helped the officials in collecting land revenue to maintain the law and order in the state, to enforce the orders of the Maharaja.
Question 4.
What was the position of Kardar during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Or
Write the works of Kardar during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Each Suba was further divided into many Paraganas. The chief official of the Pargana was called Kardar. The chief duties of the Kardar were to establish peace in the Pargana, to get the Maharaja’s order implemented, to collect the land revenue, to look after public welfare and administer justice. In brief the Kardar exercised enormous powers in his Pargana. He was assisted by Qanungos and Muqaddams.
Question 5.
Analyse the Local Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
What do yoh khow about the Local Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
At the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh the Subas were further divided into many Parganas. The administration of Pargana was under Kardar. The main duties of the Kardar were to keep peace in his Pargana, to promulgate orders of the Maharaja, to collect revenue, to look after the public welfare, and to decide the civil and criminal cases. Village or Mauz& was the lowest unit of administration. Its administration was in the hands of Panchayat.
Question 6.
Write the important functions of |£otwal during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. .
Answer:
- To implement the orders of the Maharaja.
- To establish law and order in the city.
- To look after the cleanliness in the city.
- To keep the record of foreigners.
- To keep a watch on trade and industries in the city.
Question 7.
Write a short note on the administration of city of Lahore during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
How was the administration of the city of Lahore during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
During the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the administration of Lahore city was run differently from other cities. The whole city was divided into Mohallas. A Mohalla was under a Mohalladar. The Mohalladar maintained peace and order in his mohalla and looked after the arrangement of cleanliness. The chief official of Lahore city was ‘KotwaP who usually was to be a Muslim. At the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Imam Baksh was appointed at this post.
Question 8.
Write a slbort note on the Financial Administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Describe main features of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Land Revenue Administration.
Answer:
Land revenue being the main source of state income, Maharaja Ranjit Singh paid special attention to its administration. Batai, Kankut, Bidding, Bigha, Plough and Well systems of determining land revenue were prevalent during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time. Land revenue was collected twice in a year. The officials who collected revenue were—Kardar, Muqaddam, Patwari, Qanungo and Chaudhary. Land revenue could be paid in cash or in kind and it was fixed on the basis of fertility of land.
Question 9.
Write a brief note on Jagirdari system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
What were the chief features of Jagirdari system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Many types of Jagirs were prevalent during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time. Of these, service Jagirs was considered the most important. These Jagirs were given to high military and civil officials of the state in lieu of their salaries. Besides, Inam Jagirs, Subsistence Jagirs, Watan Jagirs and Dharamarth Jagirs Were also prevalent. Dharamarth Jagirs were given to religious institutions and holy persons. These Jagirs were managed by Jagirdar himself directly or by his agents.
Question 10.
Write a shcfrt note on the Judicial system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Discuss the main features of the Judicial system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
What were the main features of the Judicial system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
The Judicial system of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was simple. Laws were not written. Justice was done on the basis of existing conventions, customs and sacred scriptures. The final verdict rested with the Maharaja. In order to give justice to his subjects, Maharaja Ranjit Singh had set up many courts in his empire. The Panchayats settled disputes in the villages. In towns and cities, there were courts of Qazis. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time, punishments were not rigid.
Question 11.
What were the main features of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Military Administration?
Or
What reforms were introduced by Ranjit Singh to improve his Military system?
Or
Write a short note on the Military Administration of Ranjit Singh.
Or
What were the main features of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Military Administration?
Or
Describe any three features of the military administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
What do you know about the military system of Mahraja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh organised a vast and powerful army. He recruited the English officers in his army to make his army stronger. Keeping record of soldier’s identification and putting mark on horses were started. Factories for manufacturing cannons, guns and other arms were established in the state. He personally inspected the army. Special awards were given to those who displayed bravery in battles. The soldiers were given salary in cash or in the form of Jagirs.
Question 12.
Write a brief note on the Fauj-i-Khas of Maharaja Ranjit Singles army.
Answer:
The Fauj-i-Khas of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army was its most important and most powerful part. It was commanded and trained by General Ventura. It consisted of 4 battalions of infantry, 2 regiments of cavalry and 1 troop of artillery. This army was trained in European style. Selected soldiers were enlisted in it. Their arms and horses were also of best quality. That is why it was called Fauj- i-Khas. This army was highly disciplined.
Question 13.
What was Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s attitude towards his subjects?
Answer:
Ranjit Singh’s behaviour towards his subjects was good. State officials were given instructions that they should take extra care for the welfare of public. He travelled in disguise very often to know the real condition of people. Those who violated his orders, were given punishment. The peasants and the poor were given special state facilities. He gave patronage not only-to the Sikhs and Hindus but also to the Muslims.
Question 14.
Write a short note on the effects of Ranjit Singh’s rule on the life of the people.
Answer:
The rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh had a far reaching effects on the life of the people. He had eastablished a vast empire in Punjab. Thus the people of Punjab were able to have a relief in their lives after centuries. Before this the people of Punjab had to face untold cruelities at the hands of Mughals and AfghAnswer: Maharaja Ranjit Singh had established an efficient administration of Punjab. Its main aim was the public welfare. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had abolished inhuman punishments.
Objective Type Questions:
Question 1.
Who was the pivot of central administration during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule?
Answer:
Maharaja himself.
Question 2.
Mention any one objective of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s administration.
Answer:
Public Welfare.
Question 3.
Mention any one power of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh himself drafted the internal and external policies.
Question 4.
Who was the Prime Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Raja Dhian Singh.
Question 5.
What was the main duty of the Prime Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
To advise the Maharaja about all political and other important affairs of the state.
Question 6.
Name the Foreign Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Faqir Aziz-ud-Din.
Question 7.
What was the main duty of the Foreign Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
To advise the Maharaja regarding war and peace.
Question 8.
Name any one famous Finance Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Who was the Finance Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Diwan Bhawani Das.
Question 9.
Name any one famous army general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa.
Question 10.
Who was appointed as ‘Deorhiwala’ during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
Answer:
Jamadar Khushal Singh.
Question 11. What was the main duty of Deorhiwala during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
Answer:
To look after the royal family and the court.
Question 12.
Name any two offices that were established to look after the central administration during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
Daftar-i-Abwab-ul-Mal.
Question 13.
Into how many Provinces was the empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh divided?
Answer:
Four.
Question 14.
Name one Province of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Subaf-Lahore
Question 15.
Who was thfe highest official of the Province du Maharaja Ranjit Smgh?
Answer:
Nazim.
Question 16.
Mention any one function of Nazims during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
To keep peace and order in the province under them.
Question 17.
Name the highest official of a Pargana.
Answer:
Kardar.
Question 18.
Write any one main function of Muqaddam?
Answer:
To help in collection of revenus from the village.
Question 19.
Who looked after the administration of the city of Lahore in Ranjit Singh’s time?
Answer:
Kotwal.
Question 20.
Who was the Kotwal of Lahore during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
Answer:
Imam Baksh.
Question 21.
What was the main function of Kotwal during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
Answer:
To maintain law and order in the city.
Question 22.
Name any one prevalent system of collecting land revenue in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
Batai system.
Question 23.
What do you mean by Batai system?
Answer:
The land revenue was determined after harvesting.
Question 24.
What do you understand by Kankut system?
Answer:
The land revenue was fixed on the basis of standing crops.
Question 25.
Name any one source of state income besides land revenue in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
Octroi.
Question 26.
What is meant by Jagirdari system?
Answer:
In Jagirdari system, the state officials were given Jagirs instead of cash salary.
Question 27.
What is meant by Watan Jagirs?
Answer:
These Jagirs were given to the Jagirdars in their own village.
Question 28.
What is meant by Dharmarth Jagirs?
Answer:
These Jagirs were given to the religious institutions- and holy persons.
Question 29.
Name any one judicial court prevalent in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
The judicial court prevalent in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time was the Court of Qazi.
Question 30.
Which was the highest court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
Answer:
Adalat-i-Ala.
Question 31.
Name any one drawback of the Sikh army before Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
There was lack of discipline in the Sikh army.
Question 32.
Name any one reform made by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the Sikh army.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh imparted training to the Sikh army on western lines.
Question 33.
Into which two categories was Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army divided?
Answer:
Fauj-i-Ain and Fauj-i-Be-Qawaid.
Question 34.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh organise the infantry?
Answer:
1805 A.D.
Question 35.
Into how many parts was cavalry divided in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
Answer: Four.
Question 36.
Whom did Maharaja Ranjit Singh appoint to train Fauj-i-Khas?
Answer:
General Ventura.
Question 37.
Under whose command was the artillery of Fauj-i-Khas in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
Answer:
General Ilahi Baksh.
Question 38.
What is meant by Fauj-i-Be-Qawaid?
Answer:
It meant the army which did not comply with the laid down rules.
Question 39.
Write the names of any two European officers of Lahore Darbar.
Or
Write the name of two European officers of Ranjit Singh’s army?
Or
Write the names of two main Generals of Ranjit Singh’s army.
Answer:
- General/entura and
- General Court.
Fill in the blanks:
1. The ……………… was the head of the State during-Ranjit Singh’s rule.
Answer:
Maharaja
2. Raja Dhian Singh was the …………….. of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Prime Minister
3. …………… was the Foreign Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Faqir-Aziz-ud-Din
4. ………………. and ………………. were the Finance Ministers of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Diwan Bhiwani Dass, Diwan Ganga Ram
5. The most famous army General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was ……………..
Answer:
Hari Singh Nalwa
6. ……………… was appointed as Deorhiwala during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
Jamadar Khushal Singh
7. Deorhiwala looked after the …………….
Answer:
royal family
8. ……………… kept the account of daily expenditure of the state.
Answer:
Daftar-i-Roznamacha-i-Ikhrajat
9. …………… looked after the valuable things of the state.
Answer:
Daftar-i-Toshakhana
10. The Empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was divided into …………… Provinces.
Answer:
four
11. ……………. was the highest official of the Proviñce during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Nazim
12. In Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time, head of the ……………… was called Kardar.
Answer:
Pargana
13. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time ………………. kept the record of land of the village.
Answer:
Patwari
14. ………………. was the chief official of Lahore during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule.
Answer:
Kotwal
15. ………………….. was the Kotwal of Lahore during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
Imam Baksh
16. ……………. was the main source of income during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
Land Revenue
17. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times, the ……………… system was widely prevalent.
Answer:
Batai
18. During the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh the land revenue was collected ……………. a year.
Answer:
twice
19. ……………….. Jagirs were the most significant of all the Jagirs which were given during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Service
20. ……………… Jagirs weíe those Jagirs which were given t& religious institutions during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Dharamarth
21. …………… was the highest court during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Adalat-i-Ala
22. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times, Adalat-i-Ala was set up in …………..
Answer:
Lahore
23. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times, the criminals were generally ……………. only.
Answer:
fined
24. The regular army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was called …………….
Answer:
Fauj-i-Ain
25. Maharaja Ranjit Singh appointed in …………. General Allard to train his regular cavalry.
Answer:
1822 A.D.
26. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s times the artillery consisted of very heavy guns, pulled by the elephants was called …………….
Answer:
Topkhana-i-Fili
27. Maharaja Ranjit Singh appointed ………………. to train Fauj-i-Khas.
Answer:
General Ventura
28. In Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time, the artillery of Fauj-i-Khas was under the command of General ……………..
Answer:
Ilahi Baksh
29. The army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which did not comply with the laid down rules, was called …………..
Answer:
Fauj-i-Be-Qawaid
True or False:
1. Maharaja Ranjit Singh framed all the internal and external policies of the state.
Answer:
True
2. Raja Dhian Singh was the Prime Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
True
3. Diwan Dina Nath was the Foreign Minister of Maharqja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
False
4. During the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Finance Minister was called Diwan.
Answer:
True
5. Diwan Bhiwani Das was the Finance Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
True
6. Diwan Mohakam Chand and Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa were famous Commander-in-Chiefs of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
True
7. During the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Jamadar Khushal Singh was posted as Deorhiwala.
Answer:
True
8. During the period of Maharaja Ranjit Singh the office of Daftar-i-Abwab-ul Mai kept a record of state income.
Answer:
True
9. Daftar-i-Roznamacha-i-Ikhrajat- kept the account of daily expenditure of the state of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
True
10. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had divided his kingdom in four provinces.
Answer:
True
11. Kardar was the main official of the Suba at the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
False
12. Kotwal was the main official of Lahore at the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
True
13. At the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Imam Baksh was appointed as Kotwal.
Answer:
True
14. Diwan Ganga.Ram established daftars at the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
False
15. Land Revenue was the main source of state income in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
True
16. Batai system was widely prevalent during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
True
17. During the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Land Revenue was collected thrice a year.
Answer:
False
18. Service Jagirs were the most significant of all the Jagirs during the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
True)
19. Dharmarth Jagirs were given to religious institutions and holy persons in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
True
20. Subsistence Jagirs were given to people in recognition of their special services in the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
False
21. Qazi’s courts were set up in cities, dining Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time.
Answer:
True
22. During the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Adalat-i-Ala court was set up in Lahore.
Answer:
True
23. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was in favour of giving severe punishments to the criminals.
Answer:
False
24. Maharaja Ranjit Singh made a compromise between traditional and western ideas for his army.
Answer:
True
25. The regular army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was called Fauj-i-Ain.
Answer:
True
26. Maharaja Ranjit Singh appointed Gereral Ventura to train Fauj-i-Khas.
Answer:
True
27. Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave the command of artillery of Fauj-i-Khas to General Ilahi Baksh.
Answer:
True
28. Fauj-i-Be-Qawaid was the army which did not comply with the laid down rules in the times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
True
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Who was the pivot of central administration during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule?
(a) Maharaja
(b) Foreign Minister
(c) Finance Minister
(d) Prime Minister
Answer:
(a) Maharaja
2. Who was the Prime Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) Diwan Mohkam Chand
(b) Raja Dhian Singh
(c) Diwan Ganga Nath
(d) Faqir Azizuddin.
Answer:
(b) Raja Dhian Singh
3. Who was the Foreign Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) Diwan Mohkam Chand
(b) Raja Dhian Singh
(c) Faqir Aziz-ud-Din
(d) Khushal singh.
Answer:
(c) Faqir Aziz-ud-Din
4. Who was not the Finance Minister of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) Diwan Mohkam Chand
(b) Diwan Ganga Ram
(c) Diwan Dina Nath
(d) Diwan Bhiwani Das
Answer:
(a) Diwan Mohkam Chand
5. Who was the famous Army General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) Hari Singh Nalwa
(b) Misar Diwan Chand
(c) Diwan Mohkam Chand
(d) All of the above
Answer:
(d) All of the above
6. Who looked after the royal family and the court during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
(a) Deorhiwala
(b) Kardar
(c) Subedar
(d) Kotwal.
Answer:
(a) Deorhiwala
7. Who was appointed as ‘Deorhiwala’ during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
(a) Jamadar Khushal Singh
(b) Sangat Singh
(c) Hari Singh Nalwa
(d) Jassa Singh Ramgarhia.
Answer:
(a) Jamadar Khushal Singh
8. Into how many provinces was the Empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh divided?
(a) Two
(b) Three
(c) Four
(d) Five
Answer:
(c) Four
9. What was head of province known as during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time? .
(a) Subedar
(b) Kardar
(c) Nazim
(d) Kotwal.
Answer:
(c) Nazim
10. What was the head of Pargana called during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
Or
What was the main officer of Pargana called at the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) Governor
(b) Kardar
(c) Mukadam
(d) Patwari
Answer:
(b) Kardar
11. Who was the incharge of Lahore at the time of Maharaja RanjitSingh?
(a) Subedar
(b) Kardar
(c) Kotwal
(d) Patwari
Answer:
(c) Kotwal
12. Who was the Kotwal of Lahore at the time Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule?
Or
The main officer’s (Kotwal) name of Lahore was :
(a) Dhyan Singh
(b) Bhawani Das
(c) Dina Nath
(d) Imam Baksh.
Answer:
(d) Imam Baksh.
13. In the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh what was village called’?
(a) Garhi
(b) Haveli
(c) Block
(d) Mauja
Answer:
(d) Mauja
14. What was the main source of income during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
(a) Land Revenue
(b) Toll tax
(c) Nazrana
(d) Zabti
Answer:
(a) Land Revenue
15. What was the name of Jagir being given to the religious institutions and holy persons in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
(a) ’Watan Jagir
(b) Inam Jagir
(c) Dharmarth Jagir
(d) Subsistence Jagir.
Answer:
(c) Dharmarth Jagir
16. Which was considered the most important Jagir in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
(a) Inam Jagir
(b) Watan Jagir
(c) Service Jagir
(d) Subsistence Jagir.
Answer:
(c) Service Jagir
17. Which was the lowest court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) Panchayat
(b) Qazi’s Court
(c) Jagirdar’s Court
(d) Kardar’s Court.
Answer:
(a) Panchayat
18. Which court was lower to the court of Maharaja Rapjit Singh?
(a) Court of Nazim
(b) Adalat-i-Ala
(c) Adaliti
(d) Court of Kardar
Answer:
(b) Adalat-i-Ala
19. Which type of punishment was given to the culprits during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
(a) Death sentence
(b) Jurmana (fine)
(c) Amputation of body parts
(d) All of the above.
Answer:
(b) Jurmana (fine)
20. What was the drawback of Sikh army before Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) Lack of discipline among soldiers
(b) Infantry considered as an inferior force
(c) No cash salary was given to the soldiers
(d) All of the above.
Answer:
(d) All of the above.
21. What was the regular army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh called?
(a) Fauj-i-Ain
(b) Fauj-i-Khas
(c) Fauj-i-Be-Qawaid
(d) All of these.
Answer:
(a) Fauj-i-Ain
22. Who was appointed to train Fauj-i-Khas*by Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) General Ilahi Baksh
(b) General Allard
(c) General Ventura
(d) General Court.
Answer:
(c) General Ventura
23. Under whose command was the artillery of Fauj-i-Khas in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
(a) General Ilahi Baksh
(b) General Court
(c) Colonel Gardener
(d) General Ventura.
Answer:
(a) General Ilahi Baksh
24. What was the name given to the army which did not comply with the laic^down rules in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time?
(a) Fauj-i-Khas
(b) Fauj-i-Be-Qawaid
(c) Farvy-i-Ain
(d) None of these
Answer:
(b) Fauj-i-Be-Qawaid
25. Who was appointed as a trainer for cavalry by Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) General Ventura
(b) General Allard
(c) General Court
(d) General Ilahi Baksh.
Answer:
(b) General Allard
