Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the patron and ruler of the Sikh empire during the early 19th century, has left behind Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln to be voted as the greatest leader of all times. It was a poll in which more than 5,000 readers voted in an event conducted by ‘BBC World Histories Magazine’.
The Lion of Punjab
Also known as ‘Lion of Punjab’, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, out of 5,000 readers, obtained over 38 percent of the votes to defeat rival nominees like Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln. Singh was honored for creating a new tolerant empire. The name, however, was nominated by historian Matthew Lockwood – assistant professor of history at the University of Alabama.
“This golden age would not survive him. After his death in 1839, Ranjit Singh’s empire of toleration unraveled. The British invaded, the Sikh empire collapsed and instability returned to the region,” said Mr. Lockwood.
“Though certainly, an imperialist, Ranjit Singh represented a different, more enlightened, more inclusive model of state-building, and a much-needed path towards unity and toleration. We could still benefit from his example,” he added.
Notable historians
Before votings, BBC World Histories Magazine had urged its readers to vote for the greatest leader from the names nominated by several notable historians. Moreover, the readers were asked to pick a leader who “exercised power and had a positive impact on humanity and to explore their achievements and legacy”.
“Though perhaps not as familiar as some of the other names on the list, Ranjit Singh’s overwhelming success in our poll suggests that the qualities of his leadership continue to inspire people around the world in the 21st century.” said Matt Elton, the editor of ‘BBC World History Magazine’.
“And, at a time of global political tensions, it’s telling that Singh’s rule is interpreted as representing ideals of tolerance, freedom, and cooperation,” he added.
After Ranjit Singh, African independence fighter Amílcar Cabral was voted the second leader with 25 percent of readers vote. He was a leader who is credited with merging over a million Guineans to free themselves from Portuguese occupation. He is also credited for inspiring many other colonized African countries to rise and fight for independence.
British prime minister Winston Churchill is in the third position with 7 percent of the vote for his contributions to Britain during world war.
Following, American president Abraham Lincoln stood at number four.
