Empires do not become great on their own; it is their rulers to whom greatness is attributed. One such great empire was founded by a great king - the Sikh Empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. A warrior, military strategist, adventurer and secularist, Ranjit Singh fought his first battle alongside his father at the young age of 10. At the age of 21, he laid the foundation of the Sikh dynasty by uniting all the Sikh misls which were descending into anarchy and became the Maharaja of Punjab. Ranjit Singh's rule was tolerant towards all religions, and gave even the non-Sikhs the opportunity to assume important roles in its workings. The Sikh Empire grew larger and flourished under his reign and it was his military genius and formidable army which kept British invasion at bay. The great empire fell with the death of its true ruler as his successors were no match to his vision and vigour. Ranjit Singh AND THE SIKH BARRIER BETWEEN OUR GROWING EMPIRE AND CENTRAL ASIA Ranjit Singh and the Sikh Barrier between our Growing Empire and Central Asia is the story of the élan of the 'Lion of Punjab' and his unsurpassable bravery.