Indian Antiquary Vol 23

SR No.: 032515
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 412
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 16 MB

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68
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[MARCH, 1894.
Shujaa as his rival, and to take him with them in the impending contest with their army from Shikârpur to Qandahår.
Once certain English officers tried to persuade Ranjit Singh not to trust the foreigners in his service, because they would be of no avail in time of need: but he strenuously took their part, saying that Allard, Ventura, Court, A vitabile and other high officials had loyally served him during many years, had organised his army, and had so justly carried on the civil administration of his country that the people were grateful for it; whereas in former times, when Peshawar had been governed by his own Sardârs, there were perpetual contentions with the landholders; moreover, under the Europeans'administration not a trace of brigandage remained in the country formerly so insecure. He said that, for these reasons, he trusted his foreign officers, and bad no doubt they would jeopardise their lives for him if need be. The English gentlemen rejoined that all this was quite true, but that the Mahârâjâ ought, for all that, to put no trust in foreigners.
In course of time it appeared that the English intended to begin the proposed war with Dôst Muhammad Khân by the invasion of Afghanistan, and were concentrating troops to that effect, some arriving from Bombay, by way of Sind; but Rañjit Singh, although on cordial terms with the English and sympathising with them, kept himself neutral, Vol. III. Part V., a diary from 17th Bhadon, St. 1895, to 15th Hár, St. 1896
(1838 and 1839 4. D.) While Ranjit Singh was sojourning at Râmbâgh the news arrived that one of his ladies, MAI Chandan by name, had, on the 3rd of Bhadon, given birth to a son, afterwards Dalip Singh, and the Maharajâ rejoiced greatly.
Lord Auckland, the Governor-General, arrived at Firôzpůr, and several interviews took place with the usual ceremonies between him and Ranjit Singh. Long descriptions of the etiquette observed, and the persons present, are given, as well as of the reviews of the Sikh and English troops. Afterwards the Governor-General paid & visit to Ampitsar and to Lâhôr, The account of this visit is given in the detail usual with this writer.
Ranjit Singh had, on two or three occasions, suffered from weakness and fainting fits, and on the 10th of Hâr, he became so seriously indisposed that his hakims, who had before relieved him somehow, despaired of their ability to cure him by their strengthening and exhilarating drugs. He spent a restless night, sleeping alternately inside and outside his tent, and when the morning dawned, his physicians held a consultation, during which Bhai Gôbind Râm said that the disease was alternately violent and gentle, bat 'Azizu'd-din replied that it was beyond the power of the intellect to fathom it! The critical state of Ranjit Singh was brought to the notice of the Sardar Ajit Singh, who hastened to the presence of the Maharaja withont eating his food, and orders were issued to send troops to guard the twelve gates of Láhôr, and to prevent any armed men from entering it. The courtiers remained all the next night watching at the bedside of the patient, and after feeling his pulse on the morning of the 12th, the physicians declared that it was much stronger, and that he would recover his health. Alms on an extensive scale and gifts to the temple of Amritsar were disbursed by Ranjit Singh, who also performed his devotions, but knew full well that his end was near at hand. After a time the intervals of consciousness became gradually shorter, and the hakims found at last that pulsation had ceased. On this Bhai Gôbind Ram said to the dying Mahârâjâ in a loud voice that Raja Suchết Singh was present, and requested him to cast a glance at him, but Ranjit Singh merely opened his eyes and closed them again for ever! When Rañjit Singh was dead great lamentations ensued, and on the 16th of Hâr the Kanwarji Khark Singh had his corpse bathed in Ganges water, dressed in perfumed saffron coloured garments, and adorned with bracelets, anklets and a diamond ring. All the preparations having been duly made, the corpse was burned on
funeral pyre constructed of sandal-wood saturated with oil. The concourse of people was great, but no disturbances occurred.