The Cremation Rites of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Role of the Bhagavad Gita

When Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century, was cremated, a curious detail emerged in historical accounts - a copy of the Bhagavad Gita was placed on his body. This act is often seen as a reflection of his deep respect for Hindu philosophy and his personal spiritual values. However, recent historical evidence casts doubt on this incident.

Historical Accounts and Debunking the Claim

The account of the Bhagavad Gita being placed on Maharaja Ranjit Singh's body during his cremation is disputed by several sources. According to eye witnesses such as Dr. John Martin Hoingber and the Lahore Akhbar, there is no mention of this detail. Historical records, including Thirty Five Years in the East: Experiences and Adventures in India and the Levant by Dr. John Martin Hoingber, provide a detailed description of the funeral rites but do not mention the Bhagavad Gita. Similarly, Ranjit Singh: Maharaja of the Punjab by Khuswant Singh, which cites the Lahore Akhbar, does not support this claim.

The funeral procession detailed by Hoingber shows that the body of Ranjit Singh was carefully prepared for the cremation. The rani and slave women were also followed in the procession, and the religious ceremonies involved Brahmins, Sikhs, and Muslims. The rituals were conducted with a profound sense of solemnity, reflecting the cultural and religious diversity of the region.

Secular Policies and Personal Beliefs of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Despite the presence of Hindu symbols and practices in his cremation rites, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was known for his secular approach. As the founder of the Sikh Empire, he sought to promote harmony among different communities, including Hindus and Muslims. However, his personal behavior and beliefs did not conform perfectly to the ideals of an ideal Sikh.

Dr. John Martin Honigberger, a Transylvanian who became the Court physician, notes that Ranjit Singh was a heavy drinker and somewhat superstitious. Despite these personal flaws, his policies embodied a spirit of secularism and religious tolerance. The detailed accounts of his reign, such as those by Khuswant Singh and Dr. Hari Ram Gupta, highlight his efforts to maintain a balance between religious practices and political governance.

Other Rituals and Oaths at Maharaja's Cremation

During his funeral, other rituals and oaths were also performed. For instance, the rani and their slaves prepared themselves for a harrowing sacrifice, which involved an oath of loyalty to the new Maharaja, Kharak Singh. This oath took the form of placing the hand of the Maharaja on the chest of a survivor and swearing fealty. Similar oaths were taken by some of the rani to secure the interests of the Sikh State.

The majority of historical sources, including History of the Punjab and of the Rise, Progress, and Present Condition of the Sect and Nation of the Sikhs in Two Volumes by James Princep, agree that the sacred book 'Siri Gitaji' was placed on the Maharaja's chest, though not necessarily on his body. This tradition, however, was separate from placing the Bhagavad Gita.

Conclusion

The presence of the Bhagavad Gita at Maharaja Ranjit Singh's cremation, though often cited, appears to be a myth. Historical accounts such as those provided by Dr. John Martin Hoingber and the Lahore Akhbar do not support this claim. Instead, the cremation rites reflect the cultural and religious diversity of the region, with rituals from Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim traditions coexisting.

Despite this, Maharaja Ranjit Singh remains a figure of significant historical importance, known for his secular policies and his efforts to unify diverse communities under the umbrella of the Sikh Empire. His reign is celebrated for its religious tolerance and cultural inclusivity, which continue to be admired by historians and scholars.

Keywords: Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Hindu scripture, Bhagavad Gita, Cremation rites