London: A poll has named Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the 19th-century ruler of the Sikh empire in India, as the ‘Greatest Leader of All Time’. The poll in which more than 5,000 readers voted was conducted by ‘BBC World Histories Magazine’.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh, called ‘Lion of Punjab’, gained over 38 per cent of the votes to defeat rival nominees, including Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln.
Historian Matthew Lockwood had nominated Singh, stating that he formed a “modern empire of toleration”.
The assistant professor of history at the University of Alabama said: “This golden age would not survive him. After his death in 1839, Ranjit Singh’s empire of toleration unravelled. The British invaded, the Sikh empire collapsed and instability returned to the region.”
“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.
The magazine mentioned that by the early decades of the 19th century, Singh had taken steps to modernise the Sikh Khalsa Army, accepted western innovations without leaving aside local forms and institutions and reached a détente with the British East India Company, among other things.
With 25 per cent of the vote, the second spot was taken by Amilcar Cabral, who marshalled together over 1 million Guineans to gain independence from Portuguese occupation. As a result, many other colonised African countries rose and fought for independence.
Britain’s war-time Prime Minister Winston Churchill, with 7 per cent of the vote, is at number three for his ability to make decisions quickly and sharp political manoeuvring. American President Abraham Lincoln is at number 4 spot and British monarch Elizabeth I at five.
‘BBC World Histories Magazine’ had asked historians, including Margaret MacMillan, Rana Mitter, Matthew Lockwood and Gus Casely-Hayford, to nominate the greatest leader.
Matt Elton, the editor of ‘BBC World History Magazine’, said: “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.”
“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.