LAHORE, Punjab—Marking his 180th death anniversary, the Pakistan government today unveiled a life size sculpture of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh outside the Sikh gallery in Lahore fort. It is learnt that the construction of this sculpture made up of bronze got completed under the supervision of Faqir Khana.
“The sculpture is beautiful and very realistic with all characteristics of Maharaja Ranjit Singh,” said the creator of this sculpture while adding that this sculpture is a tribute and homage to the son of the soil.
The sculpture shows Maharaja Singh riding his favorite Arabic horse, Kahar Bahar, a gift from Dost Muhammad Khan, the founder of the Barakzai Dynasty. “The sculpture is finished in fiber cold bronze material and matchless in its making when compared to other statues of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in this region.” said Faqir Khana.
Sharing some intriguing details about the regime of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Faqir said that there used to be no communal riots or forced conversion in his regime. “Maharaja Ranjit Singh never ordered a capital punishment during his 39 years of reign in Punjab,” he added.
“It is a moment of proud that being a Punjabi, I am part of this history. Also important because three members of my family, Fakir Nooruddin, Fakir Azizuddin, and Fakir Imamuddin were all emissaries to Ranjit Singh,” he said.
