Previous Year Question
Who among the following had said, “God intended me to look upon all religions with one eye, that is why he took away the light from the other”?
Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Maharaja Sher Singh
Maharaja Dalip Singh
None of the above
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Maharaja Ranjit Singh made the famous statement that God had given him only one eye so that he could regard all religions equally. The statement reflected his belief that governance should not discriminate among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and other religious communities.
Ranjit Singh was born on 13 November 1780 in Gujranwala (present-day Pakistan). He lost sight in his left eye due to smallpox during childhood. He presented this physical condition as a symbol of religious equality. The statement is associated with his attitude towards religious tolerance.
Ranjit Singh became the Maharaja of Punjab on 12 April 1801. He established Lahore as his capital and consolidated the Sikh Empire into a powerful state. His administration appointed individuals from different religious communities to important positions. The Muslim scholar Fakir Azizuddin was among his principal advisers and officials responsible for foreign affairs.
Ranjit Singh is popularly known as the 'Lion of Punjab' (Sher-e-Punjab). He made significant contributions to the gold-plated development of the Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar. He died on 27 June 1839. Among the other options, Maharaja Sher Singh ruled Punjab during 1841–1843, while Maharaja Duleep Singh ruled during 1843–1849. The statement is associated with Ranjit Singh.