Which Sikh ruler was known as the Lion of Punjab?

Ranjit Singh was the Sikh ruler known as the Lion of Punjab.

Ranjit Singh united the Sikh misls and established the Sikh Empire, with Lahore as its capital. He was formally proclaimed Maharaja in 1801 and ruled much of Punjab until his death in 1839. His reign is remembered for political consolidation, military modernization, and a relatively plural administration.

The nickname “Lion of Punjab” reflects his reputation as a powerful ruler and military leader. His forces expanded the empire westward toward Peshawar and Kashmir, while European officers helped reorganize parts of the army along modern lines.

Ranjit Singh is sometimes confused with Hari Singh Nalwa, one of his most famous generals, or with his son Kharak Singh. Dalip Singh, another son, became the last Maharaja after the Anglo-Sikh wars, but he was not the ruler known by this nickname.