Sheikh Mohamed. Emperor of the Five Rivers: The Life and Times of Maharajah Ranjit Singh

I.B.Tauris, 2012. — 288 p.Ranjit Singh was the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire and one of the greatest figures in the history of the Punjab. Despite the difficult conditions he faced, including harsh terrain, a mixed ethnic population and surrounding aggressors (particularly the British in India), Ranjit Singh managed to unite the various Sikh factions and built a nation that neighbours soon learnt to treat with respect. Following his death, the empire fell into gradual decline and in 1845, just six years after Ranjit Singh's death, the Sikhs were defeated in battle by the British and fell under the influence of the East India Company. It was Ranjit Singh's leadership skills and personal characteristics which kept the Sikh empire strong and united in the face of adversity. Unusually for the time, the empire that Singh led was secular and he sought to promote inter-faith unity through policies of equality and non-discrimination. This new biography sheds new light on this important figure in Sikh history. Mohamed Sheikh's accessible account of Ranjit Singh's life illustrates the extraordinary leadership qualities, military prowess and political skills which ensured his success as a leader in challenging circumstances.Mohamed Sheikh, Baron Sheikh of Cornhill in the City of London, was born in Kenya and brought up in Uganda, his parents originating from the sub-continent of India. He chairs businesses in the financial services and property sectors and has long been a leading figure in the insurance industry, and he also has an academic background. He and his company have received numerous awards and accolades and he is particularly involved in promoting inter-faith dialogue and undertaking humanitarian work. He has travelled widely overseas and has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his community work worldwide. He can best be described as a businessman, philanthropist, academic and a writer.