Sikh Empire Events

More Than a Wedding sikh_empire.1 · dlc011

In a great feat of diplomatic and political performance, the … has invited the country's elite and foreign representatives to a lavish wedding for the prince.

The courtly chronicler in the Maharaja's employ records the festivities in great detail: "Fireworks of all kinds were displayed. A moving throne and 'Shalabagh' which were adorned and decorated with various kinds of flowers ... were carried over the shoulders of about 100 men.

… Attacks sikh_empire.2 · dlc011

Whilst our generals attended the royal wedding, forces from … have made an attempt to seize territory in ….

I was in Lahore when word reached the Maharaja about the Emir’s attack on his fortresses. I could tell you the hour of the day for the festivities came to a sudden end. For a moment, the whole city fell quiet. And then, I heard a loud, commanding voice shout the war cry that had terrorized enemies of the Sikhs for decades, "Jo bole so Nihaal"; those who say it are blessed. And every soldier in the Khalsaji replied with the familiar answer, "Sat Sri Akal", God is the ultimate truth.

Death of the Sher-e-Punjab sikh_empire.3 · dlc011

The Maharaja has passed away suddenly in … sleep. The nation mourns our loss.

In the courts of … …, the news of …’s death was celebrated. "The lion is dead," the ministers cheered, "Punjab will be ours." But many noted that the … did not partake. "The Lion of Punjab has left behind strong cubs, but will they hold against the Company?", one of … wives heard … ponder, "Or will we soon have the British knocking at our doorstep?"

Threat of Rebellion sikh_empire.4 · dlc011

… has been vocal in … disapproval of … …'s rule.

For hours, men have been debating the reports from across the Sikh border in the offices of the British East India Company in Delhi. The committee head has grown tired but then an idea comes to him. "Or perhaps... we do nothing," he suggests. "Nothing?" a young man asks. "As we have recently learned, few moments are more precarious for an empire than transitions of power. This is true for the Sikhs as well. The head of their pride is dead, the cubs have much to prove, and the hyenas are already biting at their feet. Why should we play our hand? Let them wear each other out."

Untimely End sikh_empire.5 · dlc011

A mysterious, crippling illness has rendered … unable to keep … throne. Intense speculation about the circumstances is circulating among the ruling elite.

The young palace servant returned home to find his whole family present. Everyone had questions for him. "Did the … drink … to death?" asked his judgemental mother. "It must be an assassination," proclaimed his zealous father. But the man cared neither for these questions nor those of his siblings, uncles or aunts. He wished only to sleep and never wake. Only then would his mind stop asking him - what was in the drink the wazir had him deliver?

A Grave Injury sikh_empire.6 · dlc011

… … has been hit by falling masonry on … return from … father's funeral. The Wazir insists the … is gravely injured and nothing can be done.

The people gathered on the streets. The same thoughts running through all their minds. Maharaja Ranjit's death was dismal, but he was old. Kharak's death was concerning, but Waheguru must have deemed it so. But if … died a day after … father, then it was time for despair. How would a child protect them? Would they fall to the Afghans or the Company first?

Sikh Empire 7 sikh_empire.7 · dlc011

Legacy of the Lion sikh_empire.8 · dlc011

Our country has survived years of turbulence and is not a subject to another nation. The Sher-e-Punjab's legacy will live on.

"I wonder what Maharaj Ranjit Singh would say if he were to see us now," the young soldier in the Khalsaji asked. "Would he be proud of our steadfastness? Or would he be disappointed in our achievements?" "Our people have a home and a future, hopefully, a peaceful one." The captain replied, "I think the Lion would be proud that his work has secured a home for his children."

The Last Maharaja sikh_empire.9 · dlc011

The young … who was deposed after the fall of the Sikh Empire, has now resurfaced.

The court was abuzz with the arrival of the Landless Prince, though they dared not call him that to his face. The young lad was handsome and polite and had the court’s sympathy. Raised without parents, he was a prince with nothing to rule. But he never seemed to let this bother him. Then again, some wondered if he understood the true extent of all he had lost.

Blown Away sikh_empire.10 · dlc011

"Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru", over and over, was all that could be heard across the palace grounds. The sound of grieving by those loyal to the now faceless …. The rest were quiet. Those who had detested the man were scared of the ramifications. Those loyal to Duleep, worried for his safety. And the rest were tired, tired of the ceaseless death that seemed to haunt them.

Cut Short sikh_empire.11 · dlc011

The brutal court intrigue consuming the … has claimed another victim. The short-lived … … has been found dead in … chambers, …

"What do you mean, no one wants to work here?" the palace cook shouted. His servant, a mother of two, met his eyes, unflinching. "They think the place is cursed," she replied, "and, well, you can hardly blame them. No amount of gold can rid the stench of death that hangs over these stones." The cook let out a deep breath, "No, no it can't. What do you suggest we do then? Starve the new King?" "Everyone may eat at a Langar, king or peasant," the woman replied. "If the food won't come to the King, maybe he can go to the food."