By Admin 
Maharaja Ranjit Singh: The story of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Gul Bahar is one of the most dramatic and controversial chapters in the history of Punjab. A young Muslim dancer and singer from Amritsar, just 18 years old, had cast such a spell on the Maharaja that he was even ready to face punishment for her. Let us know the complete history of this story.
How did you meet the Maharaja?
Gul Bahaar was a professional singer and dancer. She was performing at a royal party in Amritsar when Maharaja Ranjit Singh heard her voice for the first time. This one meeting mesmerized the Maharaja. The Maharaja wanted to keep her as his girlfriend but Gul Bahar refused. Being from a Muslim family, Gul said that she could only become his wife and not his girlfriend.
How history changed
According to BBC report and historian Iqbal Qaiser, Gul Bahar told Maharaja Ranjit Singh that if he really loved her, he would have to marry her with respect. The Maharaja immediately agreed and went to her family with the marriage proposal.
Why did the controversy happen?
It was very difficult for a great ruler like Maharaja Ranjit Singh to marry outside the Sikh religion. Religious people of Sikhism strongly opposed his decision and he was called to Akal Takht, the Sikh pilgrimage site in Amritsar. It is said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh was ordered to wash the floors of the entire Gurudwara as penance. But according to Iqbal Kaiser, the Maharaja was punished by flogging.
How was the punishment completed?
The biggest dilemma in this punishment was that who would dare to flog the King of Punjab. The solution for this was that silk whips would be made. Maharaja Ranjit Singh appeared before the Akal Takht and was punished.
Gul Bahar became the queen of Lahore
Finally the wedding was celebrated and Gul Bahar officially became one of the Maharaja’s queens. On this occasion, Lahore was filled with celebration and Gul Bahar got respect, honor and love.
Also read: How many people do more than one marriage in Assam, which state of the country has this culture the most?