The untold story of the Sikh Empire’s navy

When we think of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the images that usually come to mind are of powerful land-based armies, fearsome cavalry, and the wonderful golden glow of Amritsar. At its peak in the early 19th century, the Sikh Empire became a major power in North India, stretching from Kashmir to the Khyber.

But, a largely forgotten part of this grand empire is the rise of its naval power a less-regarded but strategically important distinction in Sikh military records. At the same time that the empire was landlocked in many directions, the Sikh leadership recognized the importance of rivers and sea access for security, trade, and influence, particularly along the Indus and Sutlej rivers and their tributaries. The strategic need for naval reform

Even though Punjab did not have access to the sea, it was connected to important river systems such as the Indus, Ravi, Beas, Chenab, and Sutlej. These rivers were not only effective lifelines for agriculture and shipping, but also important military routes. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, known for his visionary leadership and modernisation of the army, understood the potential of naval power especially for patrolling the riverine borders, protecting key cities and preventing invasions from the west. The threat of incursions from across the Indus with the help of the Afghans and the growing British influence down the river prompted the Sikh leadership to think innovatively.

The Sikh army was no longer a large marine army like the British Royal Army, but a compact, tactical river fleet. Maharaja Ranjit Singh began expanding his naval branch in the 1820s. The fleet operated mainly on the Indus and its associated rivers, with bases at important locations such as Attock, Multan and Mithankot. These were key outposts where river defences were strengthened.

The force comprised a variety of boats, including armed barges, gunboats and cargo ships. Many of these boats were locally built, but were rigged using European ship designs. Sikh naval units also included skilled sailors and artillerymen who were equipped with cannons and guns.

Ranjit Singh became pragmatic and open-minded in terms of modernization of his forces. Just as he employed European officers to train his infantry and cavalry, he also employed European experts to develop his navy. French and Italian officers such as Jean-Baptiste Ventura and Paolo Avitabile, even though more attached to the army, provided knowledge about European military logistics which extended to the naval agency. Similarly, local boatbuilders and craftsmen were mobilized to build robust ships suitable for riverine warfare. The presence of foreigners helped the Sikh army adopt better weapons, advanced navigation and techniques for coordination with land troops.

River patrols and security became the primary specialty of the Sikh army. The rivers served as both highways and borders, and the army ensured that trade routes remained open while keeping an eye on potential threats. Certainly one of its major roles was to move troops and components quickly across the empire, primarily during conflicts with Afghan forces or internal rebellions.

The army also played a role in protecting riverside fortresses, providing additional artillery support during sieges. In many instances, the presence of a patrolling naval unit served as a deterrent to smugglers, raiders, or spies trying to cross the river borders.

Despite its strategic importance, the Sikh army remained limited in scope due to geography and lack of useful resources. The lack of access to the sea prevented the army’s growth beyond the rivers, and the focus of the army’s funding remained on land forces, which were more actively engaged in wars. Moreover, the rapid rise of the British East India Corporation and its naval dominance in the Indian Ocean meant that any future expansion of Sikh naval strength was inevitable and would face major opposition. Internal challenges, including political instability following the death of Ranjit Singh in 1839, further weakened the empire’s ability to maintain and expand its naval ambitions.

After the collapse of the Sikh Empire in the Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845-1849), the British East India enterprise absorbed the Sikh military infrastructure, including its army. River forts and boats were either demolished or repurposed by the British for their own strategic use. With the annexation of Punjab in 1849, the independent Sikh naval initiative came to an end, lost in the larger story of colonial integration. Over the years, it has The issue of Sikh military records became obscured by land wars and political conflicts.

The military of the Sikh Empire, while modest in size, became a bold and far-sighted venture by a landlocked empire that recognized the importance of controlling its waterways. It represents Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s sweeping imagination and vision of a cutting-edge, self-sufficient state that was prepared to deal with both internal and external threats.

While records describe the Sikh Khalsa Army’s horsemanship and bravery in forts, the silent patrolling of the rivers contributed to the defense of the empire’s heartland. Rediscovering this naval bankruptcy not only provides nuance to the legacy of the Sikh Empire, but also highlights the importance of riverine warfare in current Indian warfare.