The Funeral Procession of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh

 ( Reference from the book-Thirty-Five Years in The East by John Martin Honigberger)

Eleven wives of Maharaja, accompanied by the body of the deceased, comprised four legal wives and seven female slaves. Driven by a superstitious belief that they would join their husband in paradise, these women displayed remarkable courage as they approached the funeral pyre. Cloaked in reed mats soaked in oil, they gathered around the body. Soon, flames engulfed the pyre, causing the women to succumb to smoke and flames before any cries could escape their lips. It is important to clarify that Hindu customs and practices are not uniformly characterized by such rituals. Women were not coerced but willingly chose to participate, often those who hadn't borne children. Perhaps they hoped for fulfillment in the afterlife that eluded them on Earth.

Maharaja Ranjeet Singh

However, the practice of men being burned alongside their wives or fellow men was unusual. Despite his desire, Rajah Dhyan Singh, a key minister, was prevented from joining his lord and his wives on the pyre due to the critical role he played in the country's stability. Maharaja Ranjeet Singh had engaged this minister to support his son, Kharak Singh, despite doubts about the latter's capabilities. Unfortunately, Kharak Singh's advisors led him astray, and he didn't heed his father's wise counsel, resulting in missed opportunities for the nation's prosperity.

Before delving into recent events in Lahore, it is necessary to elucidate the details of the rare and abhorrent practice of sati, the burning of living individuals alongside the deceased, which is now forbidden under English governance. I was an eyewitness to this tragic occurrence, and I shall provide a detailed account as follows:

Following the maharaja's passing, a funeral pyre was erected in a garden between the walls and the fortress, due to the immense crowds within the fortress. The scene was marked by the emergence of one of the four queens from the harem, walking unveiled and on foot for the first time in her life. She was accompanied by around one hundred individuals, who kept a respectful distance as they moved with her. A man beside her carried a small box containing her remaining jewels, which she distributed among the people as she proceeded, symbolizing a gesture of generosity and farewell. Another man held a mirror in front of her, allowing her to confirm her composure. Interestingly, this queen was one whom Maharaja Ranjeet Singh had married during my earlier stay in the country.

The funeral procession, comprising thousands of spectators, set off, with only the four queens carried in open palanquins, following the deceased. Seven barefooted female slaves, some quite young, followed, alongside the queens who appeared indifferent to the grim destiny they faced. The maharaja's body was placed on an ornate bier shaped like a ship, adorned with luxurious fabrics. Brahmins and Sikh priests conducted prayers, while Muslims invoked Allah. The mournful sounds of drums and murmurs pervaded the scene.

The funeral pyre, constructed from dry wood and stone, stood about six feet tall and was square. After lengthy prayers, the minister and other dignitaries ascended the pyre's ladder, placing ignitable materials and cotton seeds around the royal body, which was respectfully positioned alongside the board. The queens, slaves, and ministers ascended the ladder as well, arranging themselves according to rank. With a thick mat of reeds and oil, the victims were covered, and the pyre was ignited. In moments, the tragic participants met their end.

The consuming of the pyre took two days, and on the third, a select gathering collected the bones and ashes of each individual, placing them in separate urns. The remains were then conveyed with great pomp to the Ganges, where Brahmins performed rituals. The ashes were scattered in the river, while valuables were distributed among the slaves. The ornate tents housing the remains were made of precious Kashmiri shawls, with gold and silver supports, representing a significant expenditure.

As the procession departed the fortress, ministers, sirdars, and thousands of onlookers filled the streets, offering flowers to the palanquins. Maharaja Ranjeet Singh's palanquin was open, while those of his wives were closed, akin to their travels in life. The minister walked by his master's side, shielding the contents from flies. Upon reaching the Delhi gate, cannon salutes marked the procession's exit, and the remains were left in the care of the guard. The mourning period lasted thirteen days, with white attire worn to symbolize grief. Following Maharaja Ranjeet Singh's passing, his legitimate heir, Kharak Singh, ascended the throne.