Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Lion of Punjab, was unmatched in both power and justice. During the lavish wedding celebrations of his grandson, Kanwar Naunihal Singh, he declared in a moment of generosity: “I shall reward the one who truly deserves it!”
That evening, as the royal procession made its way to the residence of Sardar Sham Singh Attariwala, a clever trickster approached the Maharaja. “Your Majesty,” he said, “you promised to reward the most deserving—yet you’ve given nothing to my family.”
Amused, Ranjit Singh asked, “And where is this family of yours?” The man then presented a pot swarming with ants and declared, “Here they are! Now grant me my due reward.”
A lesser ruler might have reacted with anger or punishment. But the Maharaja, with his legendary wit and grace, simply smiled and said, “Very well—count each member of your ‘family,’ and I shall reward every single one.” Stunned into silence, the man had no reply.
Yet Ranjit Singh didn’t stop there. In a move that embodied his greatness, he filled the pot with gold coins and handed it back, saying, “Let this suffice for them all.”
With this act, he turned cunning into admiration—proving that true leadership lies not in power alone, but in wisdom, humor, and boundless generosity. Even an attempt to mock him became a testament to his legendary rule. Sat Shri Akal.
