Samadhi of Ranjit Singh

The Samadhi of Ranjit Singh is the memorial marking the cremation site of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder and greatest ruler of the Sikh Empire, who died in 1839. It stands in Lahore beside the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque, in the heart of the Walled City, forming part of a remarkable cluster of Mughal and Sikh monuments.

The building is richly ornamented. Completed by Ranjit Singh's successors, it combines Sikh, Mughal and Hindu architectural elements, crowned by fluted domes and cupolas, with a marble balustrade and intricately decorated interior. Inside, a marble urn is said to hold the maharaja's ashes, surrounded by smaller markers commemorating members of his household who died on his funeral pyre.

Its setting is deeply historic. The samadhi sits between the Roshnai Gate, the fort and the great mosque, and adjoins the Gurdwara Dera Sahib, one of Sikhism's most sacred shrines, marking the martyrdom site of Guru Arjan. Together the monuments tell the story of Lahore's Sikh period, when the city served as the empire's capital.

For visitors, the memorial is easily reached within the historic core, and its gilded domes make it a striking sight against the red sandstone of the fort and mosque. As a place of religious and historical significance, respectful behaviour is expected, and it can be busy with Sikh pilgrims, especially during festivals. It combines naturally with the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and the surrounding Walled City on a single walking tour, all clustered around the great Hazuri Bagh quadrangle. Entry is inexpensive, and the interior frescoes and mirror-work reward a closer look. For travellers interested in the reign of the "Lion of Punjab" and the layered history of Lahore, the samadhi is an ornate and important landmark.