the founder of the Sikh empire, was the son of Maha Singh, the chief of a Sikh tribe, and was born about 1780. The early part of his career was not propitious. His father died when he was only in his twelfth year. His worthless mother, bent upon retaining the government of the clan in her own hands, tried to make him an imbecile. Accordingly the means of education were denied him, and every indulgence that could enervate and debase his mind was forced upon his acceptance. But the boy grew up possessed of very dangerous accomplishments. No sooner had he reached his seventeenth year, than he removed his mother by assassination, and took the power into his own hands. He then commenced a long-continued and successful system of aggression. Every influence—war, stratagem, negotiation, and deceit—was brought into play. The countenance of the English East India Company was gained. No means were spared to inveigle or force the other Sikh chiefs into a confession of his supremacy. His power was especially directed against the inert Afghans. Adopting European arms and discipline, he invaded them with an irresistible host. The province of Cashmere was taken in 1819. Other conquests followed; and at length, in 1826, he reduced the province of Peshawur. Runjeet Singh having thus founded an empire, died in 1839. His political life has been written by H. T. Pringle.