The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780–1839), popularly known as Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of Punjab), was the founder of the Sikh Empire in the northwest Indian subcontinent. He rose to power during the political vacuum created by the decline of the Mughal Empire and the invasions of the Afghans.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a formidable and visionary ruler, not a weak one. Before his rise, the Punjab region was fragmented into 12 sovereign Sikh confederacies known as Misls. He successfully united these warring Misls into a consolidated and powerful Sikh Empire.
- Statement 2 is Correct. In 1799, Ranjit Singh captured Lahore from the Bhangi Misl. He subsequently made Lahore his capital. In 1801, he proclaimed himself the Maharaja of Punjab.
- Statement 3 is Correct. Under his leadership, the Sikh Empire expanded significantly. He annexed Multan in 1818, Kashmir in 1819, and Peshawar in 1834. His empire extended from the Khyber Pass in the west to the Sutlej River in the east, and from Kashmir in the north to the deserts of Sindh in the south.
Key Takeaway:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh is credited with uniting the Sikh Misls and establishing a secular, modern empire with a disciplined army (trained by European officers) and a capital at Lahore.