Ranjit Singh was a prominent leader and the founder of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. Born in 1780 in Punjab, he united various Sikh factions and established a powerful kingdom that included parts of present-day India and Pakistan. His leadership is noted for promoting religious tolerance and modernizing the military. Ranjit Singh is often referred to as the "Lion of Punjab" due to his bravery and charisma. He ruled from 1801 until his death in 1839, and his legacy includes the establishment of the Golden Temple as a significant religious site for Sikhs. His empire was known for its cultural and economic prosperity.