Moran Sarkar

Moran Sarkar

A miniature painting of Moran.

Moran Sarkar was an Indian queen married Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab in 1802.[1] She was a nautch girl before she became a queen. Maharaja was tied to slings by Akali Phula Singh for marrying with her.

Life

Moran Sarkar was born in a Muslim family in Makhanpur, near Lahore and Amritsar. She was a nautch girl. Maharaja Ranjit Singh used to meet her in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. She used to dance for him at the Baradari of Maharaja Ranjit Singh halfway between Amritsar and Lahore. The place was since called Pul Kanjri but now its name has been changed to 'Pul Moran'.[2] She later married Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a year after he became the maharaja of Lahore at the age of 21 and was officially given a name as Maharani Sahiba.[3] He struck a coin in the name of Rani Moran.[4] She was considered to be very learned in arts and letters. She was known for her philanthropic[5] acts and in bringing Maharaja's attention to many problems.

The Maharaja at Moran's request, built a mosque called as Masjid-e-Tawaifan, which was renamed in 1998 as Mai Moran Masjit in Lahore.[6]

The dilapidated Baradari at Pul Moran on the India - Pakistan border

Play

Her life story with Maharaja Ranjit Singh was made into a play by Manveen Sandhu and directed by Kewal Dhaliwal.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "Moran, the mystery woman". Tribune India. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  2. ↑ http://www.indianexpress.com/news/memories-of-a-dancing-peacock/837545/1
  3. ↑ "The man with 20 wives". Telegraph India. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  4. ↑ "Two emperors in the same mould". Tribune India. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  5. ↑ "Fame and infamy". Business Line. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  6. ↑ "Maharaja-Moran relationship in new light". Tribune India. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  7. ↑ http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080824/spectrum/main3.htm