victorious steps. He extended his influence and possessions by invading a powerful Mahomedan tribe on the Chenab, then defeated another confederacy, and routed and humbled many rival sardars, showing himself brave, enterprising, and prudent beyond his years. Many influential independent chiefs joined him, attracted by his courage in action and military ability, qualities which were inherited by his son Ranjit Singh, who as a boy of twelve succeeded him at his death in 1792.
Ranjit Singh, the national hero of the Sikhs, was born in 1780, and at an early age was afflicted by virulent smallpox, which left him disfigured and with the loss of an eye. The one-eyed boy grew up short of stature, and as chief of a misl he seemed what might be called a "sport" among the stalwart Jats who surrounded him; but he early showed commanding spirit, ability, and military genius, which marked him as their superior in action, in intellect, diplomacy, and all the
