Explanations:The question asks about who gave a tough fight to the British East India Company in Punjab. The correct answer is Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who was the founder and leader of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. Ranjit Singh's reign is significant in the history of Punjab and India as a whole, particularly in the context of resistance against British colonial expansion.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was born in 1780 and ascended to the throne of the Sikh Empire in 1799. He was a skilled military leader and strategist, and under his rule, the Sikh Empire expanded significantly, encompassing much of the Punjab region and parts of present-day Afghanistan and Kashmir. Ranjit Singh's military campaigns and alliances with other regional powers made it difficult for the British East India Company to expand into Punjab.
One of the key reasons Ranjit Singh was able to resist the British was his modernization of the Sikh army. He introduced European military techniques and weapons, which made his forces more effective against the British. Additionally, Ranjit Singh maintained a policy of non-interference with the British, which allowed him to avoid direct conflict while still maintaining his sovereignty. This strategy was successful until his death in 1839, after which the Sikh Empire began to weaken and eventually fell to the British in the Anglo-Sikh Wars.
The other options in the question are not correct. Maharaja Surajmal was a Jat ruler of Bharatpur, a region in present-day Rajasthan, and not associated with Punjab. Maharaja Jaisingh was a Rajput ruler and also not associated with Punjab. Maharaja Jaishankar is not a historical figure known for resistance against the British in Punjab.
Understanding the historical context of British colonial expansion and the resistance of local rulers like Maharaja Ranjit Singh is crucial for comprehending the complex political and military landscape of 19th-century India. Ranjit Singh's leadership and military strategies played a significant role in shaping the history of Punjab and the broader region.