The Sikh Empire was led under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh mostly based around the Punjab which at the time also included Pakistan. It existed from 1799, when Lahore was captured to 1849 and was based upon the principles of the Khalsa. It stretched from Afghanistan all the way to Tibet in China and Kashmir so it was extremely vast to the Punjab seen now. 

 

Even though it was a Sikh Empire people of all faiths were allowed to live there and worship in whatever way they wished. In fact 70% of the population was Muslim yet they were happy regardless.

 

Hari Singh Nalwa was the Commander- in- Chief of the army of the Sikh Empire. He fought many battles and won them he even secured the Koh-i-Nor diamond for Maharaja Ranjit Singh, therefore when he died it created a significant loss for the Empire. 

 

After the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh the Empire started to weaken due to internal divisions and political mismanagement. In 1849 they broke down as some of their own poeple turned against them and joined the British to conquer the remaining state during the Anglo-Sikh wars.