(40) Afghans, Marathas, The British and The Sikhs - The Forces Gather

As the young Ranjit Singh settles in Lahore, the capital of the Punjab, which he has just captured, he has to contend with rival Muslim and SIkh chiefs, who resent his successes. Even as he deals with the immediate threats he takes note of significant events all over the subcontinent that present challenges and opportunities. There is great turmoil in Afghanistan as the king, Shah Zaman squares off against the powerful Barakzais, his erstwhile allies who are now aligned with his rebellious half brother Mahmud Mirza. Far away, the Marathas are embroiled in multiple internecine conflicts, involving the Scinida and Holkar clans, which threaten to impact the stability of the Mughal throne, which is propped up by Daulat Rao Scindia. The British, firmly entrenched in Bengal and allied with the Nawab of Awadh, turn their eyes westward, keen on engaging with the young Ranjit Singh, who they see as a bulwark agaist future Afghan invasions that might threaten their interests in Hindustan.