Who was the last ruler of the Sikh Empire before the British took control of Punjab?

The last ruler of the Sikh Empire before the British annexed Punjab was **Maharaja Dalip Singh**. After the defeat of the Sikh forces in the Second Anglo-Sikh War, Punjab was taken over by the British in 1849.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Dalip Singh’s father, was the founder and strongest leader of the Sikh Empire. However, after his death in 1839, the empire weakened. Dalip Singh became the ruler at a young age but had little real power due to internal political issues and British interference.

Important facts:
- Last Sikh ruler: Maharaja Dalip Singh
- Father: Maharaja Ranjit Singh
- British annexation year: 1849
- War: Second Anglo-Sikh War
- After annexation, Dalip Singh was sent to Britain

This question is important for understanding the fall of the Sikh Empire and the expansion of British rule in South Asia.