Lieutenant Burnes The power of Ranjit Singh was now consolidated, and his fame at its height. He had brought into subjection the Mahomedan provinces of Kashmir, Multan, and Peshawar. The English valued his friendship and watched his proceedings with interest, also being concerned that he may enter correspondence with Rusia. On the morning of June 18th, Lieutenant Burnes made a public entry into Lahore. When he stopped to remove his shoes at the threshold, he suddenly found himself in the tight embrace of the great Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Burnes and party were seated on silver chairs, in front of the Maharaja, who wore a necklace, armlets, and bracelets of emeralds. Burnes presented presents from the King of Great Britain, in consideration of the relations of friendship between the two governments.

Farewell and Diamond of Kohinur The members of the mission had their farewell audience on August 16th, when there was a display of the Maharaja's jewels and of the celebrated diamond, the Kohinur, or mountain of light, at the express desire of Lieutenant Burnes. Among the jewels exhibited was a large ruby with the names of celebrated kings engraved, including Aurangzeb, Ahmad Shah, and Durrani. The Maharaja then invested Lieutenant Burnes with a string of pearls, and gave a friendly letter enclosed in a silken bag, addressed to the King of England. On presenting this letter, the Maharaja enbraced Lieutenant Burnes and asked him to convey the Governor-General his high sentiments of esteem and regard.

Meeting With Governor-General In 1831, the Maharaja met with the Governor-General, and after an exchange of compliments, his astrologers presented him an apple. The Governor-General provided gifts to the Maharaja, including jewels, pearl necklaces, diamonds, and ringlets. The Maharaja, in return, presented rich stuffs from Kashmir, and various jewels from the Punjab. The following days were occupied with evening entertainments, and exhibitions of horsemanships. A fresh treaty of perpetual friendship between the Maharaja and the British government was executed and signed by both parties.

Second Visit of Burnes In the early part of January, 1832, Lieutenant Alexander Burnes arrived at Lahore on his way to Kabul. He had several interviews with the Maharaja, who received him with marked affability. Burnes noticed that the Maharaja's bedstead was entirely covered with gold, the canopy being one massy sheet, with golden stands. The curtains consisted of Kashmir shawls, embroidered with gold, and the chairs for the guests were of gold and silver.