Anglo-Sikh Wars - Causes, Treaties & British Annexation of Punjab for UPSC

Anglo-Sikh War

The Anglo-Sikh war was a series of conflict between the company and rulers of Sikh which ultimately led to annexation of Punjab into British India.

Causes of Anglo-Sikh War

1. The British company was keen to expand its territory in India. Punjab with its fertile land and strategic location was beneficial. Dalhousie who is considered as a great imperialist of the queen Victoria's reign (1819-1901) and if there happen any possibility of annexation of Indian state he did not miss it.
2. The conquest of Punjab was also the result of growing Anglo-Russian rivalry and the consequent British fear that Russia might attack India through NWF region.
3. The death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835 created a power vacuum in Punjab. His strong leadership maintain stability but his death led to coming of a series of weak successors. During the time of weak rulers. The Sikh court at Lahore became of battleground for different factions fighting for power which created an environment of instability and chaos.
4. Despite, the internal instability the Sikh army known as Khalsa remain a formidable force. The British considered it a potential threat. Frequent conflict at the border between the Sikh and company forces escalated the tensions between the two making conflict inevitable.
5. The Treaty of Amritsar 1809 also known as Minto-Metcalfe treaty between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Charles Metcalfe representing the company was established boundaries between the Sikh empire and British India. However, violating and different interpretation of treaties led to disputes and rising tensions.

1^st Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846)

The Battle of Mudki (Dec, 1845) was the first major engagement. It resulted in British victory but both the side suffer heavy causality. The Battle of Sabraon, 1846 was the final battle it resulted in British victory and collapse of Sikh resistances. The war ended with the signing of treaty of Lahore 1846 which impose severe terms of Sikh empire. The treaty requires Sikh to surrender territory, disband much of their army and pay a large compensation to British. The treaty also allow for the appointment of British resident in Lahore effectively placing Punjab under British control.

2^nd Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49)

The harsh term of Treaty of Lahore and the presence of British officials in Punjab caused widespread resentment among Sikh. Various Sikh leaders and military factions this satisfied with British interference rose in rebellion by Sikh governor of Multan in 1848 marked the beginning of 2^nd Anglo-Sikh war.

The Battle of Chillianwala (Jan 1849)

It was one of the toughest battle fought by the company. In the battle the British suffered Many casualities.

The Battle of Gujrat (Feb 1849)

It was a decisive battle of war resulting in the final defeat of Sikh forces also known of Battle of Guns due to decisive and extensive use of British artillery which settled the Sikh army's defense. Maharaja Duleep Singh and his mother Rani Jindan were sent away to London on a fixed annual pension. The famous Kohinoor diamond went in to the British hand.