From Diplomatic Ties to Wars & Annexation
The relationship between the Sikhs and the British (Anglo-Sikh relations) evolved from diplomatic engagement to military confrontation, leading to the fall of the Sikh Empire and the British annexation of Punjab in 1849.
1. Early Relations (Before 1800)
- Sikh Misls (Confederacies) dominated Punjab in the 18th century.
- The British East India Company (EIC) expanded its influence in India, moving closer to Sikh territories.
- Initially, the British viewed the Sikhs as potential allies against common enemies like the Afghans and Marathas.
2. Ranjit Singh & British Diplomacy (1800–1839)
(a) Rise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1799)
- Ranjit Singh united the Sikh misls and became Maharaja of Punjab in 1801.
- Established a strong Sikh Empire, with Lahore as the capital.
- Maintained a well-trained modern army with the help of European officers (French, Italians, and British advisors).
(b) Treaty of Amritsar (1809)
- Signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British.
- The British recognized Ranjit Singh’s rule over Punjab but restricted him from expanding south of the Sutlej River.
- The treaty ensured peace between the British and the Sikh Empire until Ranjit Singh’s death in 1839.
3. Decline of the Sikh Empire (1839–1845)
(a) Death of Ranjit Singh (1839)
- Led to a power struggle and political instability.
- Several rulers were assassinated or overthrown.
- The Sikh army (Khalsa) became uncontrollable, leading to tensions with the British.
(b) British Interference in Punjab
- The British took advantage of Sikh instability.
- Encouraged internal divisions and prepared for war.
4. Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845–1849)
The British fought two major wars against the Sikhs, leading to the fall of the Sikh Empire.
(a) First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846)
- Causes:
- Unstable Sikh leadership after Ranjit Singh.
- British interference in Sikh politics.
- Sikh army’s growing power, which British saw as a threat.
- Major Battles:
- Battle of Mudki (1845) – British victory.
- Battle of Ferozeshah (1845) – Heavy losses on both sides; British won.
- Battle of Sobraon (1846) – Sikh army defeated.
- Result:
- Treaty of Lahore (1846) – Sikhs lost Jammu, Kashmir, and part of Punjab.
- British placed a resident in Lahore, increasing control.
(b) Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–1849)
- Causes:
- Revolt against British control in Punjab.
- Sikh army’s dissatisfaction with British interference.
- Major Battles:
- Battle of Ramnagar (1848) – Sikh victory.
- Battle of Chillianwala (1849) – Heavy British casualties, no clear winner.
- Battle of Gujrat (1849) – Decisive British victory.
- Result:
- Punjab was annexed by the British in 1849.
- End of Sikh rule in Punjab.
- Last Sikh ruler, Maharaja Duleep Singh, was exiled to England.
5. Aftermath & Impact
- Punjab became part of British India.
- Sikh regiments were recruited into the British army, later playing a key role in British military campaigns.
- Sikh resentment towards the British grew, contributing to future revolts like the 1857 Revolt and Ghadar Movement (1913–15).
MCQs on Anglo-Sikh Relations
1. Who was the ruler of Punjab when the Treaty of Amritsar was signed?
a) Maharaja Ranjit Singh
b) Maharaja Duleep Singh
c) Maharaja Sher Singh
d) Hari Singh Nalwa
Answer: (a) Maharaja Ranjit Singh
2. What was the main agreement in the Treaty of Amritsar (1809)?
a) Sikhs could expand their empire beyond Punjab
b) British and Sikhs agreed not to fight each other
c) British recognized Sikh control over Kashmir
d) Sikhs were allowed to expand beyond the Sutlej River
Answer: (b) British and Sikhs agreed not to fight each other
3. What was the result of the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846)?
a) Punjab was annexed by the British
b) Sikhs gained Kashmir
c) Treaty of Lahore was signed
d) Sikh Empire expanded
Answer: (c) Treaty of Lahore was signed
4. Which battle led to the final defeat of the Sikh Empire in 1849?
a) Battle of Mudki
b) Battle of Chillianwala
c) Battle of Gujrat
d) Battle of Sobraon
Answer: (c) Battle of Gujrat
5. After the annexation of Punjab, what happened to the last Sikh ruler, Duleep Singh?
a) He became a British ally
b) He was exiled to England
c) He died in battle
d) He became a freedom fighter
Answer: (b) He was exiled to England
Conclusion
Anglo-Sikh relations went from friendly diplomacy under Ranjit Singh to full-scale war after his death. The British exploited political instability, leading to the annexation of Punjab in 1849. However, Sikhs later played a crucial role in India’s independence movements.
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