Modern History - All lessons

The 2nd Phase of the British East India Company

1. Governor-General's Vision

   • Lord William Bentinck, the first Governor-General to perceive a potential Russian threat to India, was determined to establish friendly relations with key regional powers.
   • He aimed to create Afghanistan as a buffer state between India and any potential invaders.

2. Diplomatic Relations with Punjab

   • To initiate this strategy, an exchange of gifts occurred between Lahore, the capital of Punjab, and Calcutta, the seat of the Governor-General.

3. Historic Meeting with Ranjit Singh

   • On October 25, 1831, Lord Bentinck and Maharajah Ranjit Singh convened at Rupar, situated on the banks of the Sutlej River, amidst grandeur and pageantry.

4. Friendship with Ranjit Singh

   • The Governor-General succeeded in cultivating a friendship with Maharajah Ranjit Singh, leading to the conclusion of the Indus Navigation Treaty, which allowed navigation on the Sutlej River.
   • Additionally, a commercial treaty was negotiated with Ranjit Singh.

5. Treaty with the Amirs of Sind

   • A similar treaty was also reached with the Amirs of Sind, opening up the region for British trade.

The Conquest of Sindh

1. Rising Anglo-Russian Rivalry

   • The conquest of Sindh was spurred by the escalating Anglo-Russian rivalry in Europe and Asia.
   • British apprehensions grew that Russia might use Afghanistan or Persia as a route to invade India.

2. Increased Influence in Afghanistan and Persia

   • To counter the Russian threat, the British Government decided to expand its influence in Afghanistan and Persia.

3. Economic Potential of Sindh

   • The commercial prospects of the Sindh River added to the incentive.
   • A treaty in 1832 opened up the roads and rivers of Sindh for British trade.

4. Subsidiary Treaty with Amirs

   • The Amirs of Sindh, local chiefs, were compelled to sign a subsidiary treaty in 1839.

5. Annexation of Sindh

   • Despite previous assurances of respecting its territorial integrity, Sindh was annexed in 1843 following a brief campaign led by Sir Charles Napier.

   Sir Charles Napier had earlier noted in his diary, "We have no right to seize Sind, yet we shall do so, and a very advantageous, useful, humane piece of rascality it will be."

This phase of British East India Company's expansion and consolidation involved diplomatic negotiations, alliances with regional powers, and the annexation of Sindh to safeguard British interests and counter potential threats in the region.