Modern History - All lessons

First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46) - A Complex Conflict

Background

1. Rise of the Sikh Kingdom

   • Maharaja Ranjit Singh established the Sikh kingdom of Punjab in the early 19th century.
   • The British expanded their controlled lands toward Punjab through conquest and annexation.

2. Ranjit Singh's Strategy

   • Ranjit Singh maintained an alliance with the British, surrendering territory south of the Sutlej River.
   • He bolstered his military strength to deter British expansion and combat Afghan threats.

3. Military Reinforcement

   • To strengthen his army, Ranjit Singh hired American and European mercenary soldiers.
   • His forces included Hindu and Muslim contingents.

4. Complex Causes

   • The war's causes were multifaceted:
     • Disorder in the Lahore kingdom following Ranjit Singh's death.
     • Suspicion among the Sikh army due to English military campaigns in Gwalior, Sindh, and Afghanistan.
     • Increased English troop presence near the Lahore kingdom's border.

Course of the War

5. Forces and Early Defeats

   • The British had 20,000 to 30,000 troops at the conflict's outset, while the Sikhs, under Lal Singh's command, numbered around 50,000.
   • The treachery of Lal Singh and Teja Singh led to the Sikhs' defeat in five consecutive battles.

6. Five Battles

   • The five key battles of the First Anglo-Sikh War:
     • Battle of Mudki: A British force led by Lal Singh met Gough's advancing army.
     • Battle of Ferozeshah: A British victory commanded by Gough and Hardinge.
     • Battle of Baddowal: A Sikh raid against British forces near Ludhiana.
     • Battle of Aliwal: Fought between British and Sikh forces, led by Sir Harry Smith and Ranjodh Singh Majithia.
     • Battle of Sobraon: The decisive battle that led to the Sikh's defeat.

7. Sikh Surrender

   • Lahore surrendered to British forces without resistance on February 20, 1846.

Result of the First Anglo-Sikh War

8. Treaty of Lahore

   • The Sikhs were compelled to accept a humiliating peace agreement on March 8, 1846.
   • Key provisions of the Treaty of Lahore included:
     • The English received a substantial war indemnity.
     • The Company annexed the Jalandhar Doab.
     • A British residency was established in Lahore, led by Henry Lawrence.
     • The Sikh army's strength was reduced.
     • Daleep Singh became ruler with Rani Jindan as regent and Lal Singh as wazir.
     • To fulfill the war indemnity, Kashmir, including Jammu, was sold to Gulab Singh.

9. Treaty of Bhairowal

   • Dissatisfaction among the Sikhs regarding the Treaty of Lahore led to the Treaty of Bhairowal in December 1846.
   • Rani Jindan was deposed as regent, and a council of regency for Punjab was established, led by Henry Lawrence.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh

10. Ranjit Singh's Legacy
    • Born in 1780, Ranjit Singh united 12 Sikh misls, capturing several kingdoms and becoming the "Maharaja of Punjab."
    • He successfully defended against Afghan attacks and expanded his empire.
    • Known as the 'Lion of Punjab,' Lahore became his capital.
    • His empire extended from the Sutlej River to the Himalayas, encompassing various cities.

Conclusion

The First Anglo-Sikh War was a complex conflict that weakened the Sikh Empire. While the war ended with the Treaty of Lahore, it sowed the seeds for future conflicts, notably the Second Anglo-Sikh War, driven by Sikh resentment of British interference.