The Genesis of the Second Anglo-Sikh War

Understanding the Background of the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49)

1. Introduction

   • The Second Anglo-Sikh War, spanning 1848-49, unfolded due to a complex web of historical circumstances.
   • This article delves into the intricate background of the Second Anglo-Sikh War, shedding light on the events that led to this significant conflict.

2. First Sikh War Settlement

   • The conclusion of the First Sikh War left neither the British nor the Sikhs content.
   • The settlement arrangements did not align with the imperialistic goals of the British.

3. Sikh Sensibilities vs. English Actions

   • The British introduced certain provisions that favored Muslims in Punjab, which clashed with Sikh religious sentiments.
   • Sikh soldiers who had been discharged from the military felt disillusioned and betrayed, with limited livelihood alternatives.

4. Quest for Redemption

   • The Sikhs, whether rightly or mistakenly, believed that their previous defeat stemmed solely from the treachery of their leaders.
   • Driven by the desire for vindication, they yearned for another chance to confront the English.

5. Humiliation and Fury

   • The Sikhs had been profoundly humiliated by their loss in the First Anglo-Sikh War.
   • The terms of the Lahore and Bhairowal treaties served as constant reminders of their defeat.
   • The mistreatment of Rani Jindan, who was exiled to Benares as a pensioner, further stoked the flames of Sikh resentment.

6. The Mulraj Rebellion

   • Multan's governor, Mulraj, was replaced by a new Sikh governor due to an increase in annual revenue.
   • This replacement led to a rebellion, with Mulraj resorting to the assassination of two English officers accompanying the new governor.
   • Sher Singh, sent to quell the rebellion, instead joined forces with Mulraj, sparking a widespread insurrection throughout Multan.

7. Role of Lord Dalhousie

   • Lord Dalhousie, the Governor General of India known for his expansionist agenda, found the pretext he needed to assert British control over Punjab.

The culmination of these circumstances set the stage for the Second Anglo-Sikh War, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the Indian subcontinent.

Second Anglo-Sikh War

Course of the War

1. Lord Dalhousie's Expedition

   • The journey of the Second Anglo-Sikh War began with Lord Dalhousie's solo expedition to Punjab, laying the foundation for significant conflicts.

2. The Battle of Ramnagar

   • On November 22, 1848, the first major clash unfolded at Ramnagar, under the leadership of Sir Hugh Gough, the Company's commander-in-chief.
   • This initial encounter between English and Sikh forces remained inconclusive, shrouding the ultimate outcome in uncertainty.

3. Chillianwala Battle

   • The second battle, known as the Chillianwala Battle, took place on January 13, 1849.
   • Although this battle also ended without a clear victor, the English gained success in Multan.

4. Sikh Surrender at Rawalpindi

   • The Sikh army formally surrendered at Rawalpindi on February 21, 1849, marking a critical juncture.
   • The surrender resulted in the expulsion of Sikh allies, the Afghans, from India.

5. The Decisive Battle of Gujrat

   • The turning point of the war occurred on February 21, 1849, in a decisive confrontation near the town of Gujrat, situated close to the Chenab River.
   • The Sikh forces suffered a resounding defeat, leading key Sikh leaders like Sher Singh, Chattar Singh, and others to surrender to the English in March 1849.

6. Annexation of Punjab

   • On March 29, 1849, Lord Dalhousie formally annexed Punjab, solidifying British control over the region.

Result of the Second War

1. The Treaty of Lahore

   • The Treaty of Lahore, enacted in March 1849, signified the British seizure of Punjab under Lord Dalhousie.

2. Fate of Maharaja Duleep Singh

   • The young eleven-year-old Maharaja Duleep Singh was pensioned off to England, marking a significant transition in his life's trajectory.

3. Separation of Rani Jindan and the Maharaja

   • Rani Jindan, also known as Jind Kaur, and her son, the Maharaja, faced separation and were relocated to Firozpur.
   • Their financial allowances were dramatically reduced, and their jewelry and assets were confiscated.

4. Governance by Sir John Lawrence

   • Sir John Lawrence was appointed as the first Chief Commissioner of Punjab, responsible for the administration of the region.

5. Honoring Lord Dalhousie

   • In recognition of his pivotal role in the British acquisition of Punjab, Lord Dalhousie was conferred the title of Marquis.

6. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond

   • The renowned Koh-i-Noor diamond, previously owned by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and intended for the Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha, became a subject of controversy.
   • The British acquired the diamond as part of the Lahore Treaty during the Second Anglo-Sikh War, sparking intense debates and discussions.

Unveiling the intricacies of the Second Anglo-Sikh War through this point-based analysis, we gain insight into the historical events that shaped Punjab and the Indian subcontinent.