The Second Anglo-Sikh War

Introduction

The Second Anglo Sikh War happened from 1848 and continued till 1849. This war was between the British East India company and Sikh kingdom. The British East India company seized Punjab, making it as a North-West Frontier Province. Patrick Vans Agnew as well as Lieutenant William Anderson took the charge of Multan city. After the incident, the troops of the Sikhs participated in the unbolted rebellion. Lord Dalhousie was the governor-general of this country and he agreed with the commander-in-chief, Sir Hugh Gough. According to this agreement, the military forces of the company would not be provided with transport.

Background of the Second Anglo-Sikh War

Image 1: Second Sikh War Map

The first Sikh War presented the settlement of Punjab, but the matter did not suit the objectives of the English imperialistic nor the Sikhs. That is the reason for developing causes for the second Anglo-Sikh War.

The Muslim communities in Punjab were offered different facilities, but the matter harmed the religious sensibilities of the Sikhs. The soldiers were discharged from the military and they felt cheated in this matter. They had no other options in this field and they participated in this revolt.

The Sikhs realised that the reason for their failures was the lack of rules by the leaders. They also assumed that if they get a chance they would overcome the situation. That was the reason they long for another battle against the English.

The first war made them humiliated and they also go through the conditions of the treaties of Bhairowal as well as Lahore. Rani Jindan was transported to the place of Benares, as a prisoner and there she was treated badly.

Image 2: Some important events of this period

The governor of Multan was Mulraj and the man was replaced by a fresh Sikh governor. It has happened for the increase in the annual revenue. Sher Singh was one of the most important characters who joined Mulraj and it sparked throughout Multan. This was considered to be the main reason for this conflict and Lord Dalhousie had to give justification for this matter.

Course of the War

• Lord Dalhousie moved towards Punjab and it was seen that before this war three wars were fought and they were considered to be major wars.

• The most important wars included the Battle of Ramnagar, and Chillianwala Battle. It was observed that the war of the Ramnagar happened with the leadership of Sir Hugh Gough who was the chief commander of the company.

• It was observed that the first battle was fought between the Sikhs as well as the English. It was fought at the place of Ramnagar, but unfortunately it remained undecided.

• On the other hand, the war of Chillianwala was fought on January 13, 1849. In this war, the English succeeded over Multan and it represented that the army of Sikhs surrendered at Rawalpindi.

• This matter happened on February 21, 1849 as well as the Afghan allies were pushed to leave this country. Mulraj also surrendered during this event but the main revolt was taken place on February 21, 1849, at Gujrat. Sher Singh and Chattar Singh surrendered to the English as well as Dalhousie annexed Punjab.

Result of the War

Image 3: Sher Singh Attariwala leading a cavalry charge in the Second Anglo-Sikh War

• This war had a great impact or result in the place of India and it was observed that Punjab was seized by the Britishers. The Lahore Treaty represented this matter and it was enacted under Lord Dalhousie on March 1849.

• The most important factor was that a young Maharaja, Duleep Singh was moved to England. Rani Jindan, as well as her son, was parted and dispatched to Firozpur.

• The jewellery, as well as cash of the Rani, was seized and her allowances were decreased. Sir John Lawrence was Punjab’s first chief commissioner and this man was selected for supervising the government.

• Dalhousie has been given the name of Marquis as he participated in Punjab’s British acquisition. The Britishers acquired the fame of Koh-i-Noor diamond but previously it was Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s ownership.

About Lord Dalhousie

The real name of Lord Dalhousie was James Andrew Ramsay. He was India’s governor-general from the year 1848 to 1856. This man and his leadership became successful to defeat the Sikhs in the second war of Anglo-Sikh.

He was responsible for the doctrine of Lapse and it was considered to be the main reason behind the 1857 Indian Revolt. The man who was called the Maker of Modern India despised this event. He contributed to settling many schools in this country and bought some social changes.

Conclusion

The second Anglo-Sikh War was one of the most important incidents in the history of India. It was observed that the first war Anglo-Sikh humiliated the Sikhs and they also lost some territories. This becomes the reason behind the second war of the Anglo-Sikh and the Britishers did not treat well to the Sikh regent, Maharani Jindan Kaur. She was abolished from Lahore by making charges that she had tried to conspire against the Britishers.

FAQs

Q1. Who was behind the Doctrine of Lapse?

Ans. East-India Company’s governor-general was Lord Dalhousie and it was from 1848 to 1856. This man was mostly identified for this policy and the Doctrine of Lapse was called an annexation strategy. This company established the strategy and t was related to the princely kingdoms.

Q2. How did the second Anglo-Sikh War result?

Ans. Punjab was seized by the Britishers and it had happened under the leadership of Lord Dalhousie. Duleep Singh was one of the youngest Maharajas and he was forced to go to England. The Maharaja, Jind Kau as well as his son were separated and they were dispatched to Firozpur.

Q3. Who were the winners of the second Anglo-Sikh War?

Ans. The Britishers were the winners of the war which was fought between 1848 and 1849. After this war, the Britishers controlled Punjab and it was a great event in Indian history.