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Anglo-Sikh Wars and Annexation of Punjab

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The Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845–1849) resulted in the annexation of the Punjab, the last independent Indian kingdom, by the British East India Company.

Background

After the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839, the Sikh Empire descended into internal strife, factional assassinations, and army mutinies. The powerful Khalsa army, seeing the British encirclement (annexation of Sindh 1843, wars in Afghanistan), decided to cross the Sutlej River to pre-empt a British invasion.

First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846)

The Sikh army crossed the Sutlej in December 1845. Battles were fiercely contested:

  • Battle of Mudki (18 Dec 1845): Indecisive but British gained initial ground.
  • Battle of Ferozeshah (21–22 Dec 1845): One of the hardest-fought battles; the British under Sir Hugh Gough and Sir Henry Hardinge suffered heavy casualties but eventually the Sikhs retired due to lack of leadership and ammunition.
  • Battle of Aliwal (28 Jan 1846): Sir Harry Smith defeated a Sikh detachment.
  • Battle of Sobraon (10 Feb 1846): The British decisively defeated the Khalsa army, crossing entrenchments and capturing the Sikh camp.

Treaty of Lahore (9 March 1846):

  • Punjab ceded Jullundur Doab and Kashmir (sold to Gulab Singh for ₹75 lakh, creating the Dogra dynasty of Jammu & Kashmir).
  • The Sikh army was reduced.
  • A British Resident (Henry Lawrence) was appointed, and Duleep Singh recognized as Maharaja with a regency council.

Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–1849)

Resentment against British control led to a rebellion in Multan (Mulraj). This spread to the whole Punjab. The Sikhs, under Sher Singh, fought again. Major battles included Ramnagar, Chillianwala (a near-defeat for the British), and finally the decisive Battle of Gujrat (21 Feb 1849), where the British routed the Sikh forces.

Annexation

On 29 March 1849, Lord Dalhousie issued a proclamation annexing the Punjab. The young Maharaja Duleep Singh was deposed and sent to England, where he converted to Christianity. The Punjab became a model province under the administration of the Lawrence brothers and later John Lawrence.

The annexation of Punjab completed the British territorial conquest of India, extending British rule to the natural frontier of the Himalayas.