Punjab and Anglo-Sikh Wars
When Banda Bahadur was captured and executed by Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar. After that Punjab got divided into many small confederacy which was known as Misl.
Ranjit Singh was the founder of Modern state of Punjab. He belongs to Sukerchakia Misl. He is accredited with fusing all the Sikh Misls to create one powerful state.
By 1799, he captured Lahore, Kashmir, Peshawar and Multan.
He paid due emphasis on developing a strong military force on modern lines. He hired British military experts to train his soldiers on modern lines. Moreover, his army composition was heterogeneous, i.e., a good number of Hindus as well as Muslims were also appointed in his army and administration.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh tried to bring the areas lying east of river Sutlej under his control. At this time, he was stopped by the British East India company and a negotiation happened between Charles Metcalf and Ranjit Singh which is termed as 'Treaty of Amritsar' in 1809.
Treaty of Amritsar - Ranjit Singh gave up all his claims on areas lying east of river Sutlej (cis-Sutlej areas). In return, British acknowledged Ranjit Singh's sovereign authority on the western side of river Sutlej (Trans-Sutlej areas).
Tripartite Treaty - The Tripartite Treaty which was signed in June 1838 between Ranjit Singh, Shah Shuja and Lord Auckland. As per this treaty, Shah Shuja would be reinstated on the Throne (Dost Muhammad was ousted) but he will have to recognise the claim of Ranjit Singh on land on right bank of Indus. Shah Shuja also agreed to determine his foreign policy with the advice of British.
This led the Afghan people tag Shah Shuja as a British Agent and thus, rebellion occurred that led to humiliating defeat for British in First Anglo-Afghan war.
In 1839, Maharaja Ranjit Singh died and within a few year 4 rulers were appointed on the throne.
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| Maharaja Ranjit Singh |
Anglo-Sikh conflicts
After the death of Ranjit Singh in 1839, in a quick succession many rulers were appointed on the throne who were Khadak Singh, Navnihal Singh, Sher Singh and Duleep (Dilip) Singh.
At the time of Duleep Singh (minor son of Ranjit Singh), power was exercised by his mother Rani Jindal (Jind Kaur).
At this time one British officer, Major Broadfoot repeatedly provoked and insulted the Khalsa army. Moreover, on the pretext of building a bridge on Sutlej river, large number of British troops were brought. Rani Jindan suspected the smoke and ordered army to attack on British in 1845, which resulted in the 1st Anglo-Sikh war.
1. 1st Anglo-Sikh War (1845)
Khalsa army was defeated at many places by the British. The war ended with 'Treaty of Lahore'.
Treaty of Lahore - British got half of the Punjab and Singh and Khalsa army size was reduced. And one British offer John Lawrence was appointed as the British agent in Punjab.
2. 2nd Anglo-Sikh War (1849)
Many influential Sikhs were expelled by John Lawrence. Moreover, British also arrested Rani Jindal at Chunar.
These all events led to a series of revolt in areas like Multan and Mulraz. After which British launched a full fledge attack on Khalsa army and completely routed them in the 'Battle of Chillianwallah (Battle of Chillianwala)' in 1849.
Khalsa army was disbanded and the Punjab came under the direct rule of the British.
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Note - This is my Vision IAS Notes (Vision IAS Class Notes) and Ashutosh Pandey Sir's Public Administration Class notes. I've also added some of the information on my own.
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