List of Anglo-Sikh Wars, History, Series of Event, Aftermath

The Anglo-Sikh Wars were two significant battles fought between the Sikh Empire and the British East India Company in the mid-19th century. These wars led to the fall of the Sikh Empire and British control over Punjab. The First Anglo-Sikh War happened in 1845 whereas the Second Anglo-Sikh War in 1848. The fall of the Sikh Empire marked the end of one of the last major independent Indian states before the Revolt of 1857.

Anglo-Sikh Wars

In the early 19th century, the British East India Company aimed to extend its dominance over Punjab, a region governed by the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. However, after Ranjit Singh’s death in 1839, internal conflicts and political instability weakened the empire. Utilising this opportunity, the Britishers increased their influence, escalating tensions that eventually led to open conflict. The Anglo-Sikh Wars, fought between 1845 and 1849, resulted in British control over the Sikh Empire, reshaping the political landscape of the region.

First Anglo-Sikh War

The First Anglo-Sikh War took place in December 1845 and lasted until March 1846. A key factor behind this conflict was the rising British involvement in Sikh governance following the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Tensions increased when the Khalsa, the Sikh army, crossed the Sutlej River and launched an offensive against British-held territories, triggering a full-scale war.

1. First Anglo-Sikh War Key Battles
   • Battle of Mudki (December 1845): The British won despite strong Sikh resistance.
   • Battle of Ferozeshah (December 1845): A battle where the British barely managed to secure victory.
   • Battle of Aliwal (January 1846): The British gained the upper hand by defeating the Sikh army.
   • Battle of Sobraon (February 1846): This decisive battle led to the end of the First Anglo-Sikh War.
2. First Anglo-Sikh War Treaty: The war ended with the Treaty of Lahore (March 1846). The terms of the treaty included:
   • The Sikhs ceded Jammu and Kashmir, Jalandhar Doab, and other territories to the British.
   • The British appointed a Resident at Lahore to oversee Sikh administration.
   • The Sikh army was reduced in size to prevent future uprisings.
   • The British received a war indemnity of 1.5 crore rupees from the Sikhs.
   • The Treaty of Lahore significantly weakened the Sikh Empire and cleared the way for British control.

Second Anglo-Sikh War

Rising tensions between the British and the Sikhs following the Treaty of Lahore led to the Second Anglo-Sikh War in 1848. The treaty had significantly weakened the Sikh Empire by territorial losses and a weakened Sikh military. This led to uprisings in regions like Multan and Hazara, where the killing of two British officers escalated tensions into a full-scale conflict.

1. Second Anglo-Sikh War Key Battles
   • Battle of Ramnagar (November 1848) – The Sikh forces put up strong resistance against the British advance.
   • Battle of Chillianwala (January 1849) – One of the bloodiest encounters, where both sides suffered significant casualties.
   • Battle of Gujarat (February 1849) – The battle that sealed the fate of the Sikh Empire, leading to its final defeat.
2. First Anglo-Sikh War Treaty: The war concluded with the second Treaty of Lahore in 1849, which formally placed Punjab under British rule. Key terms of the treaty included:
   • The dissolution of the Sikh Empire and the invasion of Punjab into British India.
   • Maharaja Duleep Singh was removed from power and sent to England.
   • The Kohinoor diamond was taken from the Sikhs and presented to Queen Victoria.

• The British assumed full administrative control over Punjab.

Anglo-Sikh Wars Impact

The Anglo-Sikh Wars significantly shaped India’s history, leaving lasting political and social effects.

• The wars led to the downfall of the Sikh Empire, bringing Punjab under British control.
• The invasion of Punjab further strengthened British dominance in India.
• The British administration introduced new policies, impacting governance, military structure, and society in Punjab.
• The conflicts played a key role in shaping Sikh consciousness and promoting a spirit of resistance.
• The Sikh defeat served as a reminder of colonial oppression, inspiring future uprisings against British rule.

Anglo-Sikh Wars FAQs

Q1. How many Anglo-Sikh wars are there?

Ans. There were two Anglo-Sikh Wars: the First (1845–1846) and the Second (1848–1849), both leading to the British annexation of Punjab and the fall of the Sikh Empire.

Q2. Who won the 2nd Anglo-Sikh war?

Ans. The British East India Company won the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–1849), defeating the Sikh forces and annexing Punjab, marking the complete end of Sikh sovereignty in India.

Q3. Who won the 2nd Anglo-Sikh war?

Ans. The British East India Company won the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–1849), defeating the Sikh forces and annexing Punjab, marking the complete end of Sikh sovereignty in India.

Q4. Who led First Anglo-Sikh War?

Ans. The First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846) was led by Governor-General Sir Henry Hardinge and Sir Hugh Gough for the British, while Lal Singh and Tej Singh led the Sikhs.

Q5. Which Treaty ended the First Anglo-Sikh War?

Ans. The First Anglo-Sikh War concluded with the Treaty of Lahore, signed on March 9, 1846.