Anglo-Sikh War in the Jammu & Kashmir history describes the invasion of British troops and the courageous combat by the Sikh rulers. Since Ranjit Singh, the great Sikh ruler could not provide an apt successor to his Kingdom, Lahore became a place of interest for the British empire. Although Gulab Singh was the then ruler of Jammu & Kashmir, yet he did not took interest in the 1845 Anglo-Sikh war.

With an well-equipped regiment and sufficient armory, the British soldiers established their first post at Ferozpur area of Punjab which was at a distance of about 70 km from the Lahore city. Initially the Sikh troops were confident enough. But as the time passed by they came to realize the unprecedented power of the English army.

The indifference of Gulab Singh was a major reason behind the tragic results of Anglo-Sikh war. Having a personal experience of the atrocities of the British Empire, Gulab Singh turned hostile and decided not to join the war to avoid the imminent dangers. During the Anglo-Sikh war, Gulab Singh engaged himself in making a strong base in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir.

Without proper guidance of a veteran chieftain, the Sikh soldiers started to split very soon. Taking full advantages of this chaotic situation the British cavalries proceeded with more vigor and enthusiasm in the interiors of Lahore.

The Anglo-Sikh war gave way to the creation of two significant treaties that eventually finished the battle for the time being. Shifting all powers to the British Empire, the first one also indicated a sum of rupees one crore to compensate the war damages. The second treaty included the deal between Gulab Singh and British force in which the former had to pay the latter an amount of rupees of seventy five lakhs in lieu of which he would be declared as the sole and free ruler of the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

In this way the Anglo-Sikh war finished having its important impact in the history of Jammu & Kashmir.

Last Updated on 8/29/2011

History