Annexation of Punjab into the East India Company’s empire in India
In the latter half of the 18th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh consolidated the state of Punjab. He avoided a direct conflict with the British by the Treaty of Amritsar (1809) and Tripartite Treaty (1838). However, his death in 1839 opened up opportunities for the British to meddle into internal politics of Punjab which later led to its annexation in 1849.
Factors that led to the Annexation of Punjab
Policy of Ring Fencing: The British saw Punjab and the Afghan states as barriers against Russian and French invasion, and they were constantly looking for ways to seize power.
Weak Successor of Ranjith Singh: Ranjith Singh’s only legitimate son, Kharakh Singh, was ineffective, which caused divisions to form in the court.
Anarchy and Chaos: In a very short time, anarchy and chaos ensued, with different groups trying to take control of the throne. This gave the British a chance to ally with the group they wanted to, and things settled down.
Policy of Friendship: It gave the British troops access to Punjab. In Punjab, these marches caused uproar (a state of bewilderment) and economic disruption (economic shocks).
First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46): The crossing of the River Sutlej by the Sikh army on December 11, 1845 provided the justification to the English to declare war.
The Treaties of Lahore and Bhairowal: The treaties that were struck following the first Anglo-Sikh war had humiliating provisions. The cruel treatment of Rani Jindan, a pensioner who was transported to Benares, further contributed to the Sikhs’ animosity.
All these finally led to the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-49) which finally led to complete annexation of Punjab in 1849.