The First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46)

Preparation of War by the British

There were dissensions among the Sikh chiefs and many thought that if the powerful Sikh army was destroyed fighting against the English, they would find it easy to establish their power in the kingdom. The new Governor-General Lord Hardinge took vigorous measures to strengthen the British's military position. He increased the army force to 32,000. 57 boats were brought from Bombay for making bridges over Sutlej. Special training was given to the soldiers. The British troops were fully equipped in the newly-conquered Sind for an attack on Multan. To the Sikh army, all this was "held to denote", writes Cunningham, " a campaign, not of defence, but of aggression."

First Battle at Mudki

Consequently, the Sikh troops crossed the Sutlej, between Hariki and Kasur on December 11, 1845 and took offensive against the English troops commanded by Sir Hugh Gough. On December 13, 1845, Governor-General Lord Hardinge issued a proclamation of war and declared all Sikh possessions on the left bank of the Sutlej confiscated and annexed to the British dominions. The first bloody battle was fought at Mudki between the British troops commanded by Sir Hugh Gough and the Sikhs under Lal Singh. The Sikhs were fighting very bravely but at the last moment, they were ditched by Lal Singh who sent a message that he would be keeping back his force for two days from joining the Infantry or Regulars. The Sikhs suffered heavy damages, and so did the British. Two British Major-Generals -- Sir Robert Sale and Sir John MaCaskill -- were killed.

Second Battle at Fereozshah

The next attack by the British army was at Fereozshah on December 21, 1845. Here also the Sikhs warrior fought bravely but once again they were betrayed by their general Tej Singh, who left the field all of a sudden. Finally the Sikhs gave up and retreated across Sutlej. In this battle the Sikhs lost 8,000 men and 73 guns while the English lost 694 men and 1,721 were injured. This was the second bloody battle fought between the English and the Sikhs.

The final decisive Battle

In January 1846, the Sikhs under Ranjur Singh Majhithia crossed the Sutlej and attacked the frontier station at Ludhiana. On January 28, 1846, Sir Henry Smith defeated the Sikhs at Aliwal, to the west of Ludhiana. The final battle of Sobraon on February 10, 1846 proved decisive. Due to the treachery of their generals Lal Singh and Tej Singh, who gave all the information regarding the trenches to the English, the battle resulted in a great slaughter of the Sikh troops. With this victory, the English were relieved from the danger of the bravest and steadiest enemy ever encountered in India. The English army occupied Lahore on February 20 and treaty was concluded on March 9, 1846.

The terms of the Lahore treaty were as follows:

1. The Sikhs were required to cede to the British all the territories to the south of the Sutlej, together with the extensive Jullundur Doab, lying between the Sutlej and the Beas.

2. Heavy war indemnity of Rs 1.5 crores was demanded. 50 lacs were paid in cash. As equivalent for Rs 1 crore, all hill forts, territories, rights and interest in hill countries which are situated between the rivers Beas and Indus, including the provinces of Kashmir and Hazarah, were transferred to the company in perpetual sovereignty.

3. The Sikh army was limited to 20,000 infantry and 12,000 cavalry

4. The minor Dalip Singh was recognised as Maharaja with Rani Jindan as Regent of the state and Lal Singh as wazir.

5. Sir Henry Lawrence was the British resident appointed under the treaty. The Company was not to interfere in the internal administration of the Lahore state.

There was peace in Punjab till Sir Henry Lawrence departure's on leave at the end of 1847.