PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 18 Anglo-Sikh Relations 1800-1839 A.D.

This PSEB 12th Class History Notes Chapter 18 Anglo-Sikh Relations 1800-1839 A.D. will help you in revision during exams.

First Stage:

The first stage of the Anglo-Sikh relations was from 1800-09 A.D.
The Britishers sent their emissary Yusuf Ali to the court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1800 A.D.
In 1805 A.D., the Maratha Sardar Jaswant Rao Holkar came to Punjab to seek Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s help against the British but the Maharaja refused to extend any active help.
Because of this, the Britishers were very happy with him and they signed a treaty with Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Lahore on 1st January 1806 A.D.
In order to check the growing influence of Ranjit Singh, Charles Metcalfe met Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Amritsar on 10th December 1808 A.D. but this talk also remained inconclusive.
Both the parties began to make warfare preparations.
At the last moment, however, Maharaja Ranjit Singh yielded to the British demands.

The Treaty of Amritsar:

On 25th April 1809 A.D., Maharaja Ranjit Singh signed the Treaty of Amritsar with the Britishers.
The British agreed to haVe no concern with the territories and subjects of the Maharaja to the extent of the river Sutlej.
It shattered Ranjit Singh’s greatest cherished ideals of being the sole ruler of all the Sikhs.
Ranjit Singh saved his kingdom from ruin by signing this treaty.
It was a big diplomatic victory for the British.

Second Stage:

The second stage from 1809-1839 A.D. was a period of distrust and suspicion between the two parties.
During 1812 A.D. and 1821 A.D., the Britishers and Maharaja Ranjit Singh adopted a neutral policy and did not interfere in each other’s affairs.
The Britishers succeeded in signing a commercial treaty with Sind in 1832 A.D. which dealt a severe jolt to the morale of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
In 1835 A.D., the Maharaja kept quiet over the question of Shikarpur and Ferozepur.
Ranjit Singh had to yield to the threats of the English Resident Macnaughten and he signed the Tripartite Treaty on 26th June 1838 A.D.
Some historians hold the view that Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave proof of his capacity and farsightedness by not fighting with the Britishers but on the other hand, some other historians have strongly criticized the policy of Ranjit Singh towards the British.