Question

Describe the causes that disturbed the relations between Ranjit Singh and the Britishers after 1831 in detail.

Answer 1

Instructions: The answer to this question can be broken into 4 main parts:

1. Explain the British restricted Ranjit Singh during his conquest of Sindh.
2. Explain the dispute over the territory of Ferozepur.
3. Explain the dispute over the Tripartite Treaty.

Solution: There were four major reasons which disturbed the relations between the British and Ranjit Singh. They were:

• Ranjit Singh planned to attack the territory of Sindh but he was restrained by Lord Auckland as they intended to sign a commercial treaty with the Amirs of Sindh.
• The Sikh territories were constantly looted by the Mazari tribe due to which Ranjit Singh launched an attack on Shikarpur, the territory of the Mazari tribe. The Britishers restrained Ranjit Singh to protect the Mazai tribe.
• The Britishers occupied the territory of Ferozepur which was an important province as it was situated at the confluence of river Satluj and Beas and stationed their army there.
• The Britishers also made Ranjit Singh sign the Tripartite Treaty as they wanted Shah Shujah to be the ruler of the northern territories. Ranjit Singh did not accept the term. Hence he would let the British enter his territory.