Question

Maharaja Ranjit Singh had a strained relationship with the British. While he was alive, he had kept the British at an arm’s distance. What led to the First Anglo-Sikh War?

• A. The successors of Maharaja Ranjit Singh were weak rulers.
• B. Charles Napier annexed Sindh in March, 1843.
• C. The British won the Anglo-Afghan War in 1841.
• D. The British wanted to settle the dispute over Suchet Singh’s treasure in court.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

The British wanted to settle the dispute over Suchet Singh’s treasure in court.

The British captured Ferozepur in 1835. The successors of Maharaja Ranjit Singh like Kharak Singh and Sher Singh proved to be weak rulers. The British lost the Anglo-Afghan war in November 1841. Charles Napier, on the orders of Governor-General Ellenborough, annexed Sindh in 1843. The British wanted to settle the dispute over Suchet Singh’s treasure in court. The British influence was growing, resulting in a full-blown war in 1845.