Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class History Book Solutions Chapter 18 Anglo-Sikh Relations 1800-1839 A.D. Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.
PSEB Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 18 Anglo-Sikh Relations 1800-1839 A.D.
Long Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
Who was Jaswant Eao Holkar? Why Ranjit Singh did not help him?
Answer:
Jaswant Rao Holkar was a Maratha Chief. In 1805 A.D. he was defeated by the Britishers. So he came to Punjab to seek Ranjit Singh’s help against the British. Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave a warm welcome to Holkar. But Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not agree to extend him active help against the British, which was the real purpose of Holkar’s visit to Amritsar. Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not help Holkar owing to the following reasons :
Firstly, Maharaja Ranjit Singh overawed by the discipline of the British army. Secondly, a small army of the Britishers had forced a huge army of the Marathas to flee from the battlefield. So it was natural for Maharaja Ranjit Singh to conclude that a small contingent of the Sikh army joining hands with Holkar would not bring about any marked change in the situation. Thirdly, in order to take a decision about Holkar, Maharaja Ranjit Singh called a Gurmata of the Sikh Sardars at Amritsar.
After deep deliberations it was decided that any help extended to Holkar might prove disastrous for the Lahore Raj. Fourthly, Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not want to convert Punjab into an arena of battlefield. His kingdom was still very small and this battle could prove ruinous for the newly growing Sikh State.
Question 2.
Analyse the relationship of Ranjit Singh and Britishers in the first phase.
Or
Study the circumstances leading to Treaty of Amritsar.
Or
Describe the Anglo-Sikh relations between 1800 to 1809.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to bring all the Sikh states under him. With this aim in view he invaded the Malwa region twice in 1806 A.D. and 1807 A.D. He conquered many regions and accepted tributes from many chiefs. Scared by these invasions, the Sardars of Malwa region sought help from the English. But as the danger of Napoleon’s invasion on India had increased, so the English wanted to make a friendly treaty with Maharaja Ranjit Singh, instead of giving help to the Sikh Chiefs of Malwa.
In addition the dialogue between Ranjit Singh and Charles Metcalfe in 1808 A.D. failed. Ranjit Singh attacked Malwa for the third time in 1809 A.D. and brought some area under his control. At this time, the danger of Napoleon’s invasion on India had receded. Now the English started military preparations to make Ranjit Singh accept their conditions. As a result, a treaty was signed between Ranjit Si knowri as Treaty of Amritsar.
Question 3.
Describe the singinficance of the Treaty of Amritsar signed between Ranjit Singh and the English.
Or
Describe the historical significance of the Treaty of Amritsar (1809).
Or
Write the main clauses and importance of Amritsar treaty.
Or
Describe the main clauses and importance of Treaty of Amritsar between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the English.
Answer:
The Treaty of Amritsar was signed on April 25, 1809 A.D. between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the English. This treaty was very significant from the historical point of view. According to this treaty Maharaja Ranjit Singh accepted Sutlej as the eastern boundary of his empire. As such his dream to become the emperor of all the Sikh states was shattered for ever. It caused not only political but also economic loss to Ranjit Singh. But this treaty proved useful to the Maharaja in some aspects. He succeeded in protecting his newly established kingdom from the powerful English.
Now Ranjit Singh had no danger on the east from the English. So he succeeded in expanding his empire in the North-West direction. On the other hand, the influence of the English spread upto the Sutlej river. Having no danger from Punjab side, the English could consolidate their position in other parts of India. This treaty enhanced the prestige of the English to a great extent.
Question 4.
Why was tension created between the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh over the Sind tangle?
Answer:
Sind was very important from geographical and commercial point of view. So both, the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to bring it under their control. In 1831 A.D., the English deputed Alexander Burns to get its geographical knowledge. In order to deceive Maharaja Ranjit Singh, he was invited by Governor- General Lord Bentinck for a meeting at Ropar. This meeting took place on October 26,1831 A.D. By holding this meeting the English, very cleverly, kept Ranjit Singh’s attention diverted.
On the other hand, they sent Colonel Pottinger to Sind to sign a treaty with Sind. He succeeded in signing a commercial treaty with the Amirs of Sind in 1832 A.D. This treaty strained the relations between Ranjit Singh and the English. In 1838 A.D., the English signed another treaty with the Amirs of Sind. Consequently, Sind came under the influence of the English. Maharaja could not swallow this bitter pill. It further strained the Anglo-Sikh relations.
Question 5.
Why was tension created between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and English over Ferozepur tangle?
Answer:
The Britishers wanted to bring Ferozepur under their control. This city was hardly at a distance of 40 miles from Lahore. The English could have a better view of Ranjit Singh’s activities from this place. Besides, the possession of Ferozepur was essential to surround the Punjab. Although the Britishers had been looking towards Ferozepur greedily for a long time, they had been postponing its acquisition lest Ranjit Singh should feel annoyed with them.
That is why, the Britishers had been conceding his control over Ferozepur till 1835 A.D. But, by now the situation had changed. The Britishers did not need Ranjit Singh’s friendship any more. Therefore, they forcibly took possession of Ferozepur in 1835 A.D. In 1838 A.D., the Britishers set up a big military cantonment here. Although Ranjit Singh expressed his resentment over the seizure of Ferozepur and setting up of a military cantonment there by the British, yet they did not bother about it. The Maharaja had to just swallow his pride.
Question 6.
Write a brief note on Tri-partite Treaty and its significance.
Or
Discuss about Tri-partite Treaty.
Answer:
In 1837 A.D., Russia was fast advancing towards Asia. In order to check . any possibility of Russian attack on India, the Britishers wanted to establish friendly relations with the Afghanistan ruler, Dost Mohammad Khan. With this end in view, they sent Captain Alexander Burns to Afghanistan. But the talks could not mature. Then the British made a plan to make the ex-ruler of Afghanistan, Shah Shuja, the new ruler of Afghanistan. The British forced Ranjit Singh, also to become a party to the treaty. In this way, a tripartite treaty between the British, Shah Shuja and Maharaja Ranjit Singh was signed on 26th June, 1838 A.D.
The prominent terms of the tripartite treaty were :
- Shah Shuja would be made the king of Afghanistan with the co-operation of the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh,
- Shah Shuja would accept Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s suzerainty ‘ over the Afghan territories conquered by him.
- Shah Shuja promised to abide by all those decisions concerning Sind taken by the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
- Shah Shuja would have no contact with any world power without the permission of the British and the Sikhs.
- The enemy of one power would be regarded as the enemy of the other two powers also.
- In order to enthrone Shah Shuja, Maharaja Ranjit Singh would help him with 5,000 soldiers and Shah Shuja would give Rs. 2 lakh to the Maharaja in return thereof.
According to the tripartite treaty, the Sikh and the British forces jointly attacked Afghanistan in January 1839 A.D. In April 1839 A.D., they captured Qandhar. The action against Dost Mohammad Khan was still going on when Maharaja Ranjit Singh passed away on 27th June, 1839 A.D.
Question 7.
Write about the relations between the English and the Sikhs from 1809 to 1839.
Answer:
On 25th April, 1809 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh signed the treaty of Amritsar with the Britishers. It provided for perpetual friendship between both as the British agreed to have no concern to the north of the river Sutlej. There was the state of distrust and suspicion between 1809 A.D. and 1812 A.D. as each side entertained imaginary apprehensions.
Gradually the doubts began to disappear, David Oterlony was given warm welcome at the marriage of Prince Kharak Singh. During 1812 A.D. and 1821 A.D. both sides adopted a neutral policy. In 1822 A.D. the Anglo-Sikh relations got little bit strained over the ownership of village Wadni.
The signing of a Commercial treaty with Sind and the capture of Shikarpur and Ferozepur by British widened the gulf between Maharaja and the British. Moreover, Ranjit Singh was forced to sign a tripartite treaty in 1838 A.D. Maharja Ranjit Singh died in 1839 A.D.
Essay Type Questions:
Question 1.
Study the Anglo-Sikh relations from 1800 to 1809 A.D. from a critical point of view.
Or
Critically examine Ranjit Singh’s relations with the British from 1800 to 1809 A.D.
Or
Examine the circumstances leading to the Treaty of Amritsar of 1809 A.D. What were its terms and respective advantages derived by the Maharaja and the British from it?
Or
Discuss the circumstances leading to the Treaty of Amritsar (1809 AD.). Examine the significance of this treaty.
Or
What do you kngw about the Treaty of Amritsar? What was gained by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the English by this Treaty?
Answer:
The British were looking towards Punjab with greedy eyes since long times. On the other hand Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to establish his sovereignty over the whole of Punjab. Thus the imperialist attitjide of both the powers influenced their relations to a great extent. The relationship between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British during the period between 1800 to 1809 A.D. can be discussed as follows:
1. Mission of Yusuf Ali 1800 A.D.: Maharaja Ranjit Singh had established cordial relations with the ruler of Afghanistan Shah Zaman. So, the British government was alarmed at it. It feared that Shah Zaman and Maharaja Ranjit Singh might jointly attack the British. Such a situation could prove dangerous for them. In order to avert this possibility, the Britishers sent their emissary, Yusuf Ali, to the court of Mdharaja Ranjit Singh. But this mission was yet on the way, when a civil war broke out in Afghanistan. As the possibility of the Shah Zaman’s invasion of India was over Yusuf Ali was recalled. So, this mission remained confined to the level of a goodwill mission only.
2. Holkar’s visit to Punjab 1805 A.D.: After having suffered a defeat at the hands of the Britishers in 1805 A.D. the Maratha Sardar Jaswant Rao Holkar came to Punjab to seek Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s help against the British. He declined the help to Holkar. At that time, Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not want to convert Punjab into an arena of battlefield. His kingdom was still very small and this battle could prove ruinous for the newly growing Sikh State.
3. Treaty of Lahore 1806 A.D.: Since Maharaja Ranjit Singh had not helped Holkar, the Britishers were very happy with him. They signed a treaty with Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Lahore on 1st January, 1806 A.D. This treaty which is famous in history as the treaty of Lahore had the following main clauses :
- Ranjit Singh would not help Jaswant Rao Holkar and his companion Amir Khan. He would permit them to go away peacefully to a distance of 30 miles from Amritsar.
- In future too, Ranjit Singh would have no relations of any kind with Holkar.
- As long as Ranjit Singh abstained from any intercourse with the enemies of the British Government the latter would not enter the Sikh territory. Thus, by signing a treaty with the British, Maharaja Ranjit Singh saved his empire from the likelihood of facing a great danger.
4. Napoleonic Danger : Soon after the arrival of the new Governor-General Lord Minto in India, the international situation in Europe underwent a radical change. In the year 1807 A.D., Napoleon signed the treaty of Tilsit with Russia. According to this treaty, Russia assured him of its full co-operation in the event of his invasion on India. The growing influence of Napoleon upset the British Government in India. In order to face this situation, it decided to make friendship with Maharaja Ranjit Sii)gh.
5. Metcalfe’s First Mission : The Britishers sent Charles Metcalfe to sign a treaty with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He met the Maharaja at Khem Karan on 11th Sept. 1808 A.D. Here he placed the following proposals before Maharaja Ranjit Singh:
- In case Napoleon invaded India, both Ranjit Singh and the British would jointly face him. Ranjit Singh would not allow the army of Napoleon to pass through the Punjab.
- In case of war with France, Maharaja Ranjit Singh would permit the British forces to pass through the Punjab.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was very wise. He had realised that the Britishers were in dire need of his friendship at that time. So before agreeing to the proposals of the Britishers, he placed the following conditions before Charles Metcalfe
- Firstly the British government should acknowledge his sovereignty over the whole of Sikh country.
- Secondly, the British shouldn’t interfere in case Ranjit Singh was involved in a war against the ruler of Kabul. As Metcalfe had no authority to concede what Ranjit Singh had asked for, so the negotiations broke off.
6. Metcalfe’s Second Mission: Napoleon was involved in a battle with Spain. Therefore, the danger of his invasion on India was averted. Now, the British .decided to check the growing influence of Ranjit Singh. In this connection Charles Metcalfe met Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Amritsar on 10th December, 1808 A.D. This talk also remained inconclusive.
7. Warfare Preparations : The British began to make warfare preparations in order to have their conditions conceded. In February, 1809 A.D., they sent an army to Ludhiana under the command of Sir David Ochterlony. On seeing this attitude of the Britishers, Maharaja Ranjit Singh also started making preparations for warfare. Diwan Mohkam Chand who was the commander of the Maharaja’s : army was deputed to Phillaur. Maharaja Ranjit Singh even performed the ceremony of auspicious moment for starting the battle. Despite all these preparations, Maharaja Ranjit Singh at the last moment yielded to the British demands.
8. The Treaty of Amritsar 1809 A.D.: On 25th April, 1809 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh signed the treaty of Amritsar with the Britishers. The treaty had the following clauses :
- It provided for perpetual friendship between the British Government and the State of Lahore. The British agreed to have no concern with the territories and subjects of the Maharaja to the north of the river Sutlej.
- The State of Lahore bound itself not to commit any encroachments on the possessions of the Cis-Sutlej Chiefs or to maintain in its territories more troops than were necessary for internal duties.
- Any violation of these stipulations would render the treaty null and void.
- The treaty having been concluded at Amritsar on 25th April, 1809 A.D. was signed by Charles Metcalfe on behalf of the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Qn behalf of the Lahore Darbar.
9. Disadvantages of the Treaty of Amritsar to Ranjit Singh : The Treaty of Amritsar of 1809 A.D. resulted in many disadvantages to Ranjit Singh :
- One of the greatest cherished ideals of Ranjit Singh’s life was, that he wanted to be the sole ruler of all the Sikhs. The treaty of Amritsar shattered this dream of Ranjit Singh forever.
- This treaty dealt a serious blow to Ranjit Singh’s power, prestige and dig¬nity. This treaty proved that the power and position of the Britishers were much more than that of Ranjit Singh.
- With the treaty of Amritsar, the Britishers came closer to Punjab. From this point of view, the ultimate effect of the treaty of Amritsar proved disastrous for Ranjit Singh’s empire.
- The treaty of Amritsar had put a check on Maharaja Ranjit Singh from taking possession of the Cis-Sutlej areas. So, a big chunk of Punjab could not be¬come the part of his kingdom. In this way, Maharaja Ranjit Singh had to suffer not only a great territorial but economic loss also.
10. Advantages of the Treaty of Amritsar to Ranjit Singh: The signing of the Treaty of Amritsar in 1809 A.D. had some advantages to Ranjit Singh :
- By signing the treaty with the British, Maharaja Ranjit Singh saved the Punjab state from ruin. If Ranjit Singh had challenged the Britishers at that time, he would certainly have lost his kingdom.
- The Treaty of Amritsar proved useful for Ranjit Singh. Owing to the treaty, the eastern boundary of Ranjit Singh’s empire became secure. As a result, Ranjit Singh could include Attock, Multan, Kashmir, Derajat and Peshawar to Punjab.
11. Advantages of the Treaty of Amritsar to the British: By signing the Treaty of Amritsar in 1809 A.D. the British got the ahead advantages :
- The Treaty of Amritsar was a big diplomatic victory for the British. They stopped Ranjit Singh from advancing towards the east, even without firing a shot.
- By the Treaty of Amritsar, the Britishers made many territorial gains. Without fighting any battle with Ranjit Singh, they could extend the boundaries of their empire from Jamuna to river Sutlej. It added to the stature of the British East India Company a great deal.
- Because of the Treaty of Amritsar, friendly relations were established between the British and Ranjit Singh. The British felt no danger from the Sikhs. They devoted their whole attention to crushing other powers in India. Soon, they were able to bring the Marathas, the Pindaries and the Gorkhas under their submission.
- Another advantage which the Britishers had by signing the Treaty of Amritsar, was that Punjab became a buffer state between Afghanistan and British India. Consequently, the British were able to rid themselves of the prob¬lems of North-West Frontiers.
Question 2.
Describe the Anglo-Sikh relations between 1809-1839 A.D.
Or
Give the main features of the relations between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British during 1809-1839 AD.
Or
Critically discuss the Anglo-Sikh relations from 1809 to 1839 A.D.
Answer:
The Treaty of Amritsar was signed between the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh on 25th April 1809 A.D. It proved a new turning point in their relations. A brief account of these relations is as follows:
1. Period of some Distrust and Suspicion: Despite the Treaty of Amritsar, the state of distrust and suspicion continued between the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh between 1809 A.D. and 1812 A.D. Each side entertained imaginary apprehensions. They left spying agents in order to know the military and diplo¬matic moves of each other. The spies made exaggerated reports to their governments. In order to deal with the situation, the British set up a powerful military cantonment at Ludhiana. On the other hand, Maharaja Ranjit Singh got a fort constructed at Phillaur and kept a heavy force in it.
2. Improvement in the Relations: Gradually the doubts between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British began to disappear. In 1812 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh invited David Ochterlony to attend the marriage of Prince Kharak Singh. He was given a warm welcome when he reached the Lahore Darbar. 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. So, the tension, if any in their relations disappeared.
3. Problem of Wadni: In 1822 A.D. the relations between the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh became strained over the ownership of village Wadi. At the insistence of Sada Kaur, the Britishers drove out Ranjit Singh’s forces from Wadi. Ranjit Singh felt enraged at it, but he prudently avoided the collision with the British.
4. Cordiality Restored 1824-30 A.D.: In 1823 A.D. Captain Wade, the new political agent at Ludhiana had accepted Ranjit Singh’s claim over Wadni. In this way, once again cordial relations began to develop between the British and the Sikhs. When in 1824. A.D. the Nepal government sought Ranjit Singh’s help against the British, he declined it. Likewise, in 1825 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh refused to help the ruler of Bharatpur against the British. In 1826 A.D., when Maharaja Ranjit Singh fell ill, the Britishers sent Dr. Murray for his treatment. In this way, a marked improvement took place in the relations between the two.
5. Question of Sind : The area of Sind was geographically and commercially very significant. So both Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British were keen in con¬trolling it. In 1831 A.D. the British sent Alexander Burns to gather information about Sind. In order that Maharaja Ranjit Singh might not develop any doubt, he was invited to Ropar to hold a meeting with the Governor-General William Bentinck. This meeting was held on 26th October, 1831 A.D. The Britishers very cleverly kept him absorbed in talks. On the other hand, the English suc¬ceeded in signing a commercial treaty with Sind in 1832 A.D. It led to bitterness between their relations.
6. Question of Shikarpur : The question of Shikarpur further widened the gulf between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British. The Shikarpur area was also significant from the commercial and geographical point of view. In 1836 A.D., when Majari tribe attacked the frontier state of Ranjit Singh, he defeated them and captured Shikarpur. At that time an English troop under Wade, also reached there. They forced Ranjit Singh to vacate Shikarpur. Ranjit Singh was compelled to re¬treat because he did not want to fight with the Britishers.
7. Question of Ferozepur : The Britishers wanted to bring Ferozepur under their control. Therefore, they forcibly took possession of Ferbzepur in 1835 A.D. In 1838 A.D., the Britishers set up a big military cantonmen.t here. Although Ranjit Singh expressed his resentment over the seizure of Ferozepur but the British did not bother about it. The Maharaja had to just swallow his pride.
8. Tripartite Treaty : In 1837 A.D., Russia was fast advancing towards Asia. The Britishers feared that Russia might invade India through Afghanistan. In order to prevent this attack and to depose the ruler of Afghanistan, Dost Mohammad Khan, the British signed the tripartite treaty on 26th June, 1838 A.D. with the ex-ruler of Afghanistan Shah Shuja and Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was not interested in signing this treaty but he was forced to do so by the British. The tripartite treaty was a great diplomatic defeat of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He was yet thinking of taking revenge of this humiliation when he died on 27th June, 1839 A.D.
An Estimate of Ranjit Singh’s Policy Towards The British The historians differ over the policy adopted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh towards the British. Some historians hold the view that Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave proof of his sagacity and far-sightedness by not fighting with the Britishers. Ranjit Singh knew very well the power of the Britishers and did not want to see an abrupt end of the Khalsa Raj. Secondly, owing to his friendship with the British, he was able to expand the Sikh state a great deal towards North-West.
On the other hand some other historians have strongly criticised the policy of Ranjit Singh towards the British. They hold the view that Ranjit Singh had adpoted the policy of yielding to the British from 1809 A.D. till the end of his life. In 1809 A.D., through the treaty of Amritsar, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was forced to withdraw his forces from the areas beyond Sutlej. In the matter of Sind, Shikarpur and Ferozepur, he had been grievously insulted. The tripartite treaty had been forcibly imposed on him. Ranjit Singh’s words “All will turn red” bear witness to his cowardliness.
To submit to the cruel and the brutal all the time can’t be termed either just or worthy. It was, indeed, his greatest political blunder. Dr. N.K. Sinha aptly says, “Perhaps with the solicitude inherent in all’ builders he feared to ex¬pose the kingdom, he had created, to the risks of war and chose instead the policy of yielding, yielding and yielding.”
Question 3.
Discuss the relations of Ranjit Singh with the British from 1800 to 1839 A.D.
Or
Give a brief account of Anglo-Sikh relations between 1800 to 1839 A.D.
Or
Briefly describe the relations between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British during 1800 to 1839 A.D. Did Maharaja adopt the policy of yielding to the British?
Or
What type of relations existed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and East India Company?
Answer:
For answer to this question students are requested to see the answers of Question Nos.l and 2.
Short Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
Who was Jaswant Rao Holkar? Why did Maharaja Ranjit Singh not help him?
Answer:
Jaswant Rao Holkar was a Maratha Chief. In 1805 A.D. he was defeated by the British. So he came to Punjab to seek Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s help against the British. Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not agree to extend his active help against the British, due to these reasons :
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh was dreaded to see the discipline of the British army,
- Gurmata of the Sikh Sardars at Amritsar, decided that any help extended to Holkar might prove disastrous for the Lahore Raj.
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not want to convert Punjab into an arena of the battlefield.
Question 2. Describe the circumstances of the Treaty of Amritsar.
Or
Study the circumstances leading to the Treaty of Amritsar.
Or
Describe the Anglo-Sikh relations between 1800 to 1809.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to bring all the Sikh states under him. So, he invaded the Malwa region twice in 1806 A.D. and 1807 A.D. He conquered many regions. The conversation between Ranjit Singh and Charles Metcalfe in 1808 A.D. failed. Ranjit Singh attacked Malwa for the third time in 1808 A.D. Now the English started military preparations to make Ranjit Singh accept their conditions. As a result, a treaty was signed between Ranjit Singh and the English on April 25, 1809 A.D. It was known as the Treaty of Amritsar.
Question 3.
What were the three conditions of the Treaty of Amritsar?
Answer:
- It provided for perpetual friendship between the British govt, and the state of Lahore,
- The state of Lahore bound itself not to maintain in its territories more troops than were necessary for internal duties.
- The British agreed to have no concern with the territories and subjects of the Maharaja to the north of River Sutlej.
Question 4.
Describe the significance of the Treaty of Amritsar signed between Ranjit Singh and the English.
Or
Give the historical significance of the Treaty of Amritsar (1809).
Or
Write the main clauses and importance of the Amritsar Treaty.
Or
Mention the terms and significance of the Treaty of Amritsar.
Or
What was the significance of the Treaty of Amritsar?
Answer:
The Treaty of Amritsar was signed on April 25,1809 A.D. between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the English. According to this treaty Maharaja Ranjit Singh accepted Sutlej as the eastern boundary of his empire. As such his dream to become the emperor of all the Sikh states was shattered for ever. It caused not only political but also economic loss to Ranjit Singh. But this treaty proved useful to the Maharaja in protecting his newly established kingdom from the powerful English. This treaty enhanced the prestige of the English to a great extent.
Question 5.
Why was tension created between the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh over the Sind tangle?
Answer:
Sind was very important from geographical and commercial point of view. So both, the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh wanted to bring it under their control. Colonel Pottinger succeeded in signing a commercial treaty with the Amirs of Sind in 1832 A.D. In 1838 A.D., the English signed another treaty with the Amirs of Sind. Consequently, Sind came under the influence of the English. Maharaja could not swallow this bitter pill but he did not dare to take any step against the English.
Question 6.
Why was tension created between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the English over Ferozepur.
Answer:
The British wanted to bring Ferozepur under their control. They could keep an eye on Ranjit Singh’s activities from here. Moreover, Ferozepur could help them in surrounding Punjab. The British forcibly brought Ferozepur under their control in 1835 A.D. and set up their military contonment there in 1838 A.D. Ranjit Singh was annoyed over it but the English never bothered about it.
Question 7.
Write a brief note on Tri-partite Treaty and its significance.
Or
Write a short note on Tri-partite Treaty.
Answer:
Russia was fast advancing to Asia in 1837 A.D. At such a time, a Tri¬partite Treaty was signed among the English, Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Shah Shuja on June 26, 1838 A.D. According to this treaty it was decided to make Shah Shuja the ruler of Afghanistan. Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not want to be a part of the treaty but he was compelled to do so by the British.
Question 8.
Write about the relations between the English and the Sikhs from 1809-1839.
Answer:
On 25th April, 1809 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh signed the Treaty of Amritsar with the Britishers. It provided for perpetual friendship between them as the British agreed to have no concern to the north of the river Sutlej. There was the state of distrust and suspicion between 1809 A.D. and 1830 A.D. as each side entertained imaginary apprehensions. During 1830-39 A.D. the relations between the two remained tense over the questions of Sind, Shikarpur and Ferozepur.
Objective Type Questions:
Question 1.
When was the first contact established between the English and the Sikhs?
Or
When did the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh come into contact with each other? ‘
Answer:
In 1800 A.D.
Question 2.
Who was Yusuf Ali?
Answer:
The English sent Yusuf Ali to Lahore Darbar as their emissary in 1800 A.D.
Question 3.
When did the Maratha leader, Jaswant Rao Holkar come to Punjab?
Answer:
1805 A.D.
Question 4.
When was the treaty of friendship was first signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British?
Answer:
In 1806 A.D.
Question 5.
State any one term of the Treaty of Lahore of 1806 A.D.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh would not help Holkar.
Question 6.
Who was Charles Metcalfe?
Answer:
He was a British official.
Question 7.
How many times Charles Metcalfe and Maharaja Ranjit Singh met?
Answer:
Two.
Question 8.
How many times and when did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Malwa?
Answer:
Three times between 1806 to 1808 A.D.
Question 9.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Malwa for the first time?
Answer:
1806 A.D.
Question 10.
Mention any one factor which led to the signing of the Treaty of Amritsar.
Answer:
The courtiers of Maharaja Ranjit Singh advised him not to engage in a conflict with the British.
Question 11.
When was the famous Treaty of Amritsar signed?
Or
When did the Treaty of Amritsar take place -?
Or
When was the ‘Treaty of Amritsar’ settled?
Answer:
April 25, 1809 A.D.
Question 12.
Give any one main clause of the Treaty of Amritsar.
Answer:
There will be fast friendship between the British Government and the Lahore Darbar.
Question 13.
What was the loss of Treaty of Amritsar to Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
It dashed all the hopes of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s ever becoming the emperor of the Sikhs.
Question 14.
Name any one advantage of the Treaty of Amritsar for Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Or
What was the advantage of the Treaty of Amritsar for Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
It saved the infant kingdom of Maharaja Ranjit Singh from premature end.
Question 15.
Name any one advantage of the Treaty of Amritsar for the English.
Answer:
It greatly enhanced the prestige of the English.
Question 16.
When did the relations between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British strain over Wadni?
Answer:
In 1822 A.D.
Question 17.
In 1823 A.D. who was appointed the new political agent at Ludhiana?
Answer:
Captain Wade.
Question 18.
In 1826 which British doctor treated Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Dr. Murray.
Question 19.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh meet William Bentinck?
Or
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh meet the British Governor General?
Answer:
October 26, 1831 A.D.
Question 20.
Where did Maharaja Ranjit Singh meet the British Governor General?
Answer:
Ropar.
Question 21.
Whom did the English send for signing a treaty with Sind?
Answer:
Col. Pottinger.
Question 22.
When did the English occupy Ferozepur?
Answer:
1835 A.D.
Question 23.
When was the Tripartite Treaty signed?
Answer:
June 26, 1838 A.D.
Fill in the blanks:
1. Mission of Yusuf Ali came to Punjab in ……………..
Answer:
1800 A.D.
2. Jaswant Rao Holkar came to Punjab in ……………
Answer:
1805 A.D.
3. The Treaty of Lahore was signed between the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh in …………….. A.D.
Answer:
1806 A.D.
4. Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Malwa in ………….. for the first time.
Answer:
1806 A.D.
5. Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Malwa in …………. for the third time.
Answer:
1808 A.D.
6. Charles Metcalfe met Ranjit Singh at ………….. for the second time.
Answer:
Amritsar
7. The Treaty of Amritsar was signed by the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh on ……………….
Answer;
April 25, 1809 A.D.
8. According to the Treaty of Amritsar, …………… was boundary between the British and Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Sutlej
9. Maharaja Ranjit Singh met William Bentinck in 1831 at ……………..
Answer:
Ropar
10. The Tripartite Treaty was signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Shaji Shuja and the English in ………..
Answer:
1838 A.D.
True or False:
1. Yusuf Ali Misson came to Punjab in 1800 A.D.
Answer:
True
2. The Maratha leader Jaswant Rao Holkar came to Punjab in 1805 A.D.
Answer:
True
3. The Treaty of Lahore was signed between the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1805 A.D.
Answer:
False
4. Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Malwa in 1806 A.D. for the first time.
Answer:
True
5. In 1808 A.D. Charles Metcalfe met Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Khem Karan.
Answer:
True
6. On April 25, 1809 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Britishers signed the Treaty of Amritsar.
Answer:
True
7. The Treaty of Amritsar was a blow to Ranjit Singh’s prestige.
Answer:
True
8. In 1826 A.D., the Britishers sent Dr. Murray for the treatment of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
True
9. Lord William Bentinck met Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1831 A.D. at Ropar.
Answer:
True
10. The Britishers occupied Ferozepur in 1835 A.D.
Answer:
True
11. The Tripartite Treaty was signed on 26th Jufte, 1838 A.D. between Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Shah Shuja and the British.
Answer:
True
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. When did the Maratha leader, Jaswant Rao Holkar come to Punjab?
(a) 1801 A.D.
(b) 1802 A.D.
(c) 1805 A.D.
(d) 1809 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1805 A.D.
2. When was the first treaty signed between the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
(a) 1805 A.D.
(b) 1806 A.D.
(c) 1807 A.D.
(d) 1809 A.D.
Answer:
(b) 1806 A.D.
3. How many times did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Malwa?
(a) Twice
(b) Three times
(c) Four times
(d) Five times.
Answer:
(b) Three times
4. When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh attack Malwa for the first time?
(a) 1805 A,D.
(b) 1806 A.D.
(c) 1807 A.D.
(d) 1809 A.D.
Answer:
(b) 1806 A.D.
5. Where did Charles Metcalfe meet Maharaja Ranjit Singh for the first time?
(a) Ludhiana
(b) Amritsar
(c) Lahore
(d) Khem Karan.
Answer:
(d) Khem Karan.
6. When did Treaty of Amritsar take place between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the English?
(a) 1805 A.D.
(b) 1809 A.D.
(c) 1812 A.D.
(d) 1821 A.D.
Answer:
(b) 1809 A.D.
7. Which river was made the boundary between the British Empire and Maharaja Ranjit Singh by the Treaty of Amritsar in 1809 A.D.?
(a) Beas River
(b) Sutlej River
(c) Ravi River
(d) Jhelum River.
Answer:
(b) Sutlej River
8. When did meeting between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and William Bentinck take place?
(a) 1809 A.D.
(b) 1811 A.D.
(c) 1821 A.D.
(d) 1831 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1831 A.D.
9. Where did the Maharaja Ranjit Singh 3jid William Bentinck met?
(a) Amritsar
(b) Ludhiana.
(c) Ropar
(d) Lahore.
Answer:
(c) Ropar
10. When did the English sign a treaty with Amirs of Sind?
(a) 1829 A.D.
(b) 1830 A.D.
(c) 1831 A.D.
(d) 1832 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1832 A.D.
11. When was the Tripartite Treaty signed?
(a) 1839 A.D.
(b) 1845 A.D.
(c) 1838 A.D.
(d) 1809 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1838 A.D.