Punjab State Board PSEB 12th Class History Book Solutions Chapter 19 Ranjit Singh’s relations with Afghanistan and his N.W.F. Policy Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.
PSEB Solutions for Class 12 History Chapter 19 Ranjit Singh’s relations with Afghanistan and his N.W.F. Policy
Long Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
How did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Attock? What was its significance?
Or
Give a brief account of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Attock and the battle of Hazro.
Answer:
The fort of Attock was geographically very significant. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time Jahandad Khan, the Afghan Governor, was ruling over Attock. He was under the Kabul government only in name, otherwise, he was ruling independently. In 1813 A.D. when the Wazir of Kabul, Fateh Khan attacked Kashmir and defeated his brother Ata Mohammad Khan, he was alarmed. He was confident that Fateh Khan’s next target would be Attock.
Therefore, he started negotiations with Ranjit Singh. In exchange of a big Jagir yielding an annual revenue of Rs. 1 lakh he agreed to surrender the fort of Attock to Ranjit Singh. When Fateh Khan came to know about it, he flew into a rage.
In order to bring the fort of Attock under his control, he with his army proceeded towards Attock. On 13th July, 1813 A.D., at a place called Hazro or HaiXdru a fierce battle was fought between the armies of Ranjit Singh and Fateh Khan. In this battle Ranjit Singh gave a crushing defeat to Fateh Khan. It was the first battle fought between the Afghans and the Sikhs. This victory not only strengthened Ranjit Singh’s hold on Attock but also spread his fame far and wide.
Question 2.
Write about the battle of Hazro or Haidro or Chuch.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh had got the fort of Attock from Governor Jahandad Khan in exchange for Jagir of one lakh rupees, in March 1813 A.D. This fort was very important from the geographical point of view. When Fateh Khan came to know about it, he flew into rage. He started from Kashmir to Attock with heavy military force. He declared Jihad (religious war) against the Sikhs. A force for help from Kabul was also sent for Fateh Khan. On the other hand Maharaja Ranjit Singh also sent a vast army for the defence of the fort of Attock under General Hari Singh Nalwa, S. Jodh Singh Ramgarhia and Diwan Mohkam Chand.
A bloody battle between the two forces took place at Hazro, Haidro or Chuch. On July 13, 1813 A.D. the forces of Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave Fateh Khan’s army a crushing defeat. It not only confirmed the control of Maharaja Ranjit Singh over the fort of Attock but also his fame spread far and wide.
Question 3.
Write a brief note on Shah Shuja.
Or
Give a brief account of Shah Shuja’s relations with Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Shah Shuja was the emperor of Afghanistan. He ruled from 1803 to 1809 A.D. He proved a very incompetent ruler. In 1809 A.D. he left the throne and fled away. He was arrested by Ata Mohammad Khan, the Afghan Governor of Kashmir. In the first expedition of Kashmir in 1813 A.D. the forces of Maharaja Ranjit Singh got him released and brought him to Lahore. In exchange for it, Maharaja Ranjit Singh got the world famous diamond Koh-i-noor from his wife Wafa Begum.
In 1833 A.D. Shah Shuja made an agreement with Maharaja Ranjit Singh in order to regain his lost throne, but he did not succeed in his efforts. On June 26, 1838″ A.D. a Tripartite Treaty was signed among the English, Shah Shuja and Maharaja Ranjit Singh. According to this treaty, efforts were made to make Shah Shuja the emperor of Afghanistan. As a result of the efforts of the English, Shah Shuja became the emperor of Afghanistan in 1839 A.D. but soon he was. killed in a rebellion against him.
Question 4.
Write a short note on the relations between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Dost Mohammad Khan.
Answer:
Dost Mohammad Khan became the ruler of Afghanistan in 1826 A.D. Dost Mohammad Khan could never accept the fast growing influence of Maharaja Ranjit S Singh. A gulf had been created between them on the issue of Peshawar. A tussle started between Shah Shuja the ex-ruler of Afghanistan and Dost Mohammad Khan over the throne. Taking advantage of the situation, Maharaja Ranjit Singh took control of Peshawar very easily on May 6, 1834 A.D. After defeating Shah Shuja, Dost Mohammad Khan tried again to bring Peshawar under his control but he did not succeed.
In 1837 A.D. Dost Mohammad Khan sent a vast army to Peshawar under his son Akbar Khan. In the bloody battle of Jamraud, although General Hari Singh Nalwa was killed, but he ensured victory for the Sikhs. After this, Dost Mohammad Khan never turned his face towards Peshawar.
Question 5.
Write a brief note on Syed Ahmad.
Or
Write a note on the Zihad (Religious War) of Syed Ahmad.
Answer:
During 1827 to 1831 A.D. a fanatic named Syed Ahmad continued a rebellion against the Sikhs in the Attock and Peshawar regions. He hailed from Bareilly. He used to say, “Allah has sent me to conquer the Punjab and India and to expel the Sikhs from Afghan states and to finish them.” Taken in by his utterances, many Afghan sardars became his followers. In a very short period, he collected a vast army. It was a challenge to the authority of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
He was defeated by the Sikh forces first at Saidu and then at Peshawar but luckily on both occasions he succeeded in saving himself. In spite of his defeats, he continued his struggle against the Sikhs. At last, Syed Ahmad was killed at Balakot, fighting against Prince Sher Singh in 1831 A.D. Thus, a great headache of the Sikhs came to an end.
Question 6.
Write a short note on the Battle of Jamraud.
Answer:
Dost Mohammad Khan did not sit quietly on reaching Kabul. He wanted to avenge the insult suffered by him at the hands of the Sikhs. On the other side, the Sikhs were also busy in consolidating their position in Peshawar. In order to, prevent the Afghans from invading Peshawar, General Hari Singh Nalwa got a strong fort constructed at Jamraud. Dost Mohammad Khan could not tolerate the growing power of the Sikhs in Peshawar. So, he sent twenty thousand soldiers under the command of Mohammad Akbar and Shamsudin to invade Jamraud.
This army attacked Jamraud on 28th April, 1837 A&D. Sardar Mahan Singh with his 600 soldiers bravely resisted the Afghans for two days. At that time, General Hari Singh Nalwa was lying seriously ill at Peshawar. When he heard the news of Afghan attack, roaring like a lion, he reached Jamraud with his 10,000 soldiers. He trounced the Afghan forces. Being hit by a shell, General Hari Singh Nalwa died a martyr’s death on 30th April, 1837 A.D.
In order to, avenge his martyrdom, the Sikh army made so powerful attack on the Afghans that they fled to Kabul like jackals. Thus, the Sikhs emerged victorious in this decisive battle of Jamraud. When Maharaja Ranjit Singh heard the news of the death of his great general, Hari Si»gh Nalwa, tears kept flowing down his eyes for days together. After the battle of Jamraud, Dost Mohammad Khan never dared to attack Peshawar again. He felt assured that it was not possible to recover Peshawar from the Sikhs.
Question 7.
Write a short note on Akali Phula Singh.
Or
Who was Akali Phula Singh? Write a note on his military achievements.
Answer:
Akali Phula Singh was a pillar of the Sikh empire. He greatly contributed towards strengthening the foundations and expansion of Sikh empire. Maharaja Ranjit Singh respected him very much due to his exemplary bravery, fearlessness, love for Sikhism and high moral character. Maharaja Ranjit Singh succeeded in taking control of Kasur due to the bravery of Akali Phula Singh in 1807 A.D. In the same year, Akali Phula Singh brought Jhang also under his control. It was due to him that in 1816 A.D., the revolts by Muslim rulers against the Sikh rule in Multan, Bhakhar and Bahawalpur could be crushed. His contribution in the conquest of Multan in 1818 A.D., was also significant.
In the same year, Maharaja Ranjit Singh got his services during the Peshawar expedition. During the conquest of Kashmir in 1819 A.D. also, he was with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Akali Phula Singh was killed in a battle against the Afghans at Naushehra on March 14, 1823 A.D. Undoubtedly Akali Phula Singh was a great saviour of the Sikh empire.
Question 8.
Write a brief note on Hari Singh Nalwa.
Or
Who was Hari Singh Nalwa? What do you know about him? Give a brief account.
Answer:
Hari Singh Nalwa was the greatest and most fearless general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He was matchless in the art of horse riding, swordsmanship and shooting. Besides being a great warrior, he was also a great administrator. Impressed by his bravery Maharaja Ranjit Singh had enlisted him in the army. Very soon he attained the high post of general. Once he had killed a lion with his hands, at which he was awarded the title of Nalwa by the Maharaja. He was so brave that the enemy trembled before him. He took part in most of the hazardous expeditions of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and achieved success in them. He remained the Nazim (governor) of Kashmir in 1820-21 A.D. and became Nazim of Peshawar in 1834 A.D. and remained on this post till 1837 A.D.
While working on-these posts, he not only created law and order in these regions but also initiated many reforms. He was killed on April 30, 1837 A.D. fighting against the Afghans at Jamraud. His death was a great blow to Maharaja Ranjit Singh and he kept weeping for many days. Undoubtedly, Hari Singh Nalwa had contributed greatly in consolidating and expanding the empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Question 9.
Explain the features of North-West Frontier Policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Write down the main five features of the North-West Frontier Policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Describe the five features of North-West Frontier Policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh had conquered and annexed Attock, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan and Peshawar etc. of north-west frontier region to his empire. Acting wisely, he did not try to occupy Afghanistan at all. He was already facing many problems in north-west frontier states, so he did not want to invite a new headache for himself. Maharaja Ranjit Singh took many steps to make north-west frontiers safe. He got many new forts constructed at strategic points and repaired old ones. A well-trained army was kept in these forts.
Mobile military squads were formed to crush the rebels. Maharaja Ranjit Singh showed an excellent grasp of the realities of the situation in running the administration of this region. He allowed the conventions and customs of this region to continue and did not interfere with the matters of tribal people unnecessarily. Army generals were appointed as the governors to run the administration. This step was taken keeping in view the temperament of the local tribes.
Question 10.
What is the significance of North-West Frontier Policy of Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
The North-West Frontier Policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh occupies a special place in the history of Punjab. It speaks volumes about his far-sightedness, diplomacy and administrative ability. By bringing Multan, Kashmir, Peshawar etc. under his control, Ranjit Singh was able to put an end to the Afghan influence in this region. As a result Maharaja Ranjit Singh succeeded in making his empire safe from Afghan invasions.
It was a great political achievement of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Because of his successful policy Ranjit Singh brought the various tribal people under his control. Moreover, he was able to establish law and order in this region. The revolts were crushed with iron hands. Means of transport were developed. Special steps were taken to encourage agriculture. Land revenue was reduced to a considerable extent. Trade was also given a new boost. Consequently, the people of North-West Frontier region became prosperous and happy.
Essay Type Questions:
Question 1.
Briefly describe Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s relations with the Afghans.
Or
Give a brief account of the main stages of relations of Maharaja Ranjit Singh with Afghanistan.
Answer:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s relations with Afghanistan can be divided into the following four stages:
- First stage of Sikh-Afghan relations 1797-1812 A.D.
- Second stage of Sikh-Afghan relations 1813-1834 A.D.
- Third stage of Sikh-Afghan relations 1834-1837 A.D.
- Fourth stage of Sikh-Afghan relations 1838-1839 A.D.
- First Stage of Sikh-Afghan Relations 1797-1812 A.D.
1. Ranjit Singh and Shah Zaman : The relations between Ranjit Singh and the Afghans started at the time, when in 1797 A.D. Ranjit Singh took over the reins of the Sukarchakia Misl. At that time, Shah Zaman was the king of Afghani¬stan. He considered Punjab as his personal heritage, because his grandfather Ahmad Shah Abdali had occupied it in 1752 A.D. Shah Zaman had invaded Punjab thrice by 1797 A.D., before Ranjit Singh ascended the throne. During his fourth invasion, Shah Zaman besieged Lahore on 27th November, 1798. At that time, Lahore was ruled over by the three Bhangi Misl Sardars (Chet Singh, Sahib Singh and Mohar Singh). They fled from the city without giving any resistance to Shah Zaman.
Shah Zaman had to go back to Kabul to crush the revolt. The Bhangi Sardars once again took possession of Lahore in January, 1799 A.D. Ranjit Singh defeated the Bhangi Sardars and occupied Lahore on 7th July, 1799 A.D.. After¬wards, with a view to improrve his relations with Shah Zaman, Ranjit Singh sent to Kabul his 12 to 15 guns, which had fallen in the river Jhelum. Shah Zaman felt pleased with Ranjit Singh and acknowledged his control over Lahore.
2. Political Instability in Afghanistan: In 1800 A.D., a war of succession for the royal throne started in Kabul. Shah Zaman was dethroned and Shah Mehmud became the new king of Afghanistan. He ruled only for three years (1800-03 A.D.). In 1803 A.D. Shah Shuja forcibly took possession of the throne from Shah Mehmud. He ruled till 1809 A.D. He proved to be an unworthy king. It led to chaos in Af¬ghanistan.
On finding this golden opportunity, the Afghan Governors of Attock, Kashmir, Multan and Derajat declared their independence. Maharaja Ranjit Singh also took advantage of the weakness of the Kabul government and took possession of the Afghap areas like Kasur, Jhang, Khushal and Sahiwai. In 1809 A.D. Shah Shuja was dethroned and Shah Mehmud again became the new king of Afghani-stan.
Since Fateh Khan had rendered every possible help to Shah Mehmud in getting the royal throne, so he appointed him his Prime Minister. By 1812 A.D. Fateh Khan had greatly consolidated his position in Afghanistan- In 1812 A.D. the ruler of Attock, Jahandad Khan had imprisoned Shah Shuja and sent him to Kashmir. The ruler of Kashmir Ata Mohammad Khan had thrown him into the prison.
(B) Second Stage of Sikh-Afghan Relations 1813-1834 A.D.
came to know of it, he lost his temper. He himself proceeded with a huge army to drive out the Sikhs from Attock. On July 13,1813 A.D. a fierce battle was fought at a place called Hazro or Haidru, in which Maharaja Ranjit Singh inflicted a crushing defeat on Fateh Khan. This victory gave a severe blow to the power of the Afghans and enhanced the prestige of the Sikhs.
5. Conquest of Kashmir 1819 A.D.: Encouraged by the victory of Multan in 1818 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh made a plan in 1819 A.D. to conquer Kashmir. A large army under the command of Misar Diwan Chand, was sent to Kashmir. The army succeeded in defeating the Kashmir ruler, JaJbbar Khan and capturing Kash¬mir. This significant victory greatly enhanced the prestige of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It dealt a severe blow to the Afghan power.
6. Battle of Naushera 1823 A.D.: Azim Khan made Ayub Khan the new king of Afghanistan and himself became the Wazir. Taking advantage of the disturbed situation in Afghanistan, Maharaja Ranjit Singh attacked Peshawar in 1818 A.D. Yar Mohammad Khan and Dost Mohammad Khan, who ran the Government of Peshawar jointly accepted the suzerainty of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Azim Khan could not tolerate it.
As a result on 14th March 1823 A.D., a decisive battle was fought between the two forces at Naushera or Tibba Tehri. In this battle, the Sikhs inflicted such a crushing defeat on the Afghans, that they fled from the battlefield. According to Dr. B.J. Hasrat, “The Sikh victory at Naushera sounded the deathknell of Afghan supremacy beyond the?iver Indus.”
7. Revolt of Sayyed Ahmad 1827-31 A.D. : During the period 1827 A.D. to 1831 A.D., a man named Sayyed Ahmad had created disturbance against the Sikhs in Attock and Peshawar. He declared that God has sent him to conquer Punjab and India, and to drive out the Sikhs from the Afghan territories. Taken in by his utterances, many Afghan Sardars became his disciples. In no time, he was able to organise a big army.
It was a challenge to Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s power. The Sikh forces defeated him first at Saidu and then at Peshawar, but fortunately he escaped both the times. Despite these defeats, he continued his struggle against the Sikhs. At last in 1831 A.D., he died at Balakot while fighting against. Prince Sher Singh. In this way a big nuisance for the Sikhs was over.
8. Treaty with Shah Shuja 1833 A.D.: On 12th March, 1833 AJD., a treaty was signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Shah Shuja. According to the treaty, Shah Shuja accepted Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s suzerainty on all the areas conquered in the North-West of river Indus. In return Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave help him help to fight against Dost Mohammad Khan.
9. Annexation of Peshawar to the Lahore Kingdom 1834 A.D. : In 1834 A.D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh decided to annex Peshawar to the Lahore Raj. With this objective, he sent to Peshawar a large army under the command of prince Naunihal Singh, Hari Singh Nalwa and General Ventura. When, Sultan Mohammad heard the news of attack by the Sikhs, he fled to Kabul without putting up any resistance. Thus, on 6th May, 1834 A.D., Peshawar was annexed to the Lahore Kingdom. In order to run the administration of Peshawar, Hari Singh Nalwa was appointed the first Governor.
(C) Third Stage of Sikh-Afghan Relations 1834,1837 A.D.
The annexation of Peshawar to the Lahore Kingdom in 1834 A.D., ushered in a new era in the Sikh-Afghan relations. During this period, the Afghans tried to recapture Peshawar, but the Sikh forces frustrated all their efforts.
10. Efforts to recapture Peshawar by Dost Mohammad Khan 1835 A.D.: In 1834 A.D., when Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed Peshawar to his empire, Dost Mohammad Khan lost this temper. He could not tolerate the rule of the Sikhs over an important territory like Peshawar. But, at that time, he was involved in a civil war with Shah Shuja. After defeating Shah Shuja, he asked Ranjit Singh either to hand over Peshawar to him or be ready to fight with him.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh chose the second option. In order to consolidate his position, Dost Mohammad Khan raised the slogan of Jihad (religious war). As a result, Afghan tribes in large numbers gathered under his banner. He won over to his side, his brother, Sultan Mohammad, who was the governor of Peshawar.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was not fully prepared for the battle, so he sent Faqir Aziz-ud-Din and Harlan to hold talks. Another objective of this mission was to create a wedge between Dost Mohammad Khan and Sultan Mohammad Khan. This mission succeeded in achiev¬ing both the objectives. Near Peshawar, when both the forces came face to face, Sultan Mohammad with his soldiers went over to the side of the Sikhs.
On seeing this, Dost Mohammad Khan retreated to Kabul with his soldiers without putting up any resistance on 11th May, 1835 A.D. In this’tvay, Maharaja Ranjit Singh won a significant victory without shedding a drop of blood.
11. Battle of Jamraud 1837 A.D.: Dost Mohammad Khan wanted to avenge his humiliation suffered at the hands of the Sikhs. On the other hand, the Sikhs also wanted to consolidate their position in Peshawar. In <?rder to counter the Af¬ghan invasions, Hari Singh Nalwa got a strong fort constructed at Jamraud. In order to check this operation of Hari Singh Nalwa, Dost Mohammad Khan sent a huge army of 20,000 soldiers under the command of his son Mohammad Akbar and Shamsudin.
This army attacked the fort of Jamraud on 28th April, 1837 A.D. Hari Singh Nalwa was then lying seriously ill at Peshawar. When he heard the news of Afghan attack, he with his 10,000 soldiers attacked the Afghans at Jamraud with a view to teach them a lesson. Although Hari Singh Nalwa was killed in this battle, the Sikhs caused such a havoc among the Afghans that they never turned their face towards Peshawar thereafter.
(D) Fourth Stage of Sikh-Afghan Relations 1838-39 A.D.
Britishers wanted to establish Mendly 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
Question 2.
Describe the chief characteristics of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s North-West Frontier Policy. Was the Maharaja successful in this policy?
Or
Discuss the North-West Frontier Policy of Ranjit Singh.
Or
Explain the North-West Frantier Policy of Maharaja Single.
Or
Which problems had Maharaja Ranjit Singh to face in the North-West Frontier territories? What steps did the Maharaja take to solve these problems?
Or
Examine the main features of the North-West Frontier Policy of Ranjit Singh. What was its significance?
Answer:
The North-West Frontier has always formed a vital problem for the rulers ‘ of Punjab, as well as, of India. The reason was that the foreign invaders coming through this route caused much havoc in Punjab and India. Besides, this territory was inhabited by very savage tribes. Their chief occupation was to carry on loot and arson. They were indisciplined by nature. They were staunch fanatics and remained ever ready to die in the name of religion. It was not an easy task to . encounter them. Maharaja Ranjit*Singh was the first ruler, who paid his attention to solve this tangle.
Main Features of North-West frontier Policy
The main features of North-West Frontier Policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh were as given below:
1. Conquests of North-Western Territories : There were two stages of the conquests of North-Western territories by Ranjit Singh. After conquering Attock, Multan and Kashmir, he had annexed them to his kingdom. After these conquests, Maharaja Ranjit Singh paid attention to the territories beyond Indus river. He conquered Peshawar in 1818 A.D., Bhawalpur in 1820 A.D. and Dera Ismail Khan and Mankera in 1821 A.D. Acting wisely, Maharaja Ranjit Singh did not annex these areas to his kingdom.
He left them under the-care of the Muslims in return for the annual revenue (khiraj) from these areas. By 1827 A.D. to 1831 A.D. Maha raja Ranjit Singh’s power had greatly increased, he decided to annex these areas to his kingdom. Consequently, Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed to his kingdom, Dera Gazi Khan in 1831 A.D., Tonk in 1832 A.D., Bannu in 1833 A.D., Peshawar in 1834 A.D. and Dera Ismail Khan in 1836 A.D.
2. Decision of not conquering Afghanistan: Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a wise statesman. So he never tried to conquer Afghanistan. He was already facing many hardships in the North-West frontier areas. Under such a situation, he did not want to invite any more trouble by conquering Afghanistan. Perhaps on one occasion only did he think seriously of attacking Afghanistan. This idea occurred to him in 1837 A.D. to avenge the death of his great General Hari Singh Nalwa who was killed in the battle of Jamraud. Soon his anger cooled down and he gave up the idea of attacking Afghanistan. It is true that Maharaja Ranjit Singh joined the Tripartite Treaty in June 1838 A.D., but he did not want to attack Afghani¬stan. He joined this treaty so that the British might not harm his interests.
3. Efforts to crush the Tribes: Many Afghan tribes lived in the North-West¬ern Frontier areas which were under the control of Ranjit Singh. Of these tribes Yussufazai, Mohammadzai, Daudzai, Afridi and Khattak were the most savage. During the period 1827 and 1831 A.D. Sayyed Ahmad instigated the tribes of these territories against the Sikhs. Ranjit Singh sent many military campaigns to crush these tribes.
In 1831 A.D. Sayyed Ahmad was killed along with his 500 companions, while fighting against Prince Sher Singh at Balakot. In spite of this, these tribes continued to create disturbances against the Sikhs. In 1834 A.D. when Peshawar was annexed to the Sikh empire, Hari Singh Nalwa was appointed as Governor there. Hari Singh Nalwa followed a very strong policy to crush these tribes.
4. Measures for the defence of the North-West Frontier: Maharaja Ranjit Singh took many steps for the defence of the North-West Frontiers. He got con¬structed new forts like the fort of Attock, Khairabad, Jahangira, Jamraud and Fatehgarh at places of strategical importance. In addition, old forts were repaired. Trained soldiers were deployed in these forts. These soldiers were always ready to crush the rebels. Besides, mobile squads were also raised. These squads had cre¬ated such a panic in the hearts of these tribes that they would seldom raise their heads.
5. Administration of North-West Frontier Territories : In order to keep the tribes of North-West Frontier territories under control, Maharaja Ranjit Singh appointed military Governors. He did not bring about any revolutionary change in the administration of these territories. Old laws, customs and traditions were not interfered with. Every Khan enjoyed a good status in this area, as enjoyed by him previously. He would collect taxes from the people belonging to his tribe.
He settled their disputes and punished them according to the prevalent customs. With a view to encourage agriculture, canals and wells were dug up in the area. The rate of revenue was greatly reduced. By virtue of these efforts, Maharaja Ranjit Singh tried to win the confidence of the people living there. On the other hand, the trouble¬shooters were severely dealt with.
Importance of N.W.E Policy
The N.W.F. Policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh succeeded to a-considerable ex¬tent. Undoubtedly it was one of his greatest achievements. By conquering Multan, Kashmir and Peshawar etc. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had ended the Afghan influ¬ence. He succeeded in establishing peace by crushing the turbulent tribes living in North-Western Frontiers. He took special steps to encourage agriculture. It led to the economic prosperity of the people living there. Dr. G.S. Nayyar aptly says, “It was the first time after Anangpal that the series of invasions from the North-West were checked and the tribesmen ruled.”
Short Answer Type Questions:
Question 1.
How did Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquer Attock? What was its significance?
Or
Give a brief account of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s conquest of Attock and the battle of Hazro.
Answer:
In exchange of a big Jagir yielding an annual revenue of Rs. 1 lakh Jahandad Khan agreed to surrender the fort of Attock to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. When Fateh Khan came to know about it, he flew into a rage. In order to bring the fort of Attock under his control, he proceeded towards Attock with his army. On I3th July, 1813 A.D., at a place called Hazro or Haidru, a fierce battle was fought between the armies of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Fateh Khan. In this battle Maharaja Ranjit Singh gave a crushing defeat to Fateh Khan. It boosted the morale of the Sikh army.
Question 2.
Write a brief note on Shah Shuja.
Or
Give a brief account of Shah Shuja’s relations with Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
He ruled Afghanistan from 1803 to 1809 A.D. In 1809 A.D. he left the throne and fled away. He was arrested by Ata Mohammad Khan, the Afghan Governor of Kashmir. In the first expedition of Kashmir in 1813 A.D. the forces of Maharaja Ranjit Singh got him released and brought him to Lahore. On June 26, 1838 A.D. a Tripartite Treaty was signed between the English, Shah Shuja and Maharaja Ranjit Singh. According to this treaty, efforts were made to make Shah Shuja the emperor of Afghanistan but it remained unsuccessful.
Question 3.
Write a short note on the relations between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Dost Mohammad Khan.
Answer:
Dost Mohammad Khan became the ruler of Afghanistan in 1826 A.D. Dost Mohammad Khan could never accept the fast growing influence of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh took control of Peshawar very easily on May 6, 1834 A.D; In 1837 A.-D. Dost Mohammad Khan sent a vast army to Peshawar under his son Akbar Khan. In the bloody battle of Jamraud, although S. Hari Singh Nalwa was killed, yet the Sikhs, ultimately came out victorious. After this, Dost Mohammad Khan never turned his face towards Peshawar.
Question 4.
Write a brief note on Sayyed Ahmad.
Or
Write a note on the Jihad (Religious War) of Sayyed Ahmad.
Answer:
During 1827 to 1831 A.D. a fanatic named Sayyed Ahmad continued a rebellion against the Sikhs in the Attock and Peshawar regions. He hailed from Bareilly. He used to say, “Allah has sent me to conquer the Punjab and India and to expel the Sikhs from Afghan states and to finish them.” Taken in by his utterances, many Afghan sardars became his followers. He was killed at Balakot, fighting against Prince Sher Singh in 1831 A.D. .
Question 5.
Write a short note on Akali Phula Singh.
Or
Who was Akali Phula Singh? Write a note on his military achievements.
Answer:
Akali Phula Singh was a pillar of the Sikh empire. He greatly contributed . towards strengthening the foundations and expansion of Sikh empire. Maharaja Ranjit Singh succeeded in taking control of Kasur due to the bravery of Akali Phula Singh in 1807 A.D. His contribution in the conquest of Multan in 1818 A.D., was also significant. During the conquest of Kashmir in 1819 AD. also, he was with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Akali Phula Singh was killed in a battle against the Afghans at Naushehra on March 14, 1823 A.D.
Question 6.
Write a short note on the battle of Jamraud.
Answer:
General Hari Singh Nalwa had got a strong fort built at Jamraud with the objective of consolidating his position in Peshawar. Dost Mohammad Khan could never tolerate it. So he sent a vast army to Jamraud under the command of his son Akbar Khan. His forces surrounded the fort of Jamraud on April 28, 1837 A.D. Hari Singh Nalwa attacked the Afghans but he was killed. Inspite of that the Sikhs gave a crushing defeat to the Afghans on April 30,1837 A.D. After this the Afghans never dared to conquer Peshawar.
Question 7.
Write a brief note on Hari Singh Nalwa.
Or
What do you know about Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa?
Or
Write a note on S&rdar Hari Singh Nalwa.
Answer:
Hari Singh Nalwa was the greatest and most fearless General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He took part in most of the hazardous expeditions of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and achieved success in them. He remained the Nazim (Governor) of Kashmir in 1820-21 A.D. and Nazim of Peshawar from 1834 A.D. to 1837 A.D. While working on these posts, he not only created law and order in these regions but also initiated many reforms. He was killed on April 30, 1837 AD. fighting against the Afghans at Jamraud.
Question 8.
Describe the main features of North-West Frontier policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Or
Write down the main features of the North-West Frontier Policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer: (a) Maharaja Ranjit Singh took many steps. To make north-west frontiers safe. He got many new forts constructed at strategic points and repaired old ones.
(b) Mobile military squads were formed to crush the rebels. (Hi) He allowed the conventions and customs of this region to continue (d) He did not interfere with the matters of tribal people unnecessarily, (v) Army Generals were appointed as the Governors to run the administration.
Question 9.
What is the significance of North-West Frontier Policy of naraja Ranjit Singh?
Or
Write down the three main features of the North-West Frontier Policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
The North-West Frontier policy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh speaks volumes for his far-sightedness, diplomacy and administrative ability. By bringing Multan, Kashmir, Peshawar etc. under his control, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was able to put an end to the Afghan influence in this region. As a result Maharaja Ranjit Singh succeeded in making his empire safe from Afghan invasions. He was able to establish law and order in this region. Means of transport were developed. Special steps were taken to encourage agriculture. Trade was also given a new boost.
Objective Type Questions:
Question 1.
Name any one ruler of Afghanistan during the rule of Maharaja RanjitSingh.
Answer:
Shah Shuja.
Question 2.
Name any two Barkzai Brothers.
Answer:
Dost Mohammad Khan and Yar Mohammad Khan.
Question 3.
Who was Shah Zaman?
Or
What was Shah Shuja?
Answer:
He was the ruler of Afghanistan.
Question 4.
When did Shah Zaman occupy Lahore?
Answer:
On Nov. 27,1798 AD.
Question 5.
Who was ruling at Lahore when Shah Zaman occupied it in 1798 AD.?
Answer:
Three Bhangi Sardars or Bhangi Misl.
Question 6.
Who was Fateh Khan?
Answer:
Wazir of Shah Mahmud, the ruler of Afghanistan.
Question 7.
Where did the alliance take place between Mdharqja Ranjit Singh and Fateh Khan regarding the control over Kashmir?
Answer:
At Rohtas.
Question 8.
When was the battle of Hazro or Haidru fought?
Answer:
July 13, 1813 A.D.
Question 9.
Give one result of the battle of Hazro?
Answer:
It gave a crushing blow to the Afghan pow
Question 10.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh occupy Kashmir?
Answer:
1819 A.D.
Question 11.
When was the battle of Naushera fought?
Answer:
March 14, 1823 AD.
Question 12.
Who was defeated in the battle of Naushera?
Answer:
Azim Khan.
Question 13.
Who was Akali Phula Singh?
Answer:
A famous army general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Question 14.
Name the battle in which Akali Phula Singh died.
Or
In which battle Akali Phula Singh died?
Answer:
The battle of Naushera.
Question 15.
Who was Syed Ahmad?
Answer:
He called himself the Caliph of the Muslims.
Question 16.
By whom was the religious war (Jihad) led against Maharaja Ranjit Singh?
Answer:
Syed Ahmad.
Question 17.
When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh annex Peshawar to his empire?
Answer:
1834 A.D.
Question 18.
Whom did Maharaja Ranjit Singh appoint the first Governor of Peshawar?
Answer:
Hari Singh Nalwa.
Question 19.
When did the battle of Jamraud take place?
Answer:
30 April, 1837
Question 20.
Who was Hari Singh Nalwa?
Answer:
Famous General of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Question 21.
When was the Tripartite Treaty signed?
Answer:
June 26, 1838 A.D.
Question 22.
Mention any one clause of Tripartite Treaty.
Answer:
Shah Shuja was to be made the ruler of Afghanistan.
Question 23.
Name any one problem of Maharaja Ranjit Singh regarding the North-West Frontier States.
Answer:
He had to deal with the tribes of North-West Frontier States.
Question 24.
Give a characteristic of Maharaja Raqjit Singh’s North-West Frontier Policy.
Answer:
He never tried to capture control over Afghanistan,
Question 25.
Name a barbaric tribe of North-West at the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Yusufjais.
Question 26.
Mention any one effect of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s North-West Frontier Policy.
Answer:
Peace was established.
Fill in the blanks :
1. The ruler of Afghanistan during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was ……………..
Answer:
Shah Zaman
2. ……………. became the new king of Afghanistan in 1800 A.D.
Answer:
Shah Mehmud
3. In 1813 A.D., a pact was signed between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Fateh Khan at …………….
Answer:
Rohtas
4. Maharaja Ranjit Singh took hold of ………….. from Jahandad Khan.
Answer:
Attock
5. The battle of Naushera was fought between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Afghans in …………..
Answer:
1823 A.D.
6. Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed Peshawar to his empire in ……………
Answer:
1834 A.D.
7. In 1838 A.D., the Tripartite Treaty was signed among the English ………………. and Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
Shah Suja
8. Hari Singh Nalwa died in ……………….
Answer:
1837 A.D.
True or False:
1. Shah Zaman was the ruler of Afghanistan during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Answer:
True
2. Shah Mehmood became the new ruler of Afghanistan in 1805 A.D.
Answer:
False
3. A settlement took place between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Fateh Khan in 1813 A.D. at Rohtas.
Answer:
True
4. The battle of Hazro was fought on July 13, 1818 A.D.
Answer:
True
5. Maharaja Ranjit Singh occupied Multan in 1818 A.D.
Answer:
True
6. Mahafaja Ranjit Singh conquered Kashmir in 1819 A.D.
Answer:
True
7. Hari Singh Nalwg was appointed new Governor of Kashmir in 1820.
Answer:
True
8. Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa was honoured by Zaffarjung.
Answer:
False
9. The battle of Naushera was fought on March 14, 1828 A.D.
Answer:
False
10. Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed Peshawar to his empire in 1834 A.D.
Answer:
True
11. The battle of Jamraud was fought in 1837 A.D.
Answer:
True
12. The North-West Frontier Policy of Maharaja Ranjit-Singh succeeded to a considerable extent in solving the N.W.F. problems.
Answer:
True
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. When did Shah Zaman occupy Lahore?
(a) 1796 A.D.
(b) 1797 A.D.
(c) 1798 A.D.
(d) 1799 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1798 A.D.
Who was Fateh Khan?
(a) Wazir of Afghanistan
(b) Wazir of Ranjit Singh
(c) Wazir of Iran
(d) None of these.
Answer:
(a) Wazir of Afghanistan
3. When did the alliance take place between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Fateh Khan regarding the control over Kashmir?
(a) 1803 A.D.
(b) 1805 A.D.
(c) 1809 A.D.
(d) 1813 AD.
Answer:
(d) 1813 AD.
4. Where did the alliance take place between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Fateh Khan?
(a) Rohtas
(b) Rohtang
(c) Supeen
(d) Hazro,
Answer:
(a) Rohtas
5. When did Akali Phuila Singh get martyrdom while fighting with the Afghans?
(a) 1813 A.D.
(b) 1815 A.D.
(c) 1819 A.D.
(d) 1823 A.D.
Answer:
(d) 1823 A.D.
6. In which places Syed Ahmad created disturbance against the Sikhs?
(a) Attock and Peshawar
(b) Peshawar and Kashmir
(c) Kashmir and Multan
(d) Multan and Attock.
Answer:
(a) Attock and Peshawar
7. When did Syed Ahmad revolt against the Sikhs?
(a) 1823 A.D.
(b) 1825 A D.
(c) 1827 A.D.
(d) 1831 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1827 A.D.
8. When did Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexJPeshawar to his Empire?
(a) 1823 A.D.
(b) 1831 A.D.
(c) 1834 A.D.
(d) 1837 A.D.
Answer:
(c) 1834 A.D.
9. In which battle famous Sikh General Hari Singh Nalwa was killed?
(a) Battle of Jamraud
(b) Battle of Naushera
(c) Battle of Hazro
(d) Battle of Supeen
Answer:
(a) Battle of Jamraud
10. Which person was to be appointed as ruler of Afghanistan according to the Tripartite Treaty?
(a) Shah Zaman
(b) Shah Shuja
(c) Shah Mehmud
(d) Dost Mohammad Khan.
Answer:
(b) Shah Shuja