First & Second Sikh Wars

(1845-6/1848-9)

Indian Sub Continent: The Punjab Invasion
Early British Indian vs Sikh
 

The death of the pro-British Ranjit Singh and the British annexation of Sind in 1843 led to a pre-emptive strike by the Sikhs in 1845.  


The First Sikh War involved battles at Moodhee;  Ferozeshah;  Aliwal and Sobraon:  victories for the British under Gough, but with heavy casualties due to the tactics of full frontal assault.


The second Sikh War (or Punjab Campaign) began with Sikh rebellion centered around Multan in April 1848.   Minor skirmishes led to battles at Chillianwalla and Gujerat that effectively broke the power of the Sikh army and led to eventual annexation of the Punjab.

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