Anglo Burmese Relations -Free Modern History Notes for UPSC 2025

The relationship between Britain and Burma (now Myanmar) has been a tapestry woven with threads of diplomacy, conflict, and cultural exchange. Spanning centuries, Anglo-Burmese relations have shaped the political landscape of Southeast Asia and left an indelible mark on both nations. From the early encounters during the British colonial expansion to the struggles for independence and the contemporary diplomatic engagements, the story of Anglo-Burmese relations is multifaceted and dynamic. It is a narrative that encompasses moments of cooperation and collaboration, juxtaposed with periods of tension and conflict.

Background

Myanmar has a long history that goes back around 13,000 years. People started living along the Irrawaddy River a long time ago. They gradually started following Theravada Buddhism, which came from India.
In the early 9th century, a group of people called the Bamar came to the upper Irrawaddy valley. They set up the Pagan Kingdom between 1044 and 1297. This was the first time that this area was united under one kingdom.
After the First Mongol invasion in 1287, Myanmar split into smaller kingdoms. Some of the important ones were the Kingdom of Ava, the Hanthawaddy Kingdom, the Kingdom of Mrauk U, and the Shan States. Each of these kingdoms became powerful in its own way.
In the late 16th century, the Toungoo dynasty brought Myanmar back together. They made the biggest empire in Southeast Asia, but it didn’t last very long.
In the late 18th century, the Konbaung dynasty came into power. They continued the work of the Toungoo dynasty and made Myanmar one of the most educated places in Asia. But they also got into fights with nearby countries, which led to wars with the British.
Between 1752 and 1760, King Alaungpaya of the Konbaung dynasty united Myanmar. His successor, Bodawpaya, ruled from Ava on the Irrawaddy River. He attacked places like Siam and fought off Chinese attacks. Eventually, Myanmar’s influence reached up to the borders of British India.

First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-26)

In 1785, the Konbaung dynasty took control of the Arakan region, and by 1813, it had conquered the Manipur region, bringing Myanmar’s border directly into contact with British India.
In 1822, Myanmar also gained control of Assam, leading to conflicts along the vague borders between Bengal and Myanmar. Arakanese rebels, based in Chittagong, frequently attacked Myanmar’s Arakan regions.
By 1823, tensions reached the island of Shalpuri, initially held by Myanmar but later controlled by the British. The British refused Myanmar’s suggestion to make the island neutral.
In 1824, the British officially declared war on Myanmar and sent naval forces through Yangon (Rangoon) harbor to the Myanmar mainland (Battle of Yangon).
By 1825, British forces had reached Ava, the capital of Myanmar, where the famous Burmese general Maha Bandula died in battle. Despite facing difficulties, especially dealing with strong Burmese guerrilla warfare in the jungles, the British continued their campaign.
The harsh weather and diseases in the forests caused more casualties among the soldiers than the actual fighting, leading to the signing of a peace treaty.
In 1826, the Treaty of Yandabo ended the first Anglo-Burmese war. Myanmar gave up control over Assam, Manipur, and Arakan. Additionally, significant parts of Myanmar’s coastline were handed over to the British.
According to the treaty, Myanmar agreed to allow a British representative in Ava, while a Myanmar envoy was stationed in Calcutta.

Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852-53)

Tensions between the British and Burmese continued to escalate, leading to the Second Anglo-Burmese War. The immediate cause of the war was the Burmese refusal to accept a British envoy, the termination of the British residency in Mandalay, and the mistreatment of British merchants.
The war lasted from 1852 to 1853, and the British forces captured the capital city of Mandalay. The Treaty of Pegu was signed in 1852, which resulted in further territorial losses for Burma. The British gained control over the whole of lower Burma, including the regions of Pegu and Yangon (Rangoon).

Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885-86)

The Third Anglo-Burmese War occurred in 1885 because the Burmese resisted British efforts to control upper Burma.
Burmese King Thibaw was accused of mistreating British people, giving the British a reason to take over Burma completely.
The war was quick, with the British capturing Mandalay and removing Thibaw from power.
Afterward, Burma became a part of British India, losing its independence.
The British aimed to use Burma’s resources like teak, oil, and minerals, and they had a strong presence there.
Under British rule, the Burmese people faced changes in their culture and economy, setting the stage for their later fight for independence.
Anglo-Burmese relations were mainly about conflict, driven by British desire for expansion and Burmese ambitions. These conflicts ended with Britain taking over Burma, making it a part of British India.

Impact of Wars

It took the British almost five years to stop the Burmese resistance, and the costs of this were put on the Indian people.
The memory of the Anglo-Burmese conflict stayed with people for a long time. After World War I (1914-18), a new nationalist movement started in Burma.
This movement urged people to boycott British goods and administration and demanded self-rule.
The strong Burmese nationalism made the British separate Burma from India in 1935. They did this to weaken the ongoing struggle.
In 1937, Burma became a separate colony under British control.
Aung San led the Burmese nationalist movement during World War II, and it reached its highest point.
Finally, on January 4, 1948, Burma became independent.

The Anglo-Burmese wars were pivotal events in shaping the course of history for both nations. These conflicts, driven by British expansionism and Burmese resistance to colonial rule, left a lasting impact on the political, social, and cultural landscape of the region.

From the initial encounters rooted in trade and diplomacy to the eventual annexation of Burma by the British, the trajectory of Anglo-Burmese relations was characterized by a complex interplay of power dynamics, cultural clashes, and territorial ambitions.

Despite the British ultimately gaining control over Burma, the legacy of these wars continued to resonate in the collective memory of the Burmese people. The emergence of nationalist movements and the eventual attainment of independence underscored the enduring spirit of resistance and resilience against colonial oppression.