The conquest of Sindh by the British East India Company stands as a pivotal event in the history of South Asia, marking the expansion of British influence into the Indian subcontinent. Situated at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, Sindh held strategic significance for centuries, attracting the interest of various powers. However, it was during the 19th century that the British intensified their efforts to assert control over this region. The conquest of Sindh unfolded against a backdrop of geopolitical rivalries, economic interests, and shifting power dynamics, ultimately culminating in the establishment of British dominion over this key territory. This conquest not only altered the political landscape of the Indian subcontinent but also set the stage for subsequent British colonial expansion across the region.
British rights over Sindh
Under Lord Auckland’s rule, the British in India adopted a cunning approach, especially in dealing with Sindh. In 1838, they convinced Punjab’s ruler, Ranjit Singh, to sign a treaty allowing British involvement in his disputes with the Amirs of Sindh. Using this treaty, the British manipulated the situation to their advantage.
They pressured Emperor Shah Shuja to give up his rights over Sindh in exchange for clearing his debts. The British decided the amount of tribute owed, aiming to fund their Afghan military campaign and secure a route to Afghanistan through Sindh.
These actions showed the British government’s readiness to achieve its political and strategic goals without regard for ethics. The treatment of Sindh during this time was marked by morally questionable decisions made for political gain.
Sindh under Subsidiary Alliance
In 1839, due to the threat of a stronger force, the Amirs of Sindh were forced to sign a treaty with the British East India Company. The Company’s main goals were to ensure the payment of owed money and remove a clause in the 1832 treaty that limited the movement of English troops in Sindh.
According to the treaty, a British force would be stationed at Shikarpur and Bukkar, and the Amirs of Sindh had to pay Rs 3 lakh annually for the upkeep of the Company’s troops. The Amirs were also not allowed to negotiate with other countries without the Company’s permission. They had to provide a storage facility at Karachi for the Company’s military supplies, abolish tolls on the Indus River, and offer troops for the British-Afghan war if needed.
Accepting this treaty established a subsidiary alliance between the British East India Company and the Amirs of Sindh. It strengthened British control over Sindh, increasing their influence and presence in the region.
Sindh’s Surrender
During the first Anglo-Afghan War from 1839 to 1842, the battleground extended to Sindh, where the Amirs of Sindh opposed the war and the presence of British troops in their territory. Despite their objections, the Amirs were required by the treaty to cover the expenses of the British troops stationed there.
However, rather than being acknowledged for their cooperation, the Amirs were accused of being hostile and disloyal to the British government. Facing setbacks in the Afghan war, Lord Ellenborough sent Sir James Outram to negotiate a new treaty with Sindh.
Under this new treaty, the Amirs were forced to surrender significant provinces as punishment for their perceived wrongdoing. They were also obligated to provide fuel for the Company’s steamers on the Indus and cease minting their own coins. Additionally, when a succession dispute emerged among the Amirs, the British intervened through Charles Napier, leading to war when the Amirs revolted.
In a short time, the entire region of Sindh capitulated, and the Amirs’ resistance was crushed. The British established control over Sindh through military force and subsequent administration.
Consequences
Critics argue that the British taking over of Sindh was unjust and driven by their desire for revenge after facing losses in the First Afghan War. They believe that the British used bullying tactics and deceit to acquire Sindh, as they did in other parts of India. The annexation of Sindh was seen as a way for the British to regain their prestige and assert dominance, rather than a justified or legitimate action.
Also read about Anglo Maratha Struggle.