British and Anglo-Gorkha War
Introduction
The British and Anglo-Gurkha War was a notable conflict that arose from ongoing disputes and raids into British territories by the Gurkhas. This war had a significant impact on the control and administration of the areas in the Himalayan foothills.
Definition of conflict
The Anglo-Gurkha War began on November 1, 1814, after the British decided to take action against continued Gurkha invasions. Local hill chieftains oppressed by the Gorkhas got the opportunity to regain their autonomy. They formed an alliance with the British, offering their support in return for protection and the restoration of their power.
Major battles and British victories
Battle of Nalapani (1814)
In 1814, the British army captured key places including Dehradun, Kiarda Doon, Kalanga Fort, Ramgarh Fort and Nalagarh. In this battle, Bal Bhadra Thapa was defeated and Kalanga Fort (Nalapani) was lost to the British.
Campaign in 1815
In 1815, British forces led by James Baillie Fraser advanced towards Chopal, the central area of Jubbal, and defeated the Gurkhas. After this he captured Ravingarh fort near Hatkoti in Jubbal. Subsequently, two prominent leaders of Jubbal, Dangi Wazir and Primeau, joined the British forces.
Treaty of Sugauli (1815)
The Anglo-Gurkha War ended with the Treaty of Sugauli in 1815. According to this treaty, the Gorkhas agreed to withdraw from all occupied hill states between the Kali and Sutlej rivers, which then came under British control. In return, the British promised to reinstate the Gurkhas to Nepal after the war. Subsequently, the hill chieftains were granted 20 sanads (deeds), placing their territories under British protection and imposing certain obligations, such as allowing free passage for British traders, providing bonded labor and constructing roads. .
British control policy
Control over hill states
The British returned the states to their legitimate rulers but retained significant control over them. They justified this by claiming that they were protecting the hill chieftains from foreign invasions and helping them preserve their ancient principalities. As a result, all important military posts remained under British control. Additionally, the British announced that lands belonging to extinct ruling families or with disputed ownership would be handed over to the British government.
Establishment of British cantonments
The British consolidated their control by establishing cantonments at several key locations:
Subathu: After defeating the Gurkhas in 1815, David Ochterlony established a cantonment here, making it the headquarters of the Nasiri Battalion, which later became the Gurkha Rifles.
Kasauli: Established in 1842, the town housed the 13 Light Infantry Regiment, which was established near Sanawar by General Gilbert.
Dag-e-Shai: This cantonment consisted of five villages: Dabbi, Bughtiyala, Dag-e-Shai, Chunnaag and Javug.
Balum/Balun: The areas of Dalhousie and Chamba were converted into British cantonments.
Baklob: Established in Pithoragarh in 1866, this cantonment housed the 4th Gorkha Regiment.
In short, the British and Anglo-Gurkha War not only expanded British territorial control but also reshaped the administrative and military landscape of the Himalayan foothills. The Treaty of Sugauli marked a significant shift in power, with the British imposing a policy of strategic control and protection over the hill states.
BRIEF SUMMARY
British and Anglo-Gorkha War
Introduction
The British and Anglo-Gurkha War was a significant conflict between the British and the Gurkhas due to disputes and invasions.
Conflict definition
• Began November 1, 1814.
• The Gurkhas frequently attacked British territories.
• Local hill chieftains, oppressed by the Gorkhas, formed an alliance with the British for protection and restoration of power.
Major wars
Battle of Nalapani (1814)
• The British captured Dehradun, Kiarda Doon, Kalanga Fort, Ramgarh Fort and Nalagarh.
• Bal Bhadra Thapa was defeated and Kalanga Fort fell into the hands of the British.
Campaign in 1815
• The British, under the leadership of James Baillie Fraser, marched to Chaupal and defeated the Gorkhas.
• Captured Ravingarh fort near Hatkoti in Jubbal.
• Jubbal leaders Dangi Wazir and Primu joined the British.
Treaty of Sugauli (1815)
• The war ended with the Treaty of Sugauli.
• The Gorkhas withdrew from the hill states between the Kali and Sutlej rivers.
• The British promised to reestablish the Gorkhas in Nepal.
• The hill chieftains received 20 charters and protection from the British.
• Obligations included free passage for British traders, forced labor and road construction.
British control policy
Control over hill states
• The states were returned to the legitimate rulers but control was retained.
• Claims were made for security and protection of the princely states from foreign invasions.
• Important military posts remained under British control.
• Lands of extinct ruling families or of disputed ownership passed to the British Government.
Establishment of British cantonments
• Subathu: Established by David Ochterlony in 1815, headquarters of the Nasiri Battalion, later the Gurkha Rifles.
• Kasauli: Established in 1842 near Sanawar with 13 Light Infantry Regiment.
• Daag-e-Shai: Encampment of five villages.
• Balum/Balun: Dalhousie and Chamba were converted into cantonments.
• Baklob: Established at Pithoragarh in 1866 for the 4th Gorkha Regiment.
conclusion
The British and Anglo-Gurkha War expanded British control and reshaped the administration of the Himalayan foothills. The Treaty of Sugauli marked a transition of power, with the British imposing strategic control and security over the hill states.