First Anglo-Sikh War: Battle of Sobraon and the Treaty of Lahore

Background. Following the death of Ranjit Singh, disorder within the Sikh Empire and British provocations led to conflict. The Sikh army, having expanded significantly, crossed the Sutlej in December 1845. Despite earlier battles, the British struggled to assemble large forces. The decisive engagement occurred at Sobraon, where the Sikhs suffered heavy casualties, including their general Sham Singh Attariwala, marking the war's turning point.

Treaty Terms. The Treaty of Lahore, signed on 9 March 1846, formally ended the war. It was concluded by Governor-General Sir Henry Hardinge for the British and the young Maharaja Duleep Singh for the Sikhs. Key terms included the cession of the Jullundur Doab and Hazara. The treaty also provided for the sale of hilly regions, including Kashmir, to Gulab Singh, the Raja of Jammu.

Aftermath. After the battle, British forces marched unopposed into Lahore on 20 February 1846. A supplementary agreement on 11 March 1846 addressed financial obligations, leading to the cession of territories as equivalent to 10 million rupees. British troops remained in Lahore until the end of 1846, with provisions for their continued presence until the Maharaja reached age 16.