Sino-Sikh War begins

Background. General Zorawar Singh, a commander for the Dogra ruler Gulab Singh, sought to extend Ladakh's boundaries to control trade routes. He had previously expressed interest in expanding into western Tibet for territorial gains. The invasion began in May 1841, starting the Sino-Sikh War between the Dogra-led Kingdom of Jammu and Tibet, which was a protectorate of Qing China.

Initial Invasion. The expedition initially set out with the stated purpose of resolving border disputes between Tibet and Sikkim but quickly turned into a military invasion. Zorawar Singh invoked historical claims of Ladakh to Western Tibet up to the Mayum Pass. The invasion occurred while Qing China was fighting the First Opium War with the British Empire.

Qing Response. The Chinese Amban at Lhasa reported to the emperor on 2 September 1841 regarding the invasion. The Governor General brought heavy pressure on the Sikhs to recall Zorawar Singh from Tibet, setting a deadline of 10 December 1841. The Lahore Durbar responded to these demands, ordering Zorawar Singh to return to Ladakh.