During the eighteenth and early years of the nineteenth century, the red tide of British expansion had covered almost the entire Indian subcontinent, stretching to the borders of the Punjab. There the great Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh had developed his military forces to thwart any British advance into his kingdom north of the River Sutlej. Yet on the death of Ranjit Singh, unworthy successors and disparate forces fought over his legacy while the British East India Company seized on the opportunity and prepared for battle. In the winter of 1845, the First Anglo-Sikh War broke out. Amarpal S. Sidhu writes a warts and all tale of a conflict characterized by treachery, tragedy and incredible bravery on both sides. In an innovative approach to history writing, the narrative of the campaign is accompanied by battlefield guides that draw on eyewitness accounts and invite the reader to take a tour of the battlefields, either physically or virtually.

Contents

Maps

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Part One : The Campaign

1.Crossing of the Sutlej
2.Mudki
3.Ferozeshah
4.Bhudowal
5.Aliwal
6.Sabraon
7.A Temporary Peace

Part Two : Battlefield Guides

8.Mudki Guide
9.Ferozeshah Guide
10.Bhudowal Guide
11.Aliwal Guide
12.Sabraon Guide

Appendix A - The Treaty of Lahore
Appendix B - The Treaty of Amrisar
Appendix C - The Treaty of Bhyrowal
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
About the Author