Explanations:The history of Punjab under British colonial rule is marked by significant political and social changes, particularly following the Anglo-Sikh Wars. The Sikh Empire, founded by Ranjit Singh, was a powerful state in the early 19th century. Ranjit Singh ruled from 1801 to 1839 and established a strong and prosperous kingdom. However, after his death, the Sikh Empire faced internal strife and external threats, leading to the Anglo-Sikh Wars.
The First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846) resulted in the Treaty of Lahore, which led to the British gaining control over the Sikh Empire's foreign policy and a significant portion of its territory. The Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-1849) ended with the complete annexation of the Sikh Empire by the British. Duleep Singh, who was only a child at the time, was the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. After the Second Anglo-Sikh War, the British exiled him to Britain and provided him with a pension.
The British policy of pensioning off former rulers was a common practice to ensure the loyalty and compliance of these individuals. By providing a pension, the British aimed to prevent any potential uprisings or challenges to their rule. Duleep Singh's pension was a part of this broader strategy to consolidate British control over Punjab and the wider region.
It is important to distinguish between Ranjit Singh and Duleep Singh. Ranjit Singh was the founder of the Sikh Empire and died before the British annexation, while Duleep Singh was the last Maharaja and was pensioned off by the British. Wajid Ali Shah, on the other hand, was the last Nawab of Awadh and was exiled to Calcutta after the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which is unrelated to the history of Punjab.
Understanding the historical context of the Anglo-Sikh Wars and the British colonial policies is crucial for comprehending the fate of the Sikh rulers and the transformation of Punjab under British rule. This knowledge is essential for students preparing for competitive examinations that cover Indian history and colonial policies.