Lehal Library

CONTENTS XXXVII PAGE A. D. 1808. British Protection asked but not distinctly acceded — — whereupon the Chiefs repair 18G8-9. . . . . . . to Ranjit Singh .122 .123 . 123 The understood designs of the French on India of the English towards the Sikhs The Chiefs of Sirhind taken under protection, and a close alliance sought with Ranjit Singh modify the policy . Mr. MeicaKe sent as Envoy to Lahore Aversion of. Ranjit Singh to a restrictive treaty, and his third expedition across the Sutlej . 1809. British troops moved to the Sutlej The views of the English become modified but Ranjit Singh — . . . 123 124 124 . 124 . 124 somewhat 125 still required to keep to the North of the Sutlej Ranjit Singh yields and enters into a formal treaty The terms of Sikh dependence and of English supremacy in Sirhind Sir David Ochterlony shows that the English regarded themselves alone in offering Proteciton The relations of the Protected Chiefs among them- 125 126 selves Perplexities of the British Authorities regarding the rights of supremacy, and the operation of international laws Sir David Ochterlony's frank admission of the false basis of his original policy 127 — .126 ..... . . ....... . ..... .... CHAPTER 126 127 128 129 VI FROM THE SUPREMACY OF RANJIT SINGH TO THE REDUCTION OF MUI.TAN, KASHMIR, AND PESHAWAR 1809—1823-4 1809. .... The English suspicious of Ranjit Singh, notwithstanding their joint treaty — and Ranjit Singh equally doubtful on his part — . but distrust gradually vanishes on either side Ranjit Singh acquires Kangra, and confines the Gurkhas to the left of the Sutlej The Gurkhas urge the Elnglish to effect a joint conquest of the Punjab 1811. But Ranjit Singh told he may cross the Sutlej to resist the Nepal leader 1813. Amar Singh Thappa again presses an alliance against the Sikhs 1814-15. The War between the English and Gurkhas Sansar Chand of Katotch, Ranjit Singh, and the English 1809-10. Shah Shuja expelled from Afghanistan Ranjit Singh's suspicions and plans 1810. The Maharaja meets the Shah, but no arrange. .132 .... .... . . ..... . . ...... . ment come to . 131 132 132 • 133 133 133 133 133 134 134 135