• Lord Dalhousie was born in 1812 and became Governor-General of India at the age of 35.
• He had entered Parliament in 1887 and served as President of the Board of Trade in Peel’s Ministry.
• A great imperialist, he worked to expand the British dominion in India, earning the title of builder of the British Empire in India.
• Dalhousie is regarded as one of the greatest Governors-General of India.
• Known for his ambition and hard work, his tenure lasted for eight years, marked by significant events in various fields.
• Dalhousie was a prominent annexationist, annexing territories for administrative uniformity, consolidation, and to increase the treasury.
• He stated, “No man can deprecate more than I do any extension of the frontiers of our territory which can be avoided… But I cannot conceive it possible for any one to dispute the policy of taking advantage of every just opportunity for consolidating the territories that already belong to us.”
• Dalhousie believed in eliminating petty intervening principalities, which he felt were a source of annoyance rather than strength.
• His policy aimed at adding to the resources of the public treasury and ensuring the uniform application of British government systems to improve the welfare of the people.

Conquest of Punjab

• The First Sikh War took place during Hardinge’s time, and the Second Sikh War was fought under Lord Dalhousie.
• The real cause of the Second Sikh War was that despite being defeated in the First War, the Sikhs’ power remained intact, and they sought revenge for their previous defeat.
• Mul Raj, the Governor of Multan, revolted and killed the English officers sent to the region.
• Lord Dalhousie delayed interference, preferring the Lahore Durbar to take action, and he chose to act against the rebels after the rainy season.
• Two key battles of the Second Sikh War were the Battle of Chilianwala (a drawn battle) and the Battle of Gujrat (a decisive victory for the British).
• Following their defeat, the Sikhs laid down their arms, and the Punjab was annexed in March 1849.
• Maharaja Dalip Singh, the Sikh ruler, was given a pension.
• The Punjab was initially governed by a Board of three Commissioners, which was later abolished.
• Sir John Lawrence was appointed as the Chief Commissioner and was responsible for the settlement of the province.