Q. Indicate the importance of the treaty of Amritsar (1809) signed between Ranjit Singh and the English?
(a) It marked the beginning of an era of peace and prosperity in the Punjab
(b) It helped Ranjit Singh in realising his ambition of conquering Multan, Kashmir, Ladakh and Peshawar
(c) It recognised the power of the British as the political limit of Ranjit Singh’s policy of expansion
(d) It made him the undisputed master of all the Sikhs
Ans: (c) It recognised the power of the British as the political limit of Ranjit Singh’s policy of expansion
Explanation: The correct answer is (c) It recognised the power of the British as the political limit of Ranjit Singh’s policy of expansion.
The Treaty of Amritsar, signed in 1809 between Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire and the British East India Company, had significant implications. While the treaty did not bring about immediate territorial gains or losses for either party, its importance lies in the recognition it conferred on the British as the political limit of Ranjit Singh’s expansionist ambitions.
The treaty established a clear understanding between Ranjit Singh and the British that the British sphere of influence and control extended up to the Sutlej River, while the Sikh Empire’s territory remained to the west of the river. This recognition of the British as a political limit meant that Ranjit Singh could not expand further eastward into territories under British control.
By acknowledging the British presence and power, the Treaty of Amritsar helped maintain a relatively stable relationship between the Sikh Empire and the British East India Company. It allowed Ranjit Singh to focus on consolidating his rule in the territories he had already acquired and developing a prosperous Sikh kingdom in the Punjab.
