Complete Modern History Through Animation | Lec 13 - British India Foreign Relations | UPSC CSE |GS1

Summary

The video script delves into the intricate foreign policy of British India, focusing on its relationships with neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, Tibet, and Afghanistan during the 19th century. It explores the imperial ambitions, military engagements, and treaties that shaped these relationships, including the Anglo-Nepali War, the three Anglo-Burmese Wars, the Treaty of Yandabo, and the Anglo-Afghan Wars. The narrative highlights the British efforts to protect their Indian empire from rival powers and expand their markets, often at the expense of Indian resources and soldiers.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The British Empire's foreign policy in the 19th century was heavily influenced by its imperial ambitions and the desire to protect its Indian Empire from rival powers such as Russia and France.
• 🤝 The Anglo-Bhutanese relations were marked by a series of diplomatic missions and treaties, with the British aiming to secure commercial viability and strategic advantages in the region.
• 🛡️ The Treaty of Sinchulu in 1865 and the Treaty of Puna in 1910 were significant in shaping the relationship between British India and Bhutan, with Bhutan receiving an annual subsidy in exchange for British control over foreign relations.
• 🏔️ The Anglo-Nepalese relations began with the Gorkhas establishing control over Nepal in 1768, leading to territorial disputes and the Anglo-Nepalese War, which resulted in the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816, defining the border and establishing British influence.
• 🌳 The British interest in Burma was driven by its natural resources and the potential market for British manufacturers, leading to three Anglo-Burmese Wars and the eventual annexation of Burma into British India in 1885.
• 🛠️ The First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826) resulted in the Treaty of Yandabo, which forced the Burmese government to pay a substantial war compensation and cede territories to the British, significantly impacting the Burmese economy.
• 🔄 The Second and Third Anglo-Burmese Wars (1852 and 1885) were driven by British ambitions to expand its territory and control over Burma's resources, culminating in the full annexation of Burma into British India.
• 🏙️ The British policy towards Tibet was marked by efforts to establish a friendly and commercial relationship, leading to the Younghusband Expedition and the signing of the Treaty of Lhasa in 1904, securing British interests in Tibet.
• 🔄 The Anglo-Afghan relations were influenced by the 'Great Game' between Britain and Russia, with the British seeking to establish a friendly ruler in Afghanistan to protect its Indian Empire from potential Russian aggression.
• 🛑 The First and Second Anglo-Afghan Wars (1839-1842 and 1878-1880) were significant conflicts that resulted in the British attempting to install and support rulers in Afghanistan, with varying degrees of success and influence.
• 🏛️ The British foreign policy in South Asia was characterized by a mix of military interventions, treaties, and strategic alliances, aimed at expanding its empire and protecting its interests from rival colonial powers.

Q & A

What was the primary reason for the British to establish a relationship with Bhutan?

The British were interested in Bhutan primarily due to its strategic location for the Indo-Tibet trade and the commercial viability of the Darjeeling region. Additionally, they were motivated by their imperial ambitions.

What was the outcome of the mission led by Viceroy Lord Elgin in 1863 to Bhutan?

The mission led by Viceroy Lord Elgin was rejected by the Bhutanese, and it resulted in a conflict that lasted until November 1864, with Bhutan losing almost 20 territories and surrendering occupied territories from previous border clashes.

How did the Treaty of Sinchulu in 1865 affect the British and Bhutanese relationship?

The Treaty of Sinchulu led to the British acquiring territories surrendered by Bhutan, including the areas of Assam and Bengal, and the establishment of tea gardens. In return, Bhutan was promised an annual subsidy of ₹5,000,000.

What significant changes were made in the Anglo-Bhutanese relations with the Treaty of Punakha signed in 1910?

The Treaty of Punakha revised the previous treaty, providing Britain with a guarantee over Bhutan and increasing the stipend given to the Bhutanese royal government. In return, Bhutan's foreign relations came under British India's control.

What were the key factors that led to the Anglo-Nepalese War in 1814-1816?

The war was triggered by the expansionist policies of the Gorkhas of Nepal, who threatened British territories in Bengal and Awadh. The British responded by launching military campaigns, leading to a series of conflicts and eventually the signing of the Treaty of Sugauli.

What were the terms of the Treaty of Sugauli that ended the Anglo-Nepalese War?

The Treaty of Sugauli resulted in Nepal ceding several territories including the Garhwal and Kumaon districts to the British. It also established a boundary through the hills and allowed the British to maintain a resident in Kathmandu.

What was the British interest in Burma during the 19th century?

The British were interested in Burma for its forest resources, as a market for British manufacturers, and to control French ambitions in South East Asia. This led to the Anglo-Burmese Wars and the eventual annexation of Burma into British India in 1885.

What were the main causes of the First Anglo-Burmese War in 1824?

The First Anglo-Burmese War was caused by Burmese expansion towards India, the occupation of the Cocos Islands which were considered East India Company territory, and the subsequent resistance from the British to Burmese advances.

What was the outcome of the First Anglo-Burmese War for the British in terms of territorial gains?

The outcome of the First Anglo-Burmese War resulted in the British acquiring the coastal provinces of Arakan and Tanintharyi, as well as the recognition of Assam's Kachari and Jaintia as British territories.

What were the significant events that led to the British annexation of Burma in 1885?

The British annexation of Burma in 1885 was preceded by increasing tensions due to French involvement in Burma, the establishment of a French bank, and the construction of a railway link to the northern border by the French consul. The British responded by issuing an ultimatum demanding the acceptance of a British resident in Burma and the suspension of legal actions against the Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation.

What was the British policy towards Tibet in the late 19th century, and what were the consequences?

The British policy towards Tibet was to establish a friendly and commercial relationship. However, this led to the Younghusband Expedition in 1904, where a forced treaty, the Treaty of Lhasa, was signed, allowing the British to occupy certain territories and open trade marts, but also leading to the Russian influence in Tibet being countered.