1849: The Siege of Multan Concludes After Nine-Month Struggle, Marking the End of the Second Anglo-Sikh War

1849: The Siege of Multan Concludes After Nine-Month Struggle, Marking the End of the Second Anglo-Sikh War

The Siege of Multan, spanning from April 19, 1848, to January 22, 1849, was a pivotal event in the Second Anglo-Sikh War, culminating in the British East India Company's annexation of the Sikh Empire's territories. This protracted siege not only showcased the military strategies of the era but also underscored the geopolitical dynamics between the British colonial forces and the regional powers in the Indian subcontinent.

 

Background and Prelude to the Siege

Multan, a historically significant city located in present-day Pakistan, had been under Sikh control since its capture in 1818. By 1848, it was governed by Dewan Mulraj Chopra, a Hindu vassal overseeing a predominantly Muslim populace. Following the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846), the British East India Company exerted increased influence over the Punjab region. In early 1848, Sir Frederick Currie, the British-appointed Commissioner in the Punjab, demanded that Mulraj pay outstanding taxes and duties previously owed to the central Sikh authority. In response, Mulraj attempted to abdicate in favor of his son, hoping to maintain his family's influence. However, Currie appointed Sardar Khan Singh as the new governor, accompanied by British Political Agent Patrick Vans Agnew. This imposition was met with resistance, leading to the assassination of Vans Agnew and his colleague Lieutenant Anderson by Mulraj's supporters. This act of defiance marked the beginning of the rebellion and set the stage for the siege.

Commencement of the Siege

On April 19, 1848, the rebellion in Multan signaled the start of hostilities. General William S. Whish was tasked with leading the British forces to suppress the uprising. Initially, Whish's contingent faced challenges due to limited manpower and resources, which hindered immediate offensive operations. Recognizing the strategic importance of Multan, the British sought reinforcements to mount a decisive campaign.

Reinforcements and Renewed Offensive

By late November 1848, substantial reinforcements from the East India Company's Bombay Army bolstered Whish's forces. The augmented army, now numbering approximately 32,000 troops and equipped with 150 artillery pieces, including heavy guns and mortars, was poised for a renewed offensive. The proximity of Multan to the Indus River facilitated logistical support, allowing steamships to transport supplies close to the besieged city. Inside Multan, Mulraj commanded a force of around 12,000 troops, supported by 54 guns and 12 mortars, prepared to defend the city against the impending assault.

The Assault and Fall of Multan

On December 27, 1848, General Whish ordered a coordinated assault on Multan's suburbs. The British forces successfully pushed Mulraj's defenders back into the city's confines and established artillery batteries approximately 500 yards from the city walls. Under the cover of sustained bombardment, breaching batteries were positioned a mere 80 yards from the fortifications, creating significant breaches. A critical moment occurred on December 30 when a British mortar shell struck the main magazine in the citadel, resulting in a massive explosion that killed approximately 800 defenders. Despite this setback, Mulraj remained defiant, asserting he had sufficient ammunition to continue resistance. However, a general assault on January 2, 1849, led to intense urban combat, with British troops engaging in house-to-house fighting. The city's fall was imminent, but the citadel held out for an additional fortnight under relentless bombardment. On January 18, British sappers detonated mines beneath the citadel walls, causing substantial destruction. Facing inevitable defeat, Mulraj offered to surrender on the condition his life be spared. General Whish insisted on unconditional surrender, leading Mulraj to capitulate on January 22, 1849, effectively ending the siege.

Aftermath and Significance

The conclusion of the Siege of Multan had profound implications for the region. Mulraj was captured and, though spared execution, was sentenced to life imprisonment. The fall of Multan marked a turning point in the Second Anglo-Sikh War, paving the way for British dominance in the Punjab. Subsequently, British forces advanced north, culminating in the decisive Battle of Gujrat in February 1849. The ultimate defeat of the Sikh forces led to the annexation of the Punjab into British India, significantly expanding the East India Company's territorial holdings. The siege exemplified the British military's strategic capabilities and underscored the complexities of colonial expansion in the Indian subcontinent.

Conclusion

The Siege of Multan stands as a testament to the turbulent period of mid-19th century South Asian history. It highlights the resistance of regional powers against colonial encroachment and the eventual establishment of British supremacy in the region. The events that unfolded during the siege had lasting repercussions, shaping the political and cultural landscape of the Indian subcontinent in the years that followed.

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