his article explores the three Anglo-Burmese Wars, their causes, and consequences, and the eventual annexation of Burma into British India.

First Burma War (1824–1826): A War of Expansion and Diplomacy

• The war was triggered by Burmese expansion westward and occupation of Arakan and Manipur, threatening Assam and the Brahmaputra Valley.
• The British expeditionary forces occupied Rangoon in May 1824, advancing 72 km from the capital at Ava.
• Treaty of Yandabo (1826) established peace with the following terms:
  • Burma was to pay one crore rupees as war compensation.
  • Burma ceded its coastal provinces of Arakan and Tenasserim.
  • Burma abandoned claims on Assam, Cachar, and Jaintia.
  • Burma recognized Manipur as an independent state.
  • Burma agreed to negotiate a commercial treaty with Britain.
  • Burma accepted a British resident at Ava and agreed to post a Burmese envoy at Calcutta.

Second Burma War (1852): Imperial Ambitions and Resource Control

• The war was driven by British commercial interests and imperialist policies under Lord Dalhousie.
• British merchants sought control over upper Burma's timber resources and greater access to the Burmese market.
• The British occupied Pegu, Burma's remaining coastal province, despite facing intense guerrilla resistance, and established control over lower Burma.

Third Burma War (1885): Annexation and Nationalism

• After the death of King Bhindan, his son Thibaw ascended the throne and adopted a hostile stance toward the British.
• Thibaw's actions included negotiating with rival powers and imposing a fine on a British timber company. This led to Lord Dufferin ordering the invasion and annexation of upper Burma in 1885.
• The British faced a strong guerrilla uprising and a growing nationalist movement after World War I.
• These events culminated in Burma's separation from India in 1935 and eventual independence on January 4, 1948, under the leadership of U Aung San.