Relations of British India with Neighbouring Countries. Anglo-Bhutanese Relations & Anglo-Nepalese Relations

Anglo-Bhutanese Relations: From Conflict to Control

• The British occupation of Assam in 1826 brought them into close contact with Bhutan.
• Frequent Bhutanese raids into Assam and Bengal and mistreatment of Elgin’s envoy in 1863-64 led to conflict.
• The British annexed the passes leading to Assam and stopped the allowance paid to Bhutanese.
• In 1865, Bhutanese were forced to surrender the passes in return for an annual subsidy.
• The surrendered district became productive with tea gardens.

Anglo-Nepalese Relations: War and Treaty

• The Gorkhas seized control of Nepal from the successors of Ranjit Malla of Bhatgaon in 1760.
• They expanded their dominion southward, as the north was defended by the Chinese.
• In 1801, the annexation of Gorakhpur by the English brought the Gorkhas’ and the Company’s boundaries together.
• Conflict arose due to Gorkhas’ capture of Butwal and Sheoraj during Lord Hastings' tenure (1813-23).
• The war ended with the Treaty of Sagauli in 1816, favoring the British.
• The treaty terms included:
  • Nepal accepted a British resident.
  • Nepal ceded Garhwal and Kumaon districts and abandoned claims to Terai.
  • Nepal withdrew from Sikkim.
• Advantages for the British:
  • The British empire now reached the Himalayas.
  • Improved facilities for trade with Central Asia.
  • Acquisition of sites for hill stations, such as Shimla, Mussoorie, and Nainital.
  • Increased recruitment of Gorkhas into the British Indian Army.