Treaty of Amritsar (1846) – Important Points
📌 Background:
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The treaty was signed after the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–46).
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Sikh Empire was defeated by the British East India Company.
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As per the Treaty of Lahore (March 1846), the Sikh Empire ceded Kashmir to the British.
📜 Key Details of Treaty:
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Signed on: 16 March 1846
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Between: British East India Company and Maharaja Gulab Singh (Dogra ruler of Jammu)
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Signed at: Amritsar
📌 Terms of the Treaty:
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British sold Kashmir to Maharaja Gulab Singh for 75 lakh rupees (Nanakshahi Rupees).
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Gulab Singh was recognized as the independent Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir.
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Maharaja Gulab Singh agreed to:
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Remain loyal to the British.
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Help in maintaining peace in the region.
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Allow British intervention in external affairs if needed.
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Kashmir became a princely state under British suzerainty, not directly ruled by the British.
📌 Importance:
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This treaty laid the foundation of Dogra rule in Kashmir (1846–1947).
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Kashmir became a hereditary monarchy under Gulab Singh and his descendants.
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The people of Kashmir were not consulted, leading to future discontent.
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Seen as the "sale of Kashmir" to Gulab Singh.
📚 MCQs on Treaty of Amritsar (with Answers)
Q1. The Treaty of Amritsar was signed in which year?
A) 1839
B) 1846
C) 1857
D) 1845
✅ Answer: B) 1846
Q2. Who was the Dogra ruler that signed the Treaty of Amritsar with the British?
A) Hari Singh
B) Gulab Singh
C) Ranbir Singh
D) Zorawar Singh
✅ Answer: B) Gulab Singh
Q3. What was the amount paid by Gulab Singh to the British under the Treaty of Amritsar?
A) 1 crore rupees
B) 50 lakh rupees
C) 75 lakh rupees
D) 90 lakh rupees
✅ Answer: C) 75 lakh rupees
Q4. The Treaty of Amritsar resulted in which state becoming a princely state under Dogra rule?
A) Punjab
B) Jammu and Kashmir
C) Himachal Pradesh
D) Ladakh
✅ Answer: B) Jammu and Kashmir
Q5. The Treaty of Amritsar was signed after which war?
A) Second Anglo-Sikh War
B) First Anglo-Sikh War
C) Anglo-Afghan War
D) Revolt of 1857
✅ Answer: B) First Anglo-Sikh War
Q6. What type of state did Jammu and Kashmir become after the Treaty of Amritsar?
A) Direct British colony
B) Republic
C) Princely State
D) Independent country
✅ Answer: C) Princely State
Q7. The Treaty of Amritsar was signed between Gulab Singh and:
A) Sikh Empire
B) Maharaja Ranjit Singh
C) British East India Company
D) Mughal Empire
✅ Answer: C) British East India Company
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