Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of the Punjab, died on 27th of June, 1839. In just ten years his empire was gone. On 29 March 1849, after the Second Anglo-Sikh War, Maharaja Dalip Singh stepped down from his illustrious father's throne. So it was barely after 8 years, and two hard fought wars, that the 1857 uprising happened. So why did the Sikh's side with the British in 1857? That is a question I have often wondered about.
I recently finished reading Khushwant Singh's two-volume "History of The Sikhs". I believe the answer lies in the good governance - to use a currently popular phrase - that the British provided in those eight short years. The following points, taken from chapter 5 of the second volume, are, in my opinion, the main factors.
* A three member Board of Administration was established. It was the final court of appeal with powers of life and death.
* The Governor General ensured the most experienced Englishmen, available in India, were sent to the Punjab.
* "Every civil functionary from a member of the board down to the humblest kardar was vested with judicial, fiscal and magisterial powers".
* External and internal security were given top priority.
* Extensive public works were undertaken. Canals were cleaned and extended. Road were improved and new ones built.
* Tax structure was simplified.
* The school system which was already better than in other parts of the country (there were 16 schools for girls) was expanded.
In other words, the Punjab never had it so good! No wonder the Sikhs sided with the British.
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