The battle of Chillianwalla was a significant event in the history of the Anglo-Sikh Wars, making option 'D' the correct answer.

Introduction to Anglo-Sikh Wars:
The Anglo-Sikh Wars were a series of conflicts between the Sikh Empire and the British East India Company in the mid-19th century. The Sikh Empire, under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, had consolidated power in the region of Punjab in northwestern India. However, after his death in 1839, the Sikh Empire faced internal divisions and political instability. The British saw an opportunity to expand their influence and control over the region and initiated the Anglo-Sikh Wars.

The Battle of Chillianwalla:
The Battle of Chillianwalla took place on January 13, 1849, near the town of Chillianwalla in Punjab. It was a major battle fought during the Second Anglo-Sikh War. The British forces, led by Sir Hugh Gough, faced off against the Sikh Army commanded by Sher Singh.

Causes of the Battle:
The British were determined to annex Punjab and had already achieved some success in previous battles. However, the Sikh Army still posed a significant challenge. The battle was a result of the British pursuit of their objective to gain control over Punjab and the Sikh resistance against foreign intervention.

Key Events and Outcome:
1. British Advance: The British forces advanced towards the Sikh positions near Chillianwalla, aiming to engage them in battle.
2. Sikh Defensive Positions: The Sikh Army had fortified themselves in a strong defensive position along the banks of the Jhelum River, with artillery and infantry well-positioned.
3. British Attack: The British initiated the attack, but their advance was met with fierce resistance from the Sikh forces.
4. Intense Fighting: The battle was characterized by heavy artillery fire and intense hand-to-hand combat. Both sides suffered significant casualties.
5. Inconclusive Result: Despite the valiant efforts of both armies, the battle ended inconclusively. The British forces failed to break through the Sikh defenses and were unable to achieve a decisive victory.
6. Aftermath: Following the battle, both sides suffered heavy losses, with the British losing around 2,400 men and the Sikhs losing approximately 2,000. The inconclusive outcome led to a stalemate, and the conflict continued until the decisive Battle of Gujrat.

Significance of the Battle:
The Battle of Chillianwalla highlighted the strength and resilience of the Sikh Army against the British forces. It demonstrated that the Sikh Empire was not easily defeated, despite internal divisions and political instability. The inconclusive result of the battle also prolonged the conflict and set the stage for the final showdown at the Battle of Gujrat, where the British eventually emerged victorious.

In conclusion, the Battle of Chillianwalla was a significant event within the context of the Anglo-Sikh Wars, which aimed to establish British control over Punjab. The battle ended inconclusively and showcased the strength of the Sikh Army.