Test: India and her Neighbor's - 1 - UPSC MCQ

The British Government had two primary aims in Asia and Africa during British rule in India - protecting their invaluable Indian Empire and expanding British commerce and other economic interests in Africa and Asia. These aims led to British expansion and territorial conquests outside India's natural frontiers, bringing them into conflict with other imperialist nations of Europe who also wanted an extension of their territorial possessions and commerce in Afro-Asian lands.

While the Indian foreign policy served British imperialism during British rule, the cost of its implementation was borne by India. India had to wage many wars against its neighbors, Indian soldiers had to shed their blood, and the Indian taxpayers had to meet the heavy cost.

The British desire to extend their Indian Empire to its natural geographical frontier brought them into conflict first with the northern Kingdom of Nepal. This led to the War with Nepal in 1814.

The Nepal valley had been conquered in 1768 by the Gurkhas, a Western Himalayan tribe. They gradually built up a powerful army and extended their sway from Bhutan in the East to the river Sutlej in the West.

In October 1814, a border clash between the border police of British India and Nepal led to open war. The British officials had expected an easy walk-over, but the Gurkhas defended themselves with vigor and bravery, ultimately leading to the Treaty of Sugauli.

The Treaty of Sugauli, signed between British India and Nepal, forced the Nepal Government to accept a British Resident, cede the districts of Garhwal and Kumaon, abandon claims to the Tarai areas, and withdraw from Sikkim.

The conflict between Burma and British India was initiated by border clashes and was whiffed by the expansionist urges. The British merchants were also keen to promote the export of their manufactures among the people of Burma and wanted to check the spread of French commercial and political influence in the region.

The foreign policy of a free country is basically different from the foreign policy of a country ruled by a foreign power. In India's case, the foreign policy that the Government of India followed was dictated by the British Government in London, and it primarily served the interests of the ruling country, Britain.

British India's relations with its neighboring countries during British rule included Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, Tibet, Sikkim, and Bhutan.

The British authorities wanted to check the spread of French commercial and political influence in Burma and the rest of South-East Asia during their conflict with Burma. This was one of the reasons behind the clash between British India and Burma.

Burma and British India developed a common frontier at the close of the 18th century when both were expanding powers. They shared borders as they were growing and conquering territories.

After centuries of internal strife, Burma was united by King Alaungpaya between 1752 and 1760. He brought the country together and established a strong kingdom.

The Treaty of Yandabo was signed in February 1826, marking the end of the First Burmese War. The treaty included various agreements between Burma and the British, such as war compensation, ceding territories, and diplomatic relations.

The Second Burmese War, which broke out in 1852, was almost wholly the result of British commercial greed. British timber firms and merchants wanted to exploit Burma's resources and market, leading to increased tensions and eventually war.

Lord Dalhousie was the Governor-General of India during the Second Burmese War. He aggressively pursued British interests in Burma and played a significant role in provoking the conflict.

After the First Burmese War, the Government of Burma agreed to cede its coastal provinces of Arakan and Tenasserim to the British, as a part of the Treaty of Yandabo.

The British expeditionary forces occupied Rangoon in May 1824 during the First Burmese War. They later advanced within 45 miles of the capital at Ava.

The British rejected the Burmese proposal for neutralization of Shahpuri island due to its strategic importance in their conflict. This led to increased tension between the two countries.

The famous Burmese General Maha Bandula was killed in April 1825 during the First Burmese War. His death greatly affected the Burmese resistance against the British.

The brunt of fighting the Second Burmese War was borne by Indian soldiers, and its expense was wholly met from Indian revenues. This highlights the significant role India played in the British conquest of Burma.