Maharaja Ranjit Singh

In the North, the Sikhs, under their able leader Maharaja Ranjit Singh had developed into an effective military force. Although his activities did not interfere with British interests directly, both Lord Wellesley and the Earl of Minto viewed the rise of the Sikhs as a potential threat.

At that time, the British were more worried about possible French intervention in India, by way of the overland route at the height of Napoleon’s spectacular conquests in Europe and Egypt.

Furthermore, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s successful campaigns across the Indian borders into Afghanistan only increased the British fear of an alliance between Ranjit Singh and the French. Finally, the Sikh ruler was persuaded to enter into a treaty of friendship in 1809, known as the Treaty of Amritsar.

After the treaty with the Sikhs, several governor-Generals came to India and continued Wellesley’s policy of expansion.

Also read: Biography of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Founder of Sikh Empire in India)