Discuss England’s policy of colonisalism in Asia – (a) Nepal (b) Sikkim (c) Bhutan

Answer:

(a) Nepal: Border disputes between the Gurkha rulers of Nepal and the Company led to the Anglo-Nepal (Gurkha) War of 1814–1816. Nepal was defeated and signed the Treaty of Sugauli (1816). It gave up the Terai and the hill areas of Kumaon and Garhwal, and accepted a British Resident at Kathmandu. Nepal remained independent but friendly to the British, and Gurkha soldiers began to be recruited into the British army.

(b) Sikkim: The British wanted Sikkim to reach Tibet and to check Nepal. By the Treaty of Titalia (1817) they gave back to Sikkim the land taken from Nepal and gained influence there. In 1835 Sikkim gave Darjeeling to the British. After a conflict, the treaty of 1861 made Sikkim a British protectorate and the British took control of its foreign relations and trade routes to Tibet.

(c) Bhutan: Warren Hastings established friendly relations with Bhutan in 1774 to open trade with Tibet. Later disputes over the Duars (passes at the foot of the hills) led to the Duar War of 1864–65. By the Treaty of Sinchula (1865) Bhutan gave the Duars to the British in return for an annual subsidy. By the Treaty of Punakha (1910) Bhutan agreed to be guided by the British in foreign affairs, while its internal administration remained free.