Introduction
Ending in 1844, Lord Ellenborough held the position of Governor-General of India for two and a half years. This haughty military general-style governor, sent to “restore peace in Asia,” destroyed Kabul as soon as he arrived and eventually took Sind for Britain. Lord Ellenborough is primarily remembered for his involvement in the Conquest of Sind as a result of this. Until he was compelled to retire from that position in 1858 for hastily authorising the publication of a private letter critical of Lord Charles Canning’s settlement of the War of 1857, he continued to take a keen interest in Indian affairs.
Significant Events During Ellenborough Tenure
Annexation Of Sindh (1843)
Sind has been ruled by the Baluchi dynasty of chiefs known as the “Amirs of Sind” since the 18th century.
- During Lord Minto’s authority, an embassy was sent to these Amirs, and the outcome was the 1809 “Treaty of Eternal Friendship.” The Amirs stopped letting the French enter Sind’s ports after making friends with the English.
- Lord Ellenborough, who adored the military ceremony, got his wish when he appointed Lord Auckland to “cure” the Muslim uprisings in this region by this time. Lord Auckland had by this time been called back.
- The Battle of Miani and Battle of Dobo, fought in 1843 between 3000 British forces and 12,000 Baluchis headed by Charles Napier, brought an end to the loosely governed Sind, which had previously been repeatedly attacked by the Sikhs.
Progress Of Affairs In Gwalior (1842)
- The regent, who had recently been chosen under the auspices of the Governor, was to be supported by a large force that was to be concentrated on the border of Sindia’s territories, not far from the city.
- Before the year was up, two battles were fought that gave the British Government control over the whole Gwalior kingdom.
Evaluation Of Ellenborough Tenure
Ellenborough was in charge of a number of improvements. Some of his contributions were:
- He did away with slavery. He prohibited using lotteries to raise money for the development of Bombay, Madras and Calcutta.
- By increasing the pay scale for the Darogas and offering them opportunities for growth, he enhanced the administration of the Police.
- Under Ellenborough, a new class of officers called Deputy Magistrates was established.
Conclusion
Lord Ellenborough had little time for or interest in enhancing the intellectual, moral, or material conditions of the nation because war and politics had captured all of his attention. His administration proved to be very polarising. British India’s ties with its neighbours became more antagonistic than ever under his aggressive approach.
Ellenborough FAQs
Q1. How did he do with annexing Sindh?
Ans. During Lord Ellenborough’s administration as governor-general (1842–1844), Sindh was annexed. Charles James Napier’s mission to Sind marks the start of the tale of gaining Sind. A 60-year-old British lion named Charles James Napier was given command of the army of the Bombay Presidency. By this point, Lord Auckland had been called back, and Lord Ellenborough, who loved the military ceremony, had his wish by appointing him to “cure” the Muslim insurrections in this area.
Q2. What exactly was the Great Game?
Ans. In order to keep Russia from controlling any ports on the Persian Gulf, British Lord Ellenborough issued an edict on January 12, 1830, establishing a new trade route from India to Bukhara through Turkey, Persia, and Afghanistan as a buffer against Russia. In the meantime, Russia intended to establish a neutral zone in Afghanistan so they could utilise crucial trade routes. As a result, through a succession of battles, the British attempted in vain to take over Turkey, Bukhara, and Afghanistan.
