Question

Who was the Prime Minister of Punjab when the first Anglo-Sikh war took place?
A. Sher Singh
B. Lal Singh
C. Teza Singh
D. Kharak Singh

Answer 1

Hint: We will discuss the prime minister of Punjab and the first Anglo Sikh war. Britishers became interested in the conquest of Punjab after the death of Ranjit Singh. They wanted control over Punjab because it was necessary for extending their empire to its natural frontiers towards the north-west.

Complete Answer:
Let us discuss Punjab and its ruler. Ranjit Singh succeeded in establishing the first Sikh kingdom in Punjab. After his death, his minor son Dalip Singh became the ruler under the guardianship of Rani Jindan. But her policy of crossing the Sutlej and attacking the British territory proved disastrous to the Sikh kingdom. Britishers became interested in the conquest of Punjab after the death of Ranjit Singh. They wanted control over Punjab because it was necessary for extending their empire to its natural frontiers towards the north-west.
Let us discuss the First Anglo-Sikh War. The cause of these wars was the policy of Paris imperialism pursued by the English. The immediate causes of the wars were provided by the growing internal weakness of the Sikhs themselves. It is believed that Rani Jindan and important nobles like Lal Singh, Tej Singh, and Gulab Singh instigated the army against the English. The answer to the above question is option B. Lal Singh was the Prime Minister of Punjab when the first Anglo-Sikh war took place.
So, the correct answer is Option B.

Note: Ellenborough, who succeeded Auckland as the governor-general in February 1842, was anxious to conquer Punjab from the very beginning. He, however, could not get a chance and the time to fight the war against them.