History Of Panjab

[Khalasthan86]

Is it true that, before the British raj on India, Panjab was a different country, and then when the British left, they handed over Panjab to India?

:umm:

[dalsingh101]

Is it true that, before the British raj on India, Panjab was a different country, and then when the British left, they handed over Panjab to India?

:umm:

I think it would be more accurate to say the position of Sikhs in the Panjab (and surrouding areas) was markedly different pre and post British occupation.

Prior to the "annexation" Sikhs were the primary power in the region under Maharajah Ranjit Singh. The essentially ruled themselves and had a well trained, independant and modern army. They also managed to create a feeling of loyalty from nonSikh Panjabis in the empire. So they assimilated lots of different cultures.

By the time the British decided to leave, the position was radically altered. Sikhs became (in my mind) a relatively powerless minority and the Panjab changed from being an open minded, cosmopolitan place to one with dangerous sectarian impulses as seen by the wholesale murder that took place at partition. The position of the Sikhs militarily also dwindled with only those who patronised the British army being promoted. This meant that they were unable to prevent the ghallugara that took place and everyday people had to resort to militia type resistance to survive the creation of Pakistan. Politically, the British introduced democracy which gave power based on numerical representation and Sikhs (being much smaller in numbers than others) lost out to that. Prior to this rule was established with bravery and military might. This is what secured Panjab from Afghan/Persian invasions after centuries of enduring these.

A mixture of patriotic feelings towards an idealised India (which some feel was out of place today) and the stark reality of ascending Muslim strength, they chose to throw their lot with India and Panjab was transformed from a bustling, adventerous, expanding Kingdom to a volatile border region. Subsequently India chopped up Panjab even further into Haryana etc.

Basically, Sikhs/Singhs/Panjabis lost their sovereignity and military strength under the British. That's one opinion anyway. (A bit grim I know! lol)

[S1ngh]

Before british, punjab was different and very developed country just like afghanistan before russian invasion. Punjab was from Khyber Pass (Afghanistan) to Nepal (includes all Himalayas) and then from J&K till Rajasthan. It was HUGE country. We had our own departments; interior, defense, welfare and so on.. Bijla Singh (User of sikhsangat) did detailed research on this subject and will be writing some articles for searchsikhism.com