Question

Explain the British – Myanmar relations.

King Thibaw

Answer 1

Myanmar is India’s neighbouring country on its northeast boundary. Earlier it was known as ‘Brahmadesh’ (Burma). The British wanted to establish their control in Burma because it was rich in natural wealth and was also a potential market.

The royal dynasty of Myanmar had successfully consolidated the country under their rule. It also conquered Manipur in 1813. In 1822, they attacked Assam. The British were alerted by the Burmese attacks. Hence, Lord Amherst, the Governor-General of India declared war against Myanmar. The war continued for two years. It is known as the ‘First Anglo-Burmese War’.

The French had already created considerable influence in Vietnam (Indochina). There was increasing contact between the Burmese king and the French. In addition, King Thibaw of Myanmar tried to strike a pact with Italy and Germany. These were reasons enough for the British to feel alarmed. They got a pretext to declare war against King Thibaw when he levied a fine on the Bombay-Burma Trading Corporation, a British company. Lord Dufferin, the GovernorGeneral and Viceroy of India took this opportunity and sent an army to attack Burma. The ‘Third Anglo-Burmese War’ was fought around 1885 C.E. The British conquered the city of Mandalay. King Thibaw surrendered and the entire region of North Myanmar became an integral part of the British Empire. In 1935, an act was passed to separate Myanmar from Indian territory.