ABSTRACT
The two Sikh Wars of 1845-6 and 1848-9 were the last serious trials of strength for the British in India, except, of course, for the Mutiny, until the Independence Movement gathered momentum from 1919 onwards. Of all the many tribes and people with whom the British fought in order to establish their rule in India, the Sikhs were probably the most formidable, and Sita Ram makes it clear that the sepoys of the Bengal Army were most reluctant to closs swords with them. Sita Ram's regiment was stationed at Ferozepore on the Sutlej frontier and formed part of the Division under Major-General Littler. Sita Ram admired the courage of the Sikhs and the handling of their artillery. Hewas, however, critical of their leadership, and with good reason, for treachery and divided counsel on the part of the Sikh leaders weighted the scales against their own forces.
