Battle of Chillianwala
Chillianwala, Mandi Bahauddin District, Punjab, Pakistan
What happened
A British East India Company army under Sir Hugh Gough fought the Sikh army under Sher Singh Attariwalla. During the Second Anglo-Sikh War, Gough's army was preparing to camp near Chillianwala when hidden Sikh cannons opened fire. Gough ordered an attack late in the afternoon, and the fighting was fierce. At dusk the British pulled back, and both sides claimed victory.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Both armies claimed victory, and Gough was criticised and replaced. The loss of British prestige is cited as one of the causes of the 1857 Indian Rebellion.
What came next
Before his replacement arrived, Gough won the decisive Battle of Gujrat. The British then annexed the Sikh kingdom of the Punjab.
Did you know?
A war memorial and graveyard in the village centre hold the graves of soldiers from both sides.
Timeline
- 1849The Second Anglo-Sikh War is under way.
- 13 January 1849The British and Sikh armies fight at Chillianwala.
- 1849Gough wins at Gujrat; the Punjab is annexed.
- 1857The Indian Rebellion breaks out.