Battles & Campaigns · 1848
Battle of Ramnagar
Ramnagar, Chenab River, Punjab, Pakistan
What happened
In the Second Anglo-Sikh War, Gough sent cavalry, horse artillery and infantry toward the Chenab River crossing at Ramnagar, hoping for a surprise. The Sikhs held both banks and an island, and hidden guns opened fire. British cavalry and guns struggled in the soft sand, several charges failed, and the British pulled back.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The Sikhs drove off a British surprise attack, and their morale rose. The battle showed British weaknesses in scouting and in reckless cavalry charges.
What came next
The war went on to the battles of Chillianwala and Gujrat. Britain annexed the Punjab in 1849.
Did you know?
After the battle, Sher Singh offered to stop fighting if the British left Lahore; the offer was ignored.
Timeline
- 22 November 1848Battle of Ramnagar.
- 13 January 1849Battle of Chillianwala.
- 21 February 1849Battle of Gujrat.
- 2 April 1849Britain proclaims the annexation of the Punjab.