Hill States under Colonial Power: Political and Administrative History, Grants, Sanads, and Territorial Aggression – HPAS Mains

Introduction

The region that constitutes present-day Himachal Pradesh was historically a mosaic of small hill principalities, mostly ruled by Rajput clans. These states had their own systems of governance, culture, and regional rivalries. The advent of British colonial power in the early 19th century significantly altered the political landscape of these states.

While many of these hill states were not annexed directly, they came under the paramountcy of the British Crown. This meant indirect rule through local rulers, who were allowed to govern in exchange for loyalty and control over external affairs by the British.

1. Political and Administrative History

1.1. Pre-Colonial Scenario

Before the arrival of the British, the Himachal region comprised over 30 small princely states, including:

• Chamba, Bilaspur (Kahlur), Mandi, Suket, Bushahr, Sirmaur, Kangra, Keonthal, Baghat, and others.

The region faced continual external pressures:

• Gurkha expansion (1790–1815) from Nepal, which led to the occupation of states like Sirmaur, Bushahr, and parts of Shimla.

• Sikh expansion under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, particularly in Kangra and western hill tracts.

These threats destabilized the region and set the stage for British intervention.

1.2. British Intervention and Consolidation

Anglo-Gorkha War (1814–1816)

• The British East India Company intervened against Gurkha incursions into the hill states.

• After a decisive victory in the Anglo-Gorkha War, the Treaty of Sugauli (1816) and Treaty of Malaun were signed.

• The British:

  • Expelled Gurkhas.

  • Gained control over several areas (e.g., Shimla, Kangra, and surrounding tracts).

  • Restored independence (under British suzerainty) to several hill rulers.

First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–46)

• The British annexed Kangra and other territories after defeating the Sikhs.

• Kangra became part of British India, while adjacent hill states remained princely.

1.3. British Administrative Policy

• The British adopted a non-annexationist policy towards most Himachal hill states.

• They brought these states under the “Agency System”:

  • Political Agents or Residents were appointed to oversee and advise local rulers.

  • British influence remained strong in matters of defense, diplomacy, and succession.

Administrative Classification:

• Shimla Hill States: Included Keonthal, Jubbal, Bushahr, etc.

• Punjab Hill States: Included Mandi, Suket, Chamba, Bilaspur.

Although nominally independent, these states were bound by treaties and subordinate alliances with the British Crown.

2. Grants and Sanads

2.1. What are Sanads?

• A sanad is a royal charter or letter patent issued by the British to local rulers.

• It served as a formal recognition of their authority and a legal basis for their rule under British suzerainty.

2.2. Nature and Purpose of Sanads

• Issued after the Anglo-Gorkha War and during the consolidation phase of British power.

• Aimed to:

  • Secure loyalty of the hill rulers.

  • Stabilize British authority without the burden of direct administration.

  • Create a buffer zone between British India and hostile powers (like Nepal and Tibet).

2.3. Key Provisions of Sanads

• Recognition of the ruler’s sovereignty over internal matters.

• British control over external affairs, military alliances, and succession.

• Prohibition on warfare or diplomacy without British permission.

• In some cases, rulers were rewarded with territorial grants or revenue settlements.

2.4. Examples

• Raja of Bushahr received a sanad after assisting the British against Gurkhas.

• Mandi and Suket were granted renewed sanads for remaining loyal during the Revolt of 1857.

• States like Chamba and Bilaspur received additional privileges and honors for their services in British wars.

3. Territorial Aggression and British Expansion

3.1. Gurkha Invasions (1790–1815)

• The Gorkhas of Nepal aggressively expanded westward, occupying territories such as:

  • Sirmaur, Bushahr, Kumharsain, and areas of Shimla.

• Their rule was exploitative and unpopular.

• This triggered British intervention, leading to the Anglo-Gorkha War.

3.2. British Campaign and Restoration

• British, with help from local rulers, defeated Gurkhas.

• Restored independence to:

  • Sirmaur, Mandi, Suket, and others.

• Shimla: Land purchased from Keonthal State; developed as a British summer capital.

3.3. Sikh Influence and British Supremacy

• Kangra Fort was taken by Ranjit Singh in 1809.

• After the First Anglo-Sikh War (1846), Kangra was annexed by the British.

• Hill States adjacent to Punjab were reorganized under British administrative control.

4. Political Loyalty and British Favor

4.1. Role during 1857 Revolt

• Unlike other regions of India, Himachal hill states remained loyal to the British during the 1857 Revolt.

• Result:

  • Enhanced British trust in the rulers.

  • Rewards and honors (titles, arms, ceremonial privileges).

  • Reinforcement of existing sanads.

4.2. Military Contributions

• Many hill states contributed troops to the British Indian Army during:

  • World War I and World War II.

• In return, rulers received:

  • Medals, titles, Jagirs, and personal distinctions.

5. Administrative and Social Impact

6. Towards Integration with India

Post-Independence Developments

• After 1947, all princely states signed the Instrument of Accession.

• In 1948, 30 hill states were merged to form:

  • Himachal Pradesh as a Chief Commissioner’s Province.

• Himachal became a Union Territory in 1950.

• Attained statehood on January 25, 1971.

Conclusion

The colonial period in the hill states of Himachal Pradesh was marked by indirect British control, formalized through sanads and political oversight. While the British refrained from full annexation, they maintained a firm grip through treaties, strategic appointments, and military alliances. Despite their nominal autonomy, these states were deeply integrated into the British imperial framework, shaping their political, economic, and social trajectory—until they were finally unified into the modern Indian state post-1947.