Punjab under the British

A Study of Political Development

Abstract

This research aims to explore the political evolution of Punjab, focusing on the period before and after British occupation. Before British rule, Punjab was a vibrant region governed by a series of local kingdoms, empires, and dynasties, most notably the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The pre-colonial political landscape was characterized by a combination of religious, feudal, and tribal structures that fostered a diverse and often turbulent political environment. The British annexation of Punjab in 1849 marked a turning point, as the colonial administration introduced new political, economic, and social policies that radically changed the governance of the region. The period witnessed new land reforms, the introduction of modern bureaucracy, and legal restructuring that reshaped traditional power structures. A new class emerged under the banner of the British that replaced the feudal class. They were loyal to their masters and remained loyal to Jinnah at the time of the partition of Punjab and India. As a result of this political engineering, the newly emerged class was in the driving seat in Punjab. By illuminating the political environment of Punjab, this research adds to a greater understanding of colonialism, regional identity, and political transformation in South Asia.