The Treaty of Yandabo, signed on 24 February 1826, was a landmark event that ended the First Anglo-Burmese War and marked the formal annexation of Assam by the British. It transformed the political landscape of Northeast India and Southeast Asia.
Historical Background and British–Burmese War
The First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826) was triggered by Burmese expansion into:
Assam, Manipur, and Arakan.
The British East India Company intervened to stop Burmese influence and protect its eastern frontiers.
The war was:
Long and costly, fought in rough terrain and tropical conditions.
Marked by heavy casualties and financial strain on both sides.
🔑 The Treaty was signed after the British victory, forcing Burma to sue for peace.
Key Terms of the Treaty of Yandabo
Signed between General Sir Archibald Campbell (British) and Burmese representatives at the village of Yandabo.
Major conditions included:
Burma had to abandon all claims over Assam, Manipur, and other frontier states.
Payment of a large war indemnity to the British.
Permanent diplomatic relations and free trade privileges for the British.
Release of all prisoners of war.
🔑 The treaty enforced political subordination and economic penalties on Burma.
Territorial Losses for Burma
Burma had to cede significant territories to the British, including:
Assam – Entire Brahmaputra Valley
Manipur – Restored to local prince under British suzerainty
Arakan – Coastal territory in present-day Myanmar
Tenasserim – Strip of territory in southern Burma (now Myanmar)
🔑 These losses dismantled the Burmese frontier empire, weakening its influence permanently.
Indemnity Clauses and Economic Burden
The treaty imposed a massive indemnity of one crore rupees (₹1,00,00,000), to be paid in four installments.
Burma also had to:
Bear the cost of British military occupation.
Allow free trade and movement for British merchants and ships.
This crippled the Burmese economy, already damaged by war.
🔑 The indemnity placed huge economic pressure on Burma, leading to internal instability.
British Annexation of Assam and Neighbouring States
The treaty legitimised British control over:
Assam
Manipur
Cachar (later)
Jaintia Hills
Assam came under the British East India Company’s rule, ending the centuries-old Ahom dynasty and independent local rule.
British administrative systems replaced traditional structures.
🔑 This marked the beginning of colonial rule in Northeast India, especially in Assam.
Long-term Impact on Burma and Assam
🔸 On Burma:
Loss of territory and wealth reduced Burma to a weakened regional power.
Created resentment, leading to:
The Second (1852) and Third Anglo-Burmese Wars (1885).
Final annexation of Burma into the British Empire.
🔸 On Assam:
End of Ahom rule and indigenous governance.
Start of colonial administration, leading to:
Introduction of modern bureaucracy and English education
Expansion of tea plantations and railway infrastructure
Emergence of new social and political movements
🔑 The treaty set the stage for British imperialism and restructured the socio-political fabric of Assam and Burma.