Following the First Anglo-Burmese War and the Treaty of Yandabo (1826), Assam came under British control. Through successive annexations of kingdoms like Kachari, Jaintia, and Upper Assam, and regions like Sadiya and North Cachar, the British fully consolidated their rule by 1854, dismantling traditional polities and establishing colonial administration.
Background: The First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826)
In 1824, the First Anglo-Burmese War began between the British East India Company and the Burmese Empire.
By 1825, the British had expelled Burmese forces from Assam, regaining control of the Brahmaputra Valley.
The war formally ended with the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826, where:
Burmese monarch Bagyidaw renounced all claims over Assam.
Assam came directly under British control, initiating efforts to consolidate their rule.
Political Annexations and Expansion of British Control
Annexation of the Kachari Kingdom (1832)
In 1830, Govinda Chandra, the last Kachari king, was assassinated.
The British took advantage of the situation and annexed the Kachari Kingdom in 1832.
This annexation marked a key step in extending British authority in Southern Assam.
Installation and Removal of Purandar Singha (1833–1838)
In 1833, the British installed Ahom prince Purandar Singha as a tributary ruler in Upper Assam.
However, due to:
Administrative mismanagement, and
Failure to pay annual revenue,
The British annexed Upper Assam in 1838, ending Ahom political authority.
Annexation of the Jaintia Kingdom (1835)
The Jaintia Kingdom was annexed in 1835 by the British due to internal weaknesses and British strategic interests.
This brought the entire Khasi–Jaintia Hills under British dominion.
Matak and Sadiya Regions Annexed (1842)
In 1842, the British annexed the Matak region and Sadiya frontier.
These areas were previously semi-autonomous under local tribal chiefs.
North Cachar Hills Annexed (1854)
In 1854, the North Cachar Hills, previously under the rule of Tularam Senapati, were also annexed.
This action completed the territorial consolidation of the British Empire in Assam.
Conclusion: Complete Consolidation of British Power
By 1854, the British had fully established political and administrative control over the entire region of Assam.
The process involved military action, diplomatic maneuvering, and the gradual elimination of native rulers.
Assam was now firmly part of the British Indian Empire, with its traditional kingdoms dismantled and British systems introduced.