Treaty of Yandabo (1826)

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.