Q. With reference to the Anglo-Bhutanese War (Duars War), consider the following statements:
1.The war was triggered by the failure of the Ashley Eden mission, where the British envoy was allegedly insulted and forced to sign a humiliating treaty at the Bhutanese court.
2.The conflict ended with the Treaty of Sinchula (1865), which forced Bhutan to cede the 18 Duars to the British in exchange for an annual subsidy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
Statement 1: Correct. Ashley Eden was sent to settle boundary disputes. He was poorly treated in Bhutan and forced to sign an agreement surrendering British claims. The British government immediately repudiated the treaty and declared war.
Statement 2: Correct. The British military victory was decisive. Under the Treaty of Sinchula, Bhutan lost its control over the fertile Duars, which the British then developed into the world-famous Assam and Bengal tea gardens.
