Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Third Anglo-Burmese War during the viceroyalty of Lord Dufferin:
1.The immediate cause was a dispute between the Burmese government and the Bombay-Burma Trading Corporation over a fine related to timber extraction.
2.The British feared that King Thibaw was negotiating a secret treaty with the French to allow French trade and military influence via the Mekong River.
3.Following the war, Upper Burma was annexed, and the Burmese monarchy was abolished, with King Thibaw being exiled to India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: D
Notes:
Explanation:
Statement 1: Correct. The “Timber Scandal” provided the immediate spark.
Statement 2: Correct. The geopolitical context was crucial; the British were alarmed by French expansion in Indo-China and Thibaw’s attempts to bring in French competition.
Statement 3: Correct. The war was short; Mandalay fell quickly, Thibaw was deposed and sent to Ratnagiri (India), and all of Burma came under British rule on January 1, 1886.
