The Battle of Chillianwala unfolded against the backdrop of the Second Anglo-Sikh War, which had begun in 1848, stemming from British expansionist aims in the Punjab region of India. The British sought to consolidate their power in India, while the Sikhs aimed to maintain their autonomy. This battle, fought on the banks of the Ravi River, was characterized by challenging weather conditions and an underestimation of Sikh resistance. The British forces, numbering approximately 17,000, were under the overall command of General Sir Charles Godby, while the Sikh forces, estimated to be around 40,000 strong, were led by Generals Shere Singh and Lal Singh.

The battle commenced with the British launching an offensive, expecting a decisive victory. However, they faced fierce and organized resistance from the well-prepared Sikh forces, who utilized the terrain to their advantage. The British soldiers struggled to maintain their formation amidst the chaos of battle, and the heavy casualties inflicted upon them contributed to a demoralizing retreat. As the dust settled, the British had lost nearly 2,000 men, a stark contrast to the Sikh losses and a significant blow to British military pride.

As news of the defeat reached British command, it prompted an urgent reassessment of military strategies in India. The retreat from Chillianwala not only influenced subsequent military operations but also ignited debates within British political circles about the effectiveness of their approach in India, leading to increased scrutiny over future engagements with Sikh forces.