The annexation of Punjab was a landmark moment in British colonial history, resulting from the culmination of the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-1849). Following a series of military engagements, including notable battles at Chillianwala and Gujrat, British forces led by General Sir Hugh Gough defeated the Sikh army decisively. In the aftermath, the Treaty of Lahore was signed on March 29, 1849, which stipulated the formal annexation of the Punjab region to the British Empire. This annexation marked the end of the Sikh Empire, which had been a significant power in Northern India since the late 18th century. The treaty not only encompassed the territorial claims but also established substantial financial reparations that the Sikhs were required to pay, reflecting the inequalities that often characterized colonial treaties.

The annexation was marked by a consolidation of British authority in India, leading to significant administrative and military restructuring in the region. Punjab became a focal point for British efforts to assert their dominance over the subcontinent. Following the annexation, the British introduced new governance frameworks, land revenue systems, and integrated the Sikh military into their forces to stabilize the region, revealing the strategy of co-opting local powers while suppressing potential insurgents.

The aftermath of the annexation saw varied reactions from different communities, including Sikhs and other local populace groups, who experienced shifts in power dynamics and a new colonial system imposed upon them. The British cemented their rule using a combination of military force and policies designed to pacify and integrate various social structures in Punjab into the colonial framework.