About the Treaty of Yandabo — The End of the Ahom Kingdom
The Treaty of Yandabo was signed on 24 February 1826, ending the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826). It was negotiated near Ava at Yandabo, a village on the bank of the Irrawaddy river in Burma, and was signed on behalf of the British by General Sir Archibald Campbell. The war had been fought between the British East India Company and the Konbaung Empire of Burma, which had expanded by occupying Assam, Manipur and Arakan and then advancing toward Cachar and the British frontier, threatening Bengal.
Under the treaty, Burma ceded Assam, Manipur, Arakan (today Rakhine) and Tenasserim (today Tanintharyi) to the British, and gave up all claims over Assam, Cachar and Jaintia. Burma agreed to pay an indemnity of one crore rupees in installments and to receive a British resident at Ava. Assam thus came under the British East India Company from 1826, and David Scott became the first Agent (later Commissioner) of the British Government in Assam around 1828-29. The Ahom monarchy was not immediately restored.
The last Ahom king was Purandar Singha. The British restored him in 1833 as a tributary ruler of Upper Assam, but he was deposed in 1838 for failing to pay the annual tribute, finally bringing the Ahom dynasty to an end. The Ahom kingdom had lasted as an independent kingdom from 1228 to 1826, about 600 years. In 1874 Assam was made a separate province (Chief Commissioner's Province) with its capital at Shillong. The treaty thus marks both the end of the Burmese threat and the beginning of British colonial rule in Assam.
Main Facts about the Treaty of Yandabo and the Fall of the Ahoms (Quick Revision Bullets)
- Signed: 24 February 1826, at Yandabo village on the Irrawaddy river near Ava.
- Ended: First Anglo-Burmese War, 1824-1826.
- Signed for the British by: General Sir Archibald Campbell.
- Burma ceded: Assam, Manipur, Arakan (Rakhine) and Tenasserim (Tanintharyi).
- Burma gave up claims over: Assam, Cachar and Jaintia (not Bengal).
- Indemnity: one crore rupees, paid in installments; British resident at Ava.
- Assam under British rule from: 1826; first Agent/Commissioner David Scott (around 1828-29).
- Last Ahom king: Purandar Singha; restored 1833 as a tributary ruler of Upper Assam, deposed 1838.
- Independent Ahom kingdom: 1228 to 1826, about 600 years.
- Assam a separate province: 1874, capital Shillong.
- Consequence for Assam: end of the Burmese threat and beginning of British colonial rule.
Why the Treaty of Yandabo Matters for Assam Competitive Exams
The Treaty of Yandabo is the single most important date in modern Assam, because it ended Ahom rule and began British rule. Examiners ask the signing date (24 February 1826), the war it ended, the territories ceded (Assam, Manipur, Arakan, Tenasserim), the territories over which Burma gave up claims (Assam, Cachar, Jaintia), the one-crore indemnity, the British signatory Archibald Campbell and the first British Agent David Scott. Questions also test the last Ahom king Purandar Singha, his restoration in 1833 and deposition in 1838, the 1228-1826 span of the kingdom, and the creation of Assam as a separate province in 1874.
How to Prepare the Treaty of Yandabo for Assam Exams
- Fix the date. 24 February 1826, ending the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826).
- List the cessions. Assam, Manipur, Arakan (Rakhine) and Tenasserim (Tanintharyi); claims over Assam, Cachar and Jaintia given up.
- Remember the names. Archibald Campbell (British signatory) and David Scott (first Agent in Assam).
- Track the Ahom end. Purandar Singha restored 1833, deposed 1838; the kingdom lasted 1228-1826.
- Note the aftermath. British rule from 1826 and Assam as a separate province in 1874.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and why was the Treaty of Yandabo signed?
It was signed on 24 February 1826 to end the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826), after Burmese expansion into Assam, Manipur and Arakan threatened the British frontier.
Which territories did Burma cede under the Treaty of Yandabo?
Burma ceded Assam, Manipur, Arakan (now Rakhine) and Tenasserim (now Tanintharyi), and gave up all claims over Assam, Cachar and Jaintia.
What did Burma have to pay under the treaty?
Burma agreed to pay an indemnity of one crore rupees in installments and to receive a British resident at Ava.
Who was the last Ahom king and how did the dynasty end?
Purandar Singha was the last Ahom king. The British restored him in 1833 as a tributary ruler of Upper Assam and deposed him in 1838 for failing to pay the annual tribute, ending the dynasty.
What was the result of the Treaty of Yandabo for Assam?
Assam passed to the British East India Company in 1826, the Burmese threat ended, and British colonial rule began. Assam later became a separate province in 1874 with its capital at Shillong.