Duar War

Duar War
1864-65
Chronological list of Wars and Campaigns

Location: West Bengal and Assam
Combatants:
British	Bhutan
Result: British victory
Medals: India General Service Medal 1854 Clasp: Bhootan
Links:
Category: Duar War

	See our interactive map of Duar War locations and routes on Google Maps

The Duar War was also known as the Bhutan War.

Summary

Following the 1st Burma War, Assam was ceded to Britain and the East India Company came into conflict with Bhutan over control of the Duars - the plains areas between the Brahmaputra and the foothills of Bhutan. A British mission under Ashley Eden was sent to Bhutan to try to establish political relations but was humiliated and ejected after being forced to sign a treaty ceding the Duars.

Britain declared war on 12 November 1864 using four columns to secure the forts and passes in the foothills of southern Bhutan. After initial successes the Bhutanese regained some of the strongholds and it was seen that a stronger response would be required. Brigadier General Frazer Tytler took over command from General Dunsford and Major General Sir Henry Tombs took over from General Mulcaster. Following a series of victories and the threat of a major invasion of Bhutan, the war ended with the Treaty of Sinchula on 11 November 1865. Bhutan ceded territories in the Assam Duars and Bengal Duars, as well as the 83 square kilometre territory of Dewangiri, in return for an annual subsidy of 50,000 rupees.