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BATTLE // January 28, 1846

Battle of Aliwal

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Overview

The Battle of Aliwal was fought on 28 January 1846 between the British and Sikh forces in northern India. The British were led by Sir Harry Smith, while the Sikhs were led by Ranjodh Singh Majithia. Britain's victory in the battle is sometimes regarded as the turning point in the First Anglo-Sikh War.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

The Battle of Aliwal, fought on 28 January 1846 in northern India, pitted an East India Company force of approximately 10,000 troops under Sir Harry Smith against a Sikh army of around 15,000 commanded by Ranjodh Singh Majithia. The engagement resulted in a British victory and is regarded by some historians as the turning point of the First Anglo-Sikh War. With Sikh casualties reaching approximately 2,000, the battle materially weakened Sikh offensive capacity and shifted momentum toward the Company in the broader campaign that concluded the war in 1846.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • East India Company10,000
    medium
  • Sikh Empire15,000
    medium

Sikh Empire fielded a 1.5 : 1 numerical advantage

Casualties

  • Sikh Empire2,000
    medium13% loss rate

Commanders (2)

East India Company

Sikh Empire

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3 sibling battles · 1 factions

Last verified June 2026
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