Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
The Gwalior War
Years of turbulence and intrigue in Gwailor culminated in 1843 in the
adoption of the child-heir Jayavi Rao Sinhia to the vacant throne. With the
country's geographical position so strategically significant to British
interests, especially regarding the Punjab and Sind, and the fact that Gwailor
possessed significant military forces, the British naturally wanted certain
re-assurances from the Gwailor council of regency. The council refused even to
discuss the situation with Lord Ellenborough and, in 1843, war was declared.
The British formed two armies: one at Agra under Sir Hugh Gough; and one at
Jansi under Major-General John Grey. Opposing them was an army, which included
European-trained "regulars" and a formidable force of artillery.
On 29th December 1843, Gough's force of two cavalry and three infantry
brigades encountered about 17,000 Marathas in a strong position at Maharajpore.
Naturally Gough attacked immediately and, despite strong resistance, the
Mahrathas were routed and 56 guns captured. Gough suffered almost 800
casualties.
On the same day, Grey's column encountered a second Maratha force some 12,000
strong at Punniar, about 20 miles away from Gough. Again the British attacked,
and again the Marathas were routed and their artillery captured.
Under these twin blows, the Gwalior regency capitulated and on 31st December
1843 a treaty was signed that effectively gave control of the country to the
British.
