SOBRAON, BATTLE OF

(Feb. 10, 1846), the fourth, last, and decisive battle of the First Sikh War (184546). The Sikhs were entrenched on the eastern British-held bank of the Sutlej River, their retreat secured by a bridge of boats. After an intense artillery duel, the Sikh entrenchments were stormed. The collapse of the bridge of boats turned the retreat into a rout; more than 10,000 Sikhs were killed trying to cross the river. The British also suffered severely, with 2,383 killed or wounded. Further resistance was impossible, and the Sikh state in northwestern India came under British domination.