The events of the mutiny, though their direct effect on the district was slight, had however a considerable indirect effect in strengthening British rule and in reconciling and binding up with it the Sikh population whose attitude since the annexation of the Punjab had been one of sullen acquiescence. The disbandment of the Sikh armies after the battle of Gujrat had thrown out of employment thousands of sturdy Sikh soldiers who were unwilling to turn their swords into ploughshares, and the complicity of the Sikh Sardars in the rebellion had led to the loss of their honours and emoluments.
The presence of these two classes in the district might prove an element of serious danger if the mutiny were successful in India, and spread to the Punjab. The bold and masterly policy which associated the lately defeated and disbanded Sikh forces with the support of British cause, and employed them as a weapon of offence against the Indian rebels, thereby removing a local source of danger and providing them with congenial and remunerative employment, is a matter of history. As per the old records written by Englishmen, the Sikhs of this district promptly responded to the call for levies, and their Sardars now found the opportunity of proving their loyalty to British rule, of winning back some of their lost dignities and emoluments.