The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The annexation of Sind was a significant event in the expansion of British dominion in India, driven primarily by strategic concerns regarding the North-West Frontier rather than immediate internal threats.
Statement 1 is Correct.
Sind was annexed by the British in 1843. This occurred during the tenure of Governor-General Lord Ellenborough. Sir Charles Napier was the military commander responsible for the campaign.
Statement 2 is Incorrect.
The annexation was not peaceful; it was the result of a military conflict. The British forces, led by Sir Charles Napier, defeated the Amirs of Sind in decisive battles, notably the Battle of Miani and the Battle of Dubba. The Amirs were forced to surrender, and the region was subsequently brought under British control.
Statement 3 is Correct.
The primary motivation behind the annexation was the British fear of Russian expansion into Central Asia and potentially towards India (often referred to as the "Great Game"). Following the disaster of the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839–1842), the British felt it necessary to secure the Indus River and the western frontier to create a buffer against Russian influence.
Key Takeaway:
The annexation of Sind (1843) was executed under Lord Ellenborough by Sir Charles Napier to secure the North-West Frontier against the perceived threat of Russian expansion, involving military conquest rather than peaceful integration.