The Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818) were a series of three conflicts between the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company, ultimately resulting in the collapse of the Maratha Empire and the establishment of British supremacy in India. Understanding these wars provides crucial insights into the political and military dynamics of 18th- and 19th-century India.
Background of the Anglo-Maratha Wars
The Maratha Empire, after the death of Peshwa Madhavrao I in 1772, faced internal disputes and weakening central authority. Simultaneously, the British East India Company was consolidating its control over India. The interaction of these two forces led to a series of conflicts.
First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782)
Background
- Political Instability in the Maratha Empire:
- The death of Peshwa Madhavrao I in 1772 created a succession crisis.
- His brother Narayanrao became the next Peshwa but was assassinated in 1773 by Raghunathrao (Raghoba), who aspired to the Peshwa throne.
- Raghoba sought British support to claim the Peshwa position, leading to the Treaty of Surat (1775) with the Bombay Presidency.
- British Expansionist Interests:
- The British East India Company wanted to exploit the Maratha disunity to expand its influence in western India.
Where Was It Fought?
- Major regions: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of modern-day Madhya Pradesh.
Major Battles and Events
- Battle of Adas (1775):
- Raghoba's forces, supported by the British, defeated the Maratha forces initially.
- Battle of Wadgaon (1779):
- The Marathas, under Mahadji Scindia, decisively defeated the British.
- The British were forced to sign the Convention of Wadgaon, retreating from their captured territories.
Outcome
- The Treaty of Salbai (1782) was signed:
- Restored the status quo.
- Granted British control over Salsette and Bharuch but retained Maratha sovereignty.
Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805)
Background
- The Treaty of Bassein (1802):
- Signed between the British and Peshwa Baji Rao II, it placed the Peshwa under British protection.
- Other Maratha chiefs, like Scindia, Holkar, and Bhonsle, viewed the treaty as a betrayal, leading to war.
- Maratha Disunity:
- Constant rivalries among the Maratha chiefs weakened their collective response to the British threat.
- British Strategic Ambitions:
- By this time, the British had established strong control in Bengal, Mysore, and Hyderabad and sought dominance over the Marathas.
Where Was It Fought?
- Major regions: Delhi, central and western India (modern-day Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan).
Major Battles and Events
- Battle of Assaye (1803):
- A significant victory for the British under Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) against Scindia’s forces.
- Battle of Delhi (1803):
- British forces captured Delhi, securing the Mughal emperor as their nominal ally.
- Battle of Laswari (1803):
- Another victory for the British against the Maratha forces.
Outcome
- The Marathas lost significant territories, including Delhi, parts of Doab, and territories in Gujarat and central India.
- The Treaty of Rajpurghat (1805) ended the war, further weakening Maratha sovereignty.
Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818)
Background
- Resentment Among Maratha Chiefs:
- After the Treaty of Bassein and the second war, the Marathas were reduced to vassals of the British.
- Leaders like Peshwa Baji Rao II, Holkar, and Bhonsle sought to regain their former status.
- British Expansion Policy:
- Governor-General Lord Hastings aimed to eliminate any residual threats to British dominance in India.
- Maratha Resistance:
- A coalition of Maratha forces attempted to resist British expansion, leading to the final war.
Where Was It Fought?
- Major regions: Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and central India (modern-day Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka).
Major Battles and Events
- Battle of Koregaon (1818):
- A small British force successfully resisted a much larger Maratha army, marking a symbolic victory for the British.
- Siege of Satara (1818):
- The British captured the Maratha stronghold of Satara.
Outcome
- The British abolished the position of Peshwa and pensioned off Baji Rao II.
- The Maratha territories were annexed into British India.
- The Maratha Empire effectively ceased to exist, paving the way for British dominance over the entire subcontinent.
The Situation of the Marathas
- Internal Disunity:
- Rivalries among chiefs like Scindia, Holkar, and Bhonsle hindered collective resistance.
- Outdated Warfare:
- The Marathas relied on traditional methods of warfare, which were no match for British tactics and technology.
- Economic Strain:
- Prolonged conflicts drained Maratha resources, leaving them vulnerable.
The Situation of the British
- Military Superiority:
- Disciplined armies equipped with modern weapons gave the British a significant edge.
- Strategic Diplomacy:
- The British used treaties like the Treaty of Bassein to divide and weaken Indian powers.
- Economic Resources:
- The British could sustain long wars due to the wealth generated from other territories under their control.
Pawns and Allies in the Wars
- On the Maratha Side:
- Local chieftains, minor kings, and tribes were often rallied to fight for the Marathas.
- However, their loyalty was not always guaranteed, leading to internal betrayals.
- On the British Side:
- The British used Indian sepoys extensively in their armies.
- Allies like the Nizam of Hyderabad and some princely states supported the British against the Marathas.
Conclusion
The Anglo-Maratha Wars marked the end of the Maratha Empire and heralded the beginning of British supremacy in India. For UPSC aspirants, these wars are a testament to the interplay of diplomacy, military strategy, and internal politics that shaped India’s colonial history. By studying the wars in depth, one can understand the broader implications of British expansion and the challenges faced by Indian powers during this turbulent period. Studying such events of Modern History of India is important for UPSC Examination.