First, Second and Third Anglo-maratha Wars

Marathas were a strong power in the Maharashtra region of India. With the advent of the British and other European powers, the Marathas faced constant threat and suppression. The British wanted to conquer all India, but Marathas put off a fierce competition with the British forces. These conflicts between the Marathas and the British led to the occurrence of wars between the British and Marathas in India, which are termed as Anglo Maratha Wars.

Anglo Maratha Wars

In Indian History, we come across 3 Anglo Maratha wars fought over a long period of time. Let us discuss these wars in detail.

First Anglo Maratha War

• It was fought between 1775-1782.
• After the death of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao in 1761 and after the Third Battle of Panipat, Madhav Rao, son of Balaji Baji Rao, ascended the throne. He managed to conquer some territories that were lost by the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat. This made the British alert and aware of the growing Maratha power.
• After the death of Madhav Rao, the Marathas fought amongst themselves for power.
• Narayan Rao ascended the throne but Raghunath Rao, who wanted to be the Peshwa took the help of the British to come to power. This interference by the British led to the Treaty of Surat in 1775, according to which the Britishers gave 2500 soldiers to Madhav Rao and Madhav Rao in turn gave Salsette and Bassein to the English.
• But the British and Raghunath Rao again attacked Madhav Rao and defeated Madhav Rao.
• After this war, the Treaty of Surat was annulled by Warren Hastings and the Treaty of Purandar was signed in 1776 between the British and Marathas under Nana Phadnavis.
• This treaty was violated by Nana Phadnavis, due to which the British attacked Pune but Marathas fought very bravely and forced the British to surrender and the Convention of Wadgaon was signed in 1779.
• But Warren Hastings rejected this treaty and sent forces to capture Gwalior under the rule of Maharaj Shinde.
• Shinde was defeated by the British forces and Peshwa Nana Phadnavis and British signed the Treaty of Salbai in 1782 according to which Raghunath Rao was given a fixed pension of 3 lakh per year by the British.

Second Anglo Maratha War

• The Second Anglo-Maratha War was fought between 1803-1805 between the British and Marathas.
• When the British captured Mysore in 1792 under the Treaty of Seringapatam and Tipu Sultan was defeated, the Marathas were the only major power left in the South.
• The Marathas during this time were divided into 5 groups, which were the Bhonsles at Nagpur, Scindia at Gwalior, Holkar at Indore, Gaekwads at Baroda and Peshwas at Pune.
• There were constant conflicts among them over power. The British took advantage of these internal conflicts among different Maratha sects.
• After the death of Madhav Rao II, Baji Rao II became the Peshwa.
• Yashwant Rao Holkar defeated the Peshwas and Scindias in the Battle of Poona in 1802.
• This led Baji Rao II to seek help from the British and thus he signed the Treaty of Bassein with them in 1802.
• According to this treaty, the Maratha territory was ceded to the British and they maintained an army there which was maintained by the Peshwa Baji Rao II.
• The non adherence to this treaty by Scindias and Bhonsles led to the occurrence of the Second Anglo Maratha War in 1803, which was later joined by Holkars too.
• The British again defeated the Scindias and Bhonsles in this war.
• Thus, the Treaty of Surji Anjangaon was signed between Scindias and the British in 1803 which provided the British with the regions of Rohtak, Gurgaon, Delhi, Agra, areas of Gujarat, Bharooch and Ahmednagar Fort.
• The Treaty of Deogaon was signed between the Bhonsles and the British and British got the areas of Cuttack and Balasore.
• The Treaty of Rajghat was signed between the Holkars and the British. The British got the areas of Tonk, Bundi and Rampura.

Third Anglo Maratha War

• This was the last Anglo-Maratha war. Marathas had already become very weak and lost most of their territories.
• In this war, a last attempt was made by the Marathas to gain their power and territories from the British.
• The regular interference from the British in the internal affairs of the Marathas also led to this war.
• Another reason for this war was the suspicious attitude of the British towards Pindaris. They thought that Marathas protected the Pindaris.
• Peshwa Bajirao II, Malharrao Holkar and Mudhoji II Bhonsle formed an alliance and attacked the British.
• Although the Marathas fought very bravely, they could not defeat the British who used advanced weapons and techniques.
• As a result of the war, Shinde who was not involved in the war, signed the Treaty of Gwalior in 1817 with the British. Thus, Rajasthan was ceded to the British as per this treaty.
• Malharrao Holkar signed the Treaty of Mandsaur in 1818.
• The Peshwas were provided with pension and removed from throne. He was made to move to a small estate, Bithur.
• The territory of Peshwas was merged with the Bombay Presidency.
• Thus, this war ended, the Maratha rule and established British rule more strongly in India.
• The major reason for the defeat of the Marathas is attributed to their short-sightedness and internal conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What Was The Result Of Treaty Of Bassein?

Ans: Treaty Of Bassein ceded the Maratha territory to the British and they maintained an army in the Maratha territory at the cost paid by Peshwa Baji Rao II.

Q2: How Many Anglo-Maratha Wars Were Fought?

Ans: Three Anglo Maratha wars have been fought in Indian history between the British and Marathas.

Q3: Who Was The Governor General During The First Anglo Maratha War?

Ans: Warren Hastings was the Governor General of India during the first Anglo Maratha war.

Q4: Which Rulers Formed An Alliance In The Third Anglo Maratha War?

Ans: Peshwa Bajirao II, Malharrao Holkar and Mudhoji II Bhonsle formed an alliance in the third Anglo Maratha war.

Q5: Between Whom Was The Battle Of Poona Fought?

Ans: Battle of Poona was fought in 1802 between Yashwant Rao Holkar on one side and the Peshwas and Scindias on the other.