essay on anglo maratha war

Skip to primary navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to primary sidebar

UPSC Coaching, Study Materials, and Mock Exams

Enroll in ClearIAS UPSC Coaching Join Now Log In

Call us: +91-9605741000

Anglo-Maratha Wars

Last updated on December 14, 2022 by ClearIAS Team

Three Anglo-Maratha wars took place between the late 18th and early 19th centuries between the British and the Marathas.

Table of Contents

Marathas’ ascent

One of the Mughal Empire’s most tenacious adversaries, the Marathas, got the chance to rise to power as the empire was overthrown.
They had control over a sizable portion of the continent and were paid tribute by nations who were not directly under their rule.
They were in Lahore by the middle of the 18th century and were considering ruling the North Indian empire and serving as king-makers at the Mughal court.
Although Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated them in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761), which altered the situation, they were able to regroup, regain their strength, and take control of India within a decade.
The most renowned Peshwa of all time, Bajirao I (1720–40), founded a coalition of prominent Maratha chiefs to oversee the rapidly expanding Maratha power and, to some extent, appease the Kshatriya faction of the Marathas, led by Senapati Dabodi.
Each prominent family under a chief was given a sphere of influence within the Maratha confederacy’s organisational structure, which he was expected to subdue and rule over in the name of the then-Maratha monarch, Shahu.
Under Bajirao I to Madhavrao I, the confederacy ran smoothly, until the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) changed everything.
Although the confederacy’s leaders occasionally united, such as when fighting the British (1775–82), they usually fought among themselves.

Peshwa Bajirao (1720–40)

Shrimant, the seventh Peshwa Peshwa the Maratha Empire was expanded by Baji Rao I, also known as Bajirao Ballal, to include a major portion of present-day India.
On August 18, 1700, Balaji Vishwanath and his wife Radhabhai Barve had a son named Baji Rao.
Baji Rao I directed the Maratha’s focus away from Deccan and toward the north.
He is recognised as the first Indian to see the Mughals’ weakness and waning power. He was well aware of Delhi’s vulnerability to the Mughal emperors.
The idiom “Attock to Cuttack” refers to the Maratha Kingdom that Baji Rao-I imagined and wanted to raise the Saffron Flag above the ramparts of Attock.
Baji Rao-I participated in 41 wars and never suffered a defeat.
This astute Maratha Prime Minister was successful in uniting the Marathas who had scattered after Shivaji’s demise.
The Scindias, under the leadership of Ranoji Shinde of Gwalior, the Holkars, under Malharrao of Indore, the Gaekwads, under Pilaji of Baroda, and the Pawars, under Udaiji of Dhar, are all members of the Confederacy.
He was able to acquire one-third of Bundelkhand upon the passing of Maharaja Chhattrasal.
Mastani, his half-Muslim sweetheart from Bundelkhand, was not accepted into Maratha culture.
He moved the Marathas’ administrative centre from Satara to Pune.
Balaji Baji Rao succeeded his father Baji Rao-I when the latter passed away in 1740 due to sickness.

Marathas versus British

The English finally prevailed in three battles between the Marathas and the English for governmental hegemony during the latter quarter of the 18th century and the first quarter of the 19th century. These conflicts resulted from the English’s great ambition and the Marathas’ split house, which gave them a reason to believe their endeavour would succeed.

The English in Bombay planned to establish an administration resembling that of Clive in Orissa, Bihar, and Bengal. The Marathas’ disagreement over succession provided the English with a long-awaited opportunity.

Causes of the Conflicts

The Great Maratha Wars or the Anglo-Maratha Wars refer to the three conflicts fought in India between the British East India Company and the Maratha confederacy or the Maratha Empire.

The Maratha Empire in India was destroyed along with the British victory in the wars, which started in 1777 and ended in 1818.
The third Peshwa, Balaji Baji Rao, passed away on June 23, 1761, the day after the Marathas were beaten at the Battle of Panipat.
After his death, his son Madhav Rao took over as ruler.
He was a capable and competent commander who kept his nobles and chiefs united and swiftly succeeded in regaining the lost power and dignity of the Marathas.
As the Marathas’ authority increased, the British grew more cautious of them and worked to prevent their restoration.
The British were free to assault the Marathas after Madhav Rao’s death in 1772.

Anglo-Maratha War I (1775–82)

The British’s increasing intervention in Maratha internal and external matters, as well as the rivalry for power between Madhav Rao and Raghunath Rao, were the primary causes of the first Maratha war.
When Peshwa Madhav Rao passed away, his younger brother Narain Rao succeeded him as Peshwa, but Raghunath Rao actually wanted the position.
So, in exchange for Salsette and Bessien as well as income from the Surat and Bharuch provinces, he asked the English to help kill him and make him Peshwa.
Raghunath Rao received help from the British, who also provided him with 2,500 troops.
The Peshwa was invaded and defeated by the English and Raghunath Rao’s combined force.
The Pact of Surat was signed on March 6, 1775, but it was not approved by the British Calcutta Council. Colonel Upton, who abandoned Raghunath’s sovereignty and only promised him a pension, revoked the contract in Pune.
Raghunath was given shelter notwithstanding the Bombay administration’s denial of this.
Nana Phadnis gave the French a port on the west coast in 1777, breaking the agreement with the Calcutta Council.
As a result, fighting broke out between British and Maratha forces at Wadgaon, just outside of Pune.

First Anglo-Maratha War’s outcome

The East India Company held Salsette and Bessien.
The Marathas also gave it a guarantee that they would get their Deccan holdings back from Hyder Ali of Mysore.
In addition, the Marathas swore not to give the French any other provinces.
Every year, Raghunathrao was to receive a pension of Rs. 3 lakh.
Following the Purandar Treaty, the British handed over to the Marathas all areas they had taken by force.
Madhavrao II, Narayanrao’s son, was recognised as the Peshwa by the English.

Anglo-Maratha War II (1803–05)

The British East India Company and the Maratha Empire engaged in combat in Central India between 1803 and 1805 during the Second Anglo-Maratha War.
The second Maratha war was primarily sparked by the Holkars, one of the major Maratha clans, defeating Peshwa Baji Rao II.
As a result, Peshwa Baji Rao II signed the Treaty of Bassein in December 1802, requesting British protection.
Other Maratha kings, such as the Gwalior-based Scindia rulers and the Nagpur and Berar-based Bhonsle rulers, would not accept this and attempted to fight the British.
As a result, in Central India, the second Anglo-Maratha war broke out in 1803.

Second Anglo-Maratha War’s outcome

In these battles, the Maratha army was completely routed by the British.
An infant was installed on the throne under British guidance.
The Peshwa gave up in 1818.
After being removed, he withdrew to a small estate in Bithur (near Kanpur). The Bombay Presidency took over most of his territory.
His adopted son, Nana Saheb, served as the revolt’s leader in Kanpur in 1857.
The Central Provinces of British India were created from the Pindaris’ territories.
The outcome of this fight was the demise of the Maratha Empire. The Maratha kingdoms were all seized by the British.
An unidentified Chhatrapati Shivaji ancestor was appointed as the Maratha Confederacy’s ceremonial leader in Satara.
The British were given the territory of Rohtak, Ganga-Yamuna Doab, Gurgaon, the Delhi-Agra region, Broach, numerous Gujarati districts, portions of Bundelkhand, and the Ahmednagar fort when the Scindias signed the Surji-Anjangaon Treaty in 1803.
The Treaty of Deogaon, which was signed by the Bhonsle in 1803, gave the English control over Cuttack, Balasore, and the area west of the Wardha River.
In 1805, the Holkars agreed to the Treaty of Rajghat, which gave the British Tonk, Bundi, and Rampura.
The British took over substantial portions of central India as a result of the conflict.

Anglo-Maratha War III (1817–19)

The rising Maratha desire to restore their lost territory and the British’s oppressive rule over Maratha nobles and chiefs were the two main factors that led to the third and final conflict between the British and the Marathas.
The British dispute with the Pindaris, who the British thought was being protected by the Marathas, was another factor in the war.
During the years 1817 and 1818, the conflict took place in Maharashtra and the neighbouring areas.
The Peshwa defeated the Maratha chiefs in places like Ashti, Nagpur, and Mahidpur when they invaded the British Residency in November 1817.
On November 5, 1817, the Treaty of Gwalior was signed, and Sindia was relegated to the role of a bystander in the fight.
Malhar Rao Holkar and the British agreed to the Treaty of Mandsaur on January 6, 1818, which led to the deposition of the Peshwa and his pension.
The British seized more of his holdings, thus solidifying their control over India.

Third Anglo-Maratha War’s outcome

Despite not taking part in the war, Sindia and the British signed the Treaty of Gwalior in 1817.
In accordance with the conditions of this treaty, Sindia gave the British Rajasthan.
The Rajas of Rajputana retained the Princely States until 1947 after consenting to British rule.
The Treaty of Mandsaur was drafted and signed by the British and the Holkar kings in 1818.
Causes of Marathas’ Demise: Inept Leadership
There was a dictatorial element to the Maratha state. The state’s activities were greatly influenced by the personality and character of the ruler.
However, later Maratha leaders like Bajirao II, Daulatrao Scindia, and Jaswantrao Holkar were useless and egotistical.
Against English authorities like Elphinstone, John Malcolm, and Arthur Wellesley, they had little hope (who eventually led the English to victory against Napoleon).

Reasons for Maratha’s defeat

The cohesiveness of the Maratha state’s populace was constructed and accidental rather than organic, making it unstable.
Since Shivaji’s reign, no attempt has been made to put together a well-planned effort to develop the community, spread knowledge, or bring the populace together.
The religious-national movement helped the Maratha state to rise to power.
This shortcoming was exposed when the Maratha kingdom was placed against a European force constructed after the best Western models.
The Chhatrapati and the Peshwa were in charge of the loose confederation known as the Maratha empire.
While giving lip service to the Peshwa’s authority, strong rulers like the Gaikwad, Holkar, Scindia, and Bhonsle carved out established semi-independent kingdoms for themselves.
In addition, the various parts of the confederacy were at constant odds with one another.
The Maratha chief regularly sided with one or the other side.
The Maratha kingdom suffered from the lack of cooperation among the Maratha leaders.
Despite their power and bravery, the Marathas fell short of the English in terms of effective leadership, troop organisation, and military equipment.
Many of Maratha’s defeats were caused by the centrifugal tendencies of fragmented leadership.
The Maratha army was weakened by treason within the ranks.
The Marathas’ application of modern military techniques was insufficient.
The Marathas disregarded the vital importance of artillery. An artillery department was set up by the Poona administration, although it was ineffectual.
The Maratha leadership was unable to create a sound economic strategy to satisfy the period’s changing demands.
There were no businesses or chances for international trade.
Because of this, a stable political system was not supported by the Maratha economy.
The English were better at using diplomacy to gain allies and isolate their enemies.
The division among the Maratha leaders made the work of the English simpler.
The English were able to attack the goal right away thanks to their superior diplomatic position.
The English maintained a well-oiled spy network to gather information regarding their adversaries’ potentialities, strengths, vulnerabilities, and military strategies, in contrast to the Marathas’ ignorance and lack of information about their opponent.
The forces of the Renaissance raised the English from the dead, releasing them from the Church’s control.
They focused their efforts on colonial conquest, lengthy ocean voyages, and scientific discoveries.
On the other hand, medievalism, which was characterised by antiquated dogmas and beliefs, was still rife among Indians.
The day-to-day administration of the state didn’t worry the Maratha chiefs.
Imperial merging was rendered impossible by the insistence on preserving the social stratification that existed due to the influence of the priestly class.

The Anglo-Maratha Wars I, II, and III all played significant roles in Indian history. The Mughal Empire was already under British rule at the time. However, despite their best efforts, the British were unable to seize control of the southern regions, which were governed by Maratha chieftains.

As a result of treaties with princely states, the British gained substantial holdings and territory in India, and India was unquestionably the crown jewel of the British Empire. These wars led to the collapse of the Maratha Empire. India was entirely governed by the British.

UPSC CSE 2025: Study Plan ⇓

(1) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims cum Mains

(2) ⇒ UPSC 2025: Prelims Test Series

(3) ⇒ UPSC 2025: CSAT

Note: To know more about ClearIAS Courses (Online/Offline) and the most effective study plan, you can call ClearIAS Mentors at +91-9605741000, +91-9656621000, or +91-9656731000.

In truth, after the battles, India was claimed by the British, who defined it in an Orientalist fashion and mapped it according to their own concepts.

Article Written By: Atheena Fathima Riyas

Top 10 Best-Selling ClearIAS Courses

Upsc prelims cum mains (pcm) gs course: unbeatable batch 2025 (online), rs.75000 rs.29000, upsc prelims marks booster + 2025 (online), rs.19999 rs.14999, upsc prelims test series (pts) 2025 (online), rs.9999 rs.4999, csat course 2025 (online), current affairs course 2025 (online), ncert foundation course (online), essay writing course for upsc cse (online), ethics course for upsc cse (online), upsc interview marks booster course (online), rs.9999 rs.4999.

About ClearIAS Team

ClearIAS is one of the most trusted learning platforms in India for UPSC preparation. Around 1 million aspirants learn from the ClearIAS every month.

Our courses and training methods are different from traditional coaching. We give special emphasis on smart work and personal mentorship. Many UPSC toppers thank ClearIAS for our role in their success.

Download the ClearIAS mobile apps now to supplement your self-study efforts with ClearIAS smart-study training.

Reader Interactions

Don’t lose out without playing the right game!

Follow the ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains (PCM) Integrated Approach.

Join ClearIAS PCM Course Now

UPSC Online Preparation

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Indian Police Service (IPS)
IAS Exam Eligibility
UPSC Free Study Materials
UPSC Exam Guidance
UPSC Prelims Test Series
UPSC Syllabus
UPSC Online
UPSC Prelims
UPSC Interview
UPSC Toppers
UPSC Previous Year Qns
UPSC Age Calculator
UPSC Calendar 2024
About ClearIAS
ClearIAS Programs
ClearIAS Fee Structure
IAS Coaching
UPSC Coaching
UPSC Online Coaching
ClearIAS Blog
Important Updates
Announcements
Book Review
ClearIAS App
Work with us
Advertise with us
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Talk to Your Mentor

Featured on

and many more...

ClearIAS Programs: Admissions Open

Thank You 🙌

UPSC CSE 2025: Study Plan

Subscribe ClearIAS YouTube Channel

Get free study materials. Don’t miss ClearIAS updates.

Subscribe Now

IAS/IPS/IFS Online Coaching: Target CSE 2025

Cover the entire syllabus of UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains systematically.

Anglo-Maratha Wars

Server costs fundraiser 2024.

The three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775-1819) were fought between the Maratha Confederacy of India (aka the Mahrattas, 1674-1818) and the British East India Company (EIC). The Maratha Hindu princes were rarely unified, and so the EIC steadily reduced their power through a blend of diplomacy and warfare , which led to ultimate victory and the dissolving of the confederacy.

There were three Anglo-Maratha Wars between the East India Company and the Maratha Confederacy:

First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782)

Second anglo-maratha war (1803-1805), third anglo-maratha war (1817-1819), east india company expansion.

The East India Company was founded in 1600, and by the mid-18th century, it was benefiting from its trade monopoly in India to make its shareholders immensely rich. The Company was effectively the colonial arm of the British government in India, but it protected its interests using its own private army and hired troops from the regular British army. By the 1750s, the Company was keen to expand its trade network and begin a more active territorial control in the subcontinent.

Robert Clive (1725-1774) won a famous victory for the EIC against the ruler of Bengal, Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah (b. 1733), at the Battle of Plassey in June 1757. The Nawab was replaced by a puppet ruler, the state's massive treasury was confiscated, and the systematic exploitation of Bengal's resources and people began. The EIC won another key contest in October 1764 with victory at the Battle of Buxar (aka Bhaksar) against the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II (r. 1760-1806). The emperor then awarded the EIC the right to collect land revenue ( dewani ) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This was a major development and ensured the Company now had vast resources to expand and protect its traders, bases, armies, and ships.

Robert Clive & The East India Company Rule in India, c. 1765

Unfortunately for the EIC, its growth meant that it came into conflict with new powers, chief amongst them the southern state of Mysore and the Maratha Confederacy. A third major power in southern India was the Nizam of Hyderabad, the largest princely state in India but rarely effective in military terms. The competition for territorial control between these four powers led to a complex game of empires that involved multiple wars and endlessly shifting alliances of convenience. Ultimately, the EIC was the victor, but it first had to fight four Anglo-Mysore Wars (1767-1799) against the Kingdom of Mysore and three Anglo-Maratha Wars.

The Maratha Confederacy

The Maratha Confederacy was a loose alliance of various independent Hindu princes. They acquired the name (in use from the 17th century) from the region they ruled, Maharashtra. This region was composed of "rocky hills and jungle-covered valleys lying on the western side of the Deccan" (Heathcote, 13).

The first great ruler was Shivaji (r. 1674-1680), who took the royal title Chatrapati. Shivaji's grandson Shahu (r. 1708-1748) created the title of Peshwa, effectively the supreme or executive leader of the confederacy, a position which became hereditary. The Peshwa was based at Poona (Pune), but the rulers of the various Maratha states were only nominally under his sovereignty.

The Maratha Confederacy had challenged and conquered territories of the Mughal Empire (1526-1857) in the southern and western areas of India through the 18th century and was potentially the most formidable military power in the region when unified. The problem for the Marathas was that they rarely worked collaboratively to meet a common enemy. One thing that did unite them was a threat from another religion , particularly Islam .

Eventually, the Marathas controlled a vast swathe of central India to Orissa in the east and Delhi in the north. This expansion meant their southern and eastern borders encroached on territory under the covetous gazes of Mysore and the EIC, respectively. In addition, the northern frontier of the Maratha Empire brought it into frequent conflict with Afghan rulers such as Ahmad Shah Abdali (1722-73), who seriously weakened the Marathas with his victory at the Battle of Panipat on 13 January 1761. From this date, the Maratha Confederacy consisted of the Peshwa of Poona and the rulers of the Indian princely states of Gwalior, Indore, Berar, and Baroda, all hereditary monarchs. Sometimes these rulers competed with each other for resources and territory. Feuds between ruling Maratha families were common. The indiscriminate raiding of non-Maratha territories made them unpopular with all of their neighbours.

The Marathas might well have replaced the crumbling Mughal Empire as the primary power in India, but their lack of unity, their inability to convince the Hindu desert warriors, the Rajput chiefs, to join them, and their military reversals to the Afghans prevented this ambition from being realised. The Marathas were also unpopular because of their policy of extracting a one-quarter tax on revenue, the chauth , wherever they dominated. Still a formidable power, the Marathas would prove to be both a help and hindrance to the various rival powers jostling for control of India.

Maratha Warfare

The Marathas were certainly adept at warfare, using light cavalry and light artillery pieces to quickly move armies when required for an offensive and hillforts when defence was necessary. A weakness was their inferior training and artillery compared to the EIC (and Mysore), but they did improve in these areas over time thanks to training from European mercenaries (typically French and British), which ensured they kept apace with the latest military developments. The Marathas learnt to use artillery so well that it became a formidable obstacle to EIC victories in the field. Another feature of Maratha armies was that it was not uncommon for women to fight using matchlocks, swords, and as cavalry riders.

From 1767 to 1769, the EIC was involved in the First Mysore War. Haidar Ali (1721-1782) had taken over the Kingdom of Mysore in 1761, and intent on expanding his territory, he declared war on the EIC in 1767. With 50,000 well-trained and well-equipped troops, including camel cavalry that fired rockets, Ali was a formidable opponent, and he ensured the Marathas did not join in the fighting by buying them off with a huge quantity of silver . The indecisive First Mysore War (1767-69) ended in a treaty which included a mutual protection clause against any future threat from the Marathas.

In 1774, Warren Hastings (1732-1818) was appointed the Governor-General of the East India Company, a position he would hold until 1785. After several years of skirmishes, in 1778, the East India Company attacked the Maratha Confederacy directly but was defeated at the battle of Wadgaon near Poona in January 1779. The Marathas had cut off the EIC army's supply lines and all but surrounded the enemy force, obliging the British to retreat after having thrown away their heavy cannons in the pool of a Hindu temple . A series of battles ensued over the next three years, with the victors alternating in an evenly-matched contest.

The First Anglo-Maratha War ended inconclusively with a fudged compromise, the May 1782 Treaty of Salbai, which at least brought peace between the two sides. The terms of the treaty only meant that, sooner or later, the EIC and Marathas would lock horns in battle again. It was a wasted opportunity for the Marathas since if they had pressed on with the war, they might well have got the better of the EIC, which was at the time crippled with debts and facing enemies elsewhere. In the event, the treaty secured a lengthy period of peace with the Marathas, which permitted the EIC to recover and expand elsewhere, particularly regarding the ongoing war with Mysore, the Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-84).

In the decade leading up to the Second Anglo-Maratha War, the EIC had been busy subduing the Kingdom of Mysore in two more wars: 1790-92 and 1799. The Marathas even contributed 12,000 men (light cavalry) to fight for the EIC. The Mysore ruler, Tipu Sultan (aka Tipoo Sahib, r. 1782-1799), had been defeated and killed, and the kingdom was effectively taken over by the EIC, which installed a young puppet ruler. The EIC was now free to concentrate on the Marathas once again.

In the EIC's long and successful strategy of combining diplomacy, intrigue, and military might, the 1802 Treaty of Bassein had already made the Peshwa, Baji Rao II (r. 1796-1818), a subsidiary ally of the EIC, and he was awarded a pension. Rao had been evicted from his own capital by rival Marathas, and this was the price for EIC backing and his restoration to power. By 1805, the rulers of Gwalior and Indore had also signed subsidiary alliances, but after learning that they and the Peshwa were obliged to permit an EIC resident at his court and pay for the garrisoning of EIC troops in their territory, two of the remaining Maratha rulers decided to fight for their independence in a conflict that has become known as the Second Anglo-Maratha War. The two rulers who fought the EIC were Daulat Rao Sindhia (1779-1827) and Raghuji Bhonsle II (d. 1816). A third Maratha ruler, Jaswant Rao Holkar (1776-1811), stayed neutral in the hope the others and the EIC would weaken each other in a long war, a situation he could then take advantage of.

At the Battle of Assaye on 23 September 1803, General Sir Arthur Wellesley (1769-1852, the future Duke of Wellington) masterminded victory for the EIC over the Maratha army of Daulat Rao Sindhia, head of the Gwalior state. The cause was greatly helped by Wellesley first steadily building up supplies and then bribing British and Anglo-Indian mercenary officers in the Marathas' employ not to fight. When the Marathas heard of this subterfuge, they promptly dismissed all their European officers believing them all of suspect loyalty. The unfortunate consequence for the Marathas was that their army now had no command structure and was routed, but not before their artillery had caused tremendous damage to the British. The costs for the EIC victory in this bloody battle were high, with around one-third of its army killed or wounded. 6,000 Maratha soldiers were killed at Assaye. The experienced British officers were all in agreement that the Maratha artillery was as well organised and deadly as that of any European army they had ever faced. There was some consolation for the human losses in the capture of 98 Maratha cannons. Wellesley then won another battle at Argaum (aka Argaon) in November 1803, but at the end of his career and even after defeating Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) at Waterloo in June 1815, Wellesley declared that his greatest ever military challenge had been at Assaye.

On 1 November 1803, the EIC won another decisive victory at the Battle of Laswari, this time with a force of 10,000 men under the able command of General Gerard Lake (1744-1808), a veteran of the American War of Independence. Again, the costs of victory were high, with around 838 EIC troops killed or wounded. The EIC then took over Delhi and its surrounding territory. There were a few minor Maratha successes, such as the defence of Bhurtpore (aka Bharatpur) against multiple British attacks in early 1805, but with the large losses in central India to Wellesley and in northern India to Lake, the Maratha Confederacy was now but a shadow of its former self. The Hindu princes were largely obliged to follow EIC policies and put up with a permanent resident backed by sepoys (EIC Indian troops). However, there would be one more conflict to come in a doomed effort to regain the Marathas' lost independence.

Between 1814 and 1816, the EIC was busy in the north of the subcontinent where it won the Anglo-Nepalese War (aka Gurkha War). Then, in 1817, the EIC turned its attention southwards again. The Marathas were not at all happy with the level of political interference the EIC was orchestrating in central India while, on the other side, the EIC was growing tired of bands of Pindaris (raiders supposed to be under the control of the Marathas) looting what it considered its property. By now, the EIC had the largest army in Asia – some 113,000 men were mobilised – and when it formally declared war on the Maratha Confederacy, its fate was sealed.

The Third Anglo-Maratha War, also known as the Pindari War, saw Baji Rao II defeated by an EIC army at the Battle of Kirki (aka Kirkee or Khadki) on 5 November 1817 and again at the Battle of Koregaon on 1 January 1818. As to the two remaining Maratha princes, the Raja of Nagpur lost the Battle of Sitabaldi on 27 November 1817 and another on 16 December, this time outside Nagpur. The EIC then defeated Malhar Rao Holkar III (r. 1811-1833) at the Battle of Mahidpur (aka Mahdipore) on 20 December 1817. Superior numbers, training, discipline, and the lack of loyalty in the opposition were all reasons for the EIC victories, as the historian L. James here summarises:

…many Marathas and Pindaris defected, lured into the Company's army by the prospect of higher wages, paid regularly. A new pattern of war was emerging: the Company divided, conquered and then recruited. (73)

After this third war, the Maratha Confederacy ceased to exist as the EIC now controlled Gujarat, Maharastra, Rajasthan, and Berar. Consequently, Baji Rao II was the last Peshwa of the Marathas, but at least he received a generous pension until 1853. The Maratha princes were obliged to sign the familiar subsidiary alliance the EIC imposed on the vanquished, leaving them only in control of minor domestic affairs. The EIC was now the sole great power in India. Many of the Marathas did not forget the wars and rose against the EIC in the infamous but failed rebellion of 1857-8, known as the Sepoy Mutiny or The Uprising against British colonial rule in India. This rebellion led to the British government taking over the territories of the EIC, and so the British Raj (rule) of India began.

Subscribe to topic Related Content Books Cite This Work License

Bibliography

Barrow, Ian. The East India Company, 1600–1858. Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., 2017.
Dalrymple, William. The Anarchy. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2019.
Dalziel, Nigel & Mackenzie, John. The Penguin Historical Atlas of the British Empire. Penguin Books, 2006.
Heathcote, T. A. & Beckett, Ian F. W. The Military in British India–1947 . Pen & Sword, 2013.
Holmes, Richard. Sahib–1914. Harper Perennial, 2006.
James, Lawrence. Raj. St. Martin's Griffin, 2000.
Malleson, G. B. & Carruthers, Bob. The Decisive Battles of India - The Illustrated Edition . Coda Books Ltd., 2013.
Mansingh, Surjit. Historical Dictionary of India . Scarecrow Press, 2006.
Percival Spear. A History of India Vol. II. Penguin, 2022.
Rapson, E.J. The Cambridge History of India Volume I. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015.
Reid, Stuart & Embleton, Gerry. Armies of the East India Company 1750–1850 . Osprey Publishing, 2009.
Wilson, Jon. India Conquered. Simon & Schuster India, 1970.

About the Author

Translations

We want people all over the world to learn about history. Help us and translate this definition into another language!

Questions & Answers

How many anglo-maratha wars were there, who won the first anglo-maratha war, who won the second anglo-maratha war, who won the third anglo-maratha war, why did the east india company win the anglo-maratha wars, related content.

Powhatan Confederacy

Wampanoag Confederacy

Origins of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

Dutch East India Company

East India Company

Anglo-Mysore Wars

Free for the world, supported by you.

World History Encyclopedia is a non-profit organization. For only $5 per month you can become a member and support our mission to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide.

Recommended Books

Cite This Work

Cartwright, M. (2022, December 01). Anglo-Maratha Wars . World History Encyclopedia . Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Anglo-Maratha_Wars/

Chicago Style

Cartwright, Mark. " Anglo-Maratha Wars ." World History Encyclopedia . Last modified December 01, 2022. https://www.worldhistory.org/Anglo-Maratha_Wars/.

Cartwright, Mark. " Anglo-Maratha Wars ." World History Encyclopedia . World History Encyclopedia, 01 Dec 2022. Web. 14 Aug 2024.

License & Copyright

Submitted by Mark Cartwright , published on 01 December 2022. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike . This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.

Anglo Maratha Wars, First, Second & Third Anglo Maratha War History & Result

The Anglo-Maratha Wars were fought between the Maratha Empire & the British. Read all about Anglo Maratha Wars, First, Second & Third Anglo Maratha Wars in this article for UPSC.

Table of Contents

Anglo Maratha Wars

The Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782) was the first of three Anglo-Maratha Wars fought in India between the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company. The Surat Treaty signaled the start of the conflict, while the Salbai Treaty marked its end. British loss and the restoration of both sides’ pre-war positions were the outcomes of the struggle between Surat and Pune Kingdom.

First President and Governor-General of the East India Company in India, Warren Hastings, decided against attacking right away. You will learn about the Anglo-Maratha War (1775-82) in this article, which will help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Service Exam.

Read about: Battle of Buxar

Anglo-Maratha Wars History

Balaji Bajirao, the Maratha Empire’s third Peshwa, passed away in 1761 as a result of the stress of losing the third battle of Panipat. After his passing, his son Madhavrao took over and was successful in recovering part of the Maratha Empire’s lost territory in the Battle of Panipat. There was a fierce struggle for control of the throne in the Maratha Empire following Madhavrao’s passing.

As both Narayan Rao and his uncle want to become the Peshwa, there was a perpetual rivalry between them. However, Narayan Rao turned as a Peshwa, and his uncle made an attempt to enlist the British. Raghunath Rao returned the Bassein to the British after the Surat Agreement was reached in 1775.

Peshwa Narayan Rao was attacked by the British army led by Raghunath Rao, who engaged him in combat and prevailed. The Warren Hastings-era pact was terminated by the British Calcutta Council, and a new treaty between the Calcutta Council and the Maratha Minister was signed in 1776.

A French port was authorised on the West Coast by Nana Fadnavis in 1777 as a condition of his agreement with the Calcutta Council. The Marathas, under the leadership of Mahadji Shinde, decisively won the battle of Vadgaon near Pune as a result of the British sending their forces to Pune and holding them there. The Vadgaon Agreement was made between the British and the Indians after the English lost the war in 1779.

Read about: Carnatic War

First Anglo-Maratha War

The first Anglo-Maratha War was the first of three conflicts between the Maratha Empire and Great Britain that took place in India. The conflict, which had begun with the Treaty of Surat, came to a close with the Salbai Treaty. Even though Raghunath Rao was not a legal descendant, Madhavrao Peshwa’s death in 1772 and Raghunath Rao’s murder of his nephew as part of a scheme declared Raghunath the Peshwa.

Nana Phadnis and 12 other Maratha chiefs supported this choice when it came time to name an infant, Narayana Rao’s child, the following year. Raghunath Rao, who was reluctant to give up his position of power, enlisted the help of the British in Bombay and signed the Surat Treaty on March 7, 1777. Raghunath Rao transferred the Salsette and Bassein regions as well as a share of the revenue from the Surat and Bharuch districts to the British in accordance with the conditions of the treaty.

1. First Anglo-Maratha War Courses

Raghunath Rao received 2500 soldiers from the British in return. The British Calcutta Council disapproved of the Surat treaty and sent Colonel Uttan to Pune to get it annulled on the opposite side of India. In 1777, Nana Fadnavis broke the deal. The British responded by sending troops in Pune’s direction. The Maratha cavalry encircled the British and used the “scorched earth” tactic to attack them.

They were forced to evacuate to Wadgao when the British began to withdraw to Talegaon. With the signing of the Wadgao Treaty, which obliged the Bombay government to relinquish all territory it had gained since 1775, the British ultimately gave up. The British governor-general in Bengal, Warren Hastings, rejected this agreement and sent an army. A second Bengali force led by Captain Popham captured Gwalior in August 1780. Yet another group led by Hastings pursued Mahadaji Shinde.

2. First Anglo-Maratha War Result

Shinde was ultimately defeated by the British at Sikri in February 1781. In response to the defeat, Shinde proposed the Salbai Treaty, which would have recognised the young Madhava Rao as the Peshwa and given Raghunath Rao a pension. Hastings and Phadnis approved this treaty in June 1782 after it was signed in May 1782.

Read about: Battle of Plassey

Second Anglo-Maratha War

During the second Anglo-Maratha War, the United Kingdom and the Maratha Empire in India battled once more (1803 to 1805). In support of Bajirao, the British put down the Maratha insurgents on September 23, 1803, and then reinstated him as ruler in accordance with the Bassein Treaty. Sir Arthur Wellesley overthrew the rebellious Bhosale monarchs of Nagpur and Berar, as well as the Sindhia kings of Gwalior.

The Holkar kings of Indore were defeated when they eventually joined the war. The British acquired control of Orissa as well as parts of western Gujarat and Bundelkhand from the Marathas when the peace treaty was signed in 1805, however they kept free reign over the majority of central India. Rajasthan was still mostly ruled and dominated by Sindhia maharajas.

1. Second Anglo-Maratha War Courses

The Peshwa brutally killed Vithuji Holkar, Yashwantrao Holkar’s brother, on April 1st, 1801. As the turmoil persisted, Yashwant decisively defeated the Peshwa and Scindia troops at Hadapsar near Poona on October 25, 1802, installing Vinayakrao, son of Amritrao, on the Peshwa’s throne. Bajirao II fled to Bassein, where on December 31, 1802, he signed a treaty with the English.

The Peshwa agreed to the following conditions in the Bassein Treaty (1802). To receive a local infantry (of at least 6,000 soldiers) from the Company, permanently stationed in his territory, with the standard proportion of field artillery and European artillery personnel attached. In the Courses of war agreement was made to abandon Surat, to transfer lands worth Rs. 26 lakh to the Company, and to renounce any rights to chauth on the Nizam’s domain.

the Courses of war agreement was made to submit his connections with foreign governments to English control and to submit all conflicts with the Nizam or the Gaekwad to arbitration by the Company. He also agreed not to hire any Europeans from a country at war with the English. When the Peshwa opted to join the subsidiary alliance, Scindia and Bhonsle attempted to preserve Maratha independence.

However, the combined forces of Scindia and Bhonsle were crushed by the English army under the command of Arthur Wellesley, forcing them to ratify separate secondary treaties with the English. In 1804 Yashwantrao Holkar tried to put up a coalition of Indian kings to fight the English. His effort, though, was a disaster. The British defeated the Marathas, forced them into vassalage, and split them up.

2. Second Anglo-Maratha War Result

In these battles, the Maratha army was completely defeated by the British. The British were given the territory of Rohtak, Ganga-Yamuna Doab, Gurgaon, the Delhi-Agra region, Broach, numerous Gujarati districts, portions of Bundelkhand, and the Ahmednagar fort when the Scindias signed the Surji-Anjangaon Treaty in 1803.

The Treaty of Deogaon, which was signed by the Bhonsles in 1803, gave the English control over Cuttack, Balasore, and the area west of the Wardha River. In 1805, the Holkars agreed to the Treaty of Rajghat, which gave the British Tonk, Bundi, and Rampura. The British took over large portions of central India as a result of the conflict.

Third Anglo-Maratha War

The British were pitted against the Maratha Empire in India during the Third Anglo-Maratha War, which lasted from 1817 to 1818. The UK ultimately acquired control of the majority of India. Lord Hastings, the British governor general, launched an invasion into Maratha territory to begin operations against Pindare robber clans.

British diplomacy was able to convince him to remain neutral despite the soldiers of the Gwalior-based Sindhia rising up in opposition to the British and despite the British losing control of Rajasthan. The majority of his province was under the Bombay presidency. Despite this, the Maharaja of Satara remained in power until 1848, when the Bombay state acquired his princely territory.

British India received the Saugor and Nerbudda Territories, which contained the Peshwa’s territories in Bundelkhand in the northern Nagpur Bhosale realm. By becoming princely states, the Maratha kingdoms of Indore, Gwalior, Nagpur, and Jhansi consented to British administration. After the third Anglo-Maratha War, the British practically held total control over modern-day India South of the Sutlej river.

1. Third Anglo-Maratha War Courses

The British Residency was attacked by the Peshwa at Poona. When Nagpur’s Appa Sahib attacked the Nagpur home, the Holkar started preparing for battle. However, the Marathas had virtually all of the components needed for a power to flourish lost at that point.

The political and administrative environments of every Maratha state were disorganised and ineffectual. After Jaswantrao Holkar passed away, Tulsi Bai, the Holkars’ preferred mistress, took over control of Poona. Even though she was a clever and learned woman, the influence of some useless men like Balram Seth and Amir Khan prevented her from successfully ruling the country.

Both the Scindia in Gwalior and the Bhonsle in Nagpur were in decline. Therefore, the English were able to stop the Peshwa from once again exercising power over the Maratha confederacy by retaliating harshly.

2. Third Anglo-Maratha War Result

At Khirki, Holkar was defeated in Mahidpur while Bhonsle was defeated in Sitabuldi. There were several important treaties signed. In June 1817, the Treaty of Poona with Peshwa was signed. November 1817: Gwalior Treaty with Scindia. In January 1818, Mandsaur and Holkar signed the Treaty of Mandsaur. In June 1818, the Peshwa finally submitted, and the Maratha Confederacy was dissolved.

The system of peshwas was gradually abandoned. Peshwa Bajirao enlisted as a British retainer at Bithur, close to Kanpur. A direct descendent of Shivaji named Pratap Singh was made the ruler of Satara, a small principality formed from the Peshwa’s territories.

Anglo-Maratha War UPSC

This article has complete detail about the Anglo- Maratha war from First to third Anglo- Maratha Wars. It has complete detail about the wars for the preparation of UPSC Examination. Candidate will find all the detail in this article about Anglo- Maratha War.

Sharing is caring!

How many wars did Anglo-Maratha fought?

Between the end of the 18th and the start of the 19th centuries, the British and the Marathas engaged in three Anglo-Maratha Wars (also known as Maratha Wars). .

How many Anglo-Maratha War was fought and when?

Three battles between the British and the Maratha confederacy—the Maratha Wars (1775–82, 18003–05, and 1817–18]—led to the confederacy's dissolution.

Who Won Anglo-Maratha War 3?

The Maratha Empire was destroyed as a result of this conflict. The British received the submission of every Maratha authority. At Satara, a mysterious Chhatrapati Shivaji ancestor was appointed as the Maratha Confederacy's ceremonial leader. One of the last big wars the British fought and won was this one.

Who fought Anglo-Maratha war?

The first of three Anglo-Maratha Wars, fought in India between the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company, was the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782). The Treaty of Surat signalled the start of the conflict, and the Treaty of Salbai marked its termination.

Who is the bravest Maratha?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the bravest Maratha.

Trending Event

TNPSC Group 4 Result 2024
UPSC ESIC Nursing Officer Result 2024
UPSC EPFO PA Result 2024
UPSC CMS Result 2024
SSC Stenographer Apply Online 2024
IB SA MTS Final Result 2024

BPSC Exam 2024

BPSC 70th Notification
BPSC 69th Exam Analysis
BPSC Admit Card
BPSC Syllabus
BPSC Exam Pattern
BPSC Cut Off
BPSC Question Papers

SSC CGL 2024

SSC CGL Exam 2024
SSC CGL Syllabus 2024
SSC CGL Cut off
SSC CGL Apply Online
SSC CGL Salary
SSC CGL Previous Year Question Paper
SSC MTS 2024
SSC MTS Apply Online 2024
SSC MTS Syllabus 2024
SSC MTS Salary 2024
SSC MTS Eligibility Criteria 2024
SSC MTS Previous Year Paper

SSC Stenographer 2024

SSC Stenographer Notfication 2024
SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2024
SSC Stenographer Salary 2024

IMPORTANT EXAMS

Terms & Conditions
Return & Refund Policy
Privacy Policy

General Studies

All Programmes

Study Material

Anglo Maratha War, First, Second & Third Anglo Maratha War, Reasons

Anglo - Maratha Wars - The Rise of Marathas The Three Anglo - Maratha Wars

Rise of Marathas

Entry of english into maratha politics.

The First Anglo-Maratha War 1775-82
The Second Anglo-Maratha War 1803-05
The Third Anglo-Maratha War 1817-19

Prelims : History of India and Indian National Movement.

Mains : Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

The 18th century witnessed a fierce struggle for supremacy in India, pitting the Marathas, a powerful indigenous force, against the formidable British East India Company. The Marathas controlled vast territories and played a pivotal role in shaping the subcontinent's political landscape, receiving tributes from regions beyond their direct rule. However, internal divisions and the defeat at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 weakened their position.

Amidst this backdrop, the ambitious British East India Company sought to capitalise on the Marathas' decline and establish their governance along the lines of their success in other regions. The ensuing Anglo-Maratha Wars, spanning the late 18th and early 19th centuries, marked pivotal moments in India's history.

The Marathas, who controlled a large portion of the country and received tributes from areas not directly under their control, were in Lahore thinking of becoming rulers of the north Indian empire and in the court of the Mughals playing the role of kingmakers.

Defeat at Panipat: After their defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, the Marathas re-grouped, regained their strength, and within a decade, achieved a position of power in India.
Bajirao I: He is considered the greatest of all the Peshwas, had started a confederacy of prominent Maratha chiefs to manage the rapidly expanding Maratha power and, to some extent, appease the Kshatriya section of the Marathas led by the Senapati Dabodi.
Maratha confederacy: Under the arrangement of the Maratha confederacy, each prominent family under a chief was assigned a sphere of influence which he was supposed to conquer and rule, but in the name of the then Maratha king, Shahu.
Families of the confederacy: The prominent Maratha families that emerged were: (i) the Gaekwad of Baroda, (ii) the Bhonsle of Nagpur, (iii) the Holkars of Indore, (iv) the Sindhias of Gwalior, and (v) the Peshwa of Poona.
Even though the confederacy's chiefs occasionally worked together, as they did when fighting the British (1775–82), they quarrelled more frequently among themselves.

The years between the last quarter of the 18th century and the first quarter of the 19th century witnessed the Marathas and the English clashing thrice for political supremacy, with the English emerging victorious in the end.

The cause of the conflicts: The inordinate ambition of the English and the divided house of the Marathas encouraged the English to hope for success in their venture.
So it was a longed-for opportunity for the English when dissensions over succession divided the Marathas.

First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-82)

The First Anglo-Maratha War set the tone for the upcoming tense relations between the Anglo-Maratha relations that were later decisive in the future of India.

After the death of Madhavrao in 1772, his brother Narayanrao succeeded him as the fifth Peshwa .
However, Narayanrao’s uncle, Raghunathrao , had his nephew assassinated and named himself the next Peshwa, although he was not a legal heir.
Narayanrao’s widow, Gangabai , gave birth to a son after her husband’s death.
The newborn infant was named ‘Sawai’ Madhavrao, and he was legally the next Peshwa.
T welve Maratha chiefs (Barabhai) , led by Nana Phadnavis , tried to name the infant as the new Peshwa and rule for him as regents.
Raghunathrao, unwilling to give up his position in power, sought help from the English at Bombay and signed the Treaty of Surat in 1775 .
Under the treaty, Raghunathrao ceded the territories of Salsette and Bassein to the English, along with a portion of the revenues from the Surat and Bharuch districts.
In return, the English were to provide Raghunathrao with 2,500 soldiers.
The British Calcutta Council condemned the Treaty of Surat (1775) and sent Colonel Upton to Pune to annul it and make a new treaty ( Treaty of Purandar, 1776 ) with the regency renouncing Raghunath and promising him a pension.
The Bombay government rejected this and gave refuge to Raghunath.
In 1777, Nana Phadnavis violated his treaty with the Calcutta Council by granting the French a port on the west coast.
The English retaliated by sending a force towards Pune.
The English and the Maratha armies met on the outskirts of Pune.
Though the Maratha army had more soldiers than the English, the latter had superior ammunition and cannons.
However, the Maratha army was commanded by a brilliant general named Mahadji Sindhia (also known as Mahadji Shinde).
Mahadji lured the English army into the ghats (mountain passes) near Talegaon and trapped the English from all sides, and attacked the English supply base at Khopali .
The Marathas also utilised a scorched earth policy , burning farmland and poisoning wells.
As the English began to withdraw to Talegaon, the Marathas attacked, forcing them to retreat to the village of Wadgaon.
Here, the English army was surrounded by the Marathas and cut off from food and water supplies.
The English surrendered by mid-January 1779 and signed the Treaty of Wadgaon that forced the Bombay government to relinquish all territories acquired by the English since 1775.
Warren Hastings , the Governor-General in Bengal, rejected the Treaty of Wadgaon and sent a large force of soldiers under Colonel Goddard, who captured Ahmedabad in February 1779, and Bassein in December 1780.
Another Bengal detachment led by Captain Popham captured Gwalior in August 1780. In February 1781, the English, under General Camac , finally defeated Sindhia at Sipri.
Sindhia proposed a new treaty between the Peshwa and the English, and the Treaty of Salbai was signed in May 1782. It was ratified by Hastings in June 1782 and by Phadnavis in February 1783.
Salsette should continue in possession of the English.
The whole of the territory conquered since the Treaty of Purandar (1776) , including Bassein, should be restored to the Marathas.
In Gujarat, Fateh Singh Gaekwad should remain in possession of the territory which he had before the war and should serve the Peshwa as before.
The English should not offer any further support to Raghunathrao , and the Peshwa should grant him a maintenance allowance.
The English should enjoy the privileges of trade as before.
The Peshwa should not support any other European nation .
The Peshwa and the English should undertake that their several allies should remain at peace with one another.
Mahadji Sindhia should be the mutual guarantor for the proper observance of the terms of the treaty.

Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-05)

The second Anglo-Maratha War is also an important milestone in Anglo-Maratha relations.

The Second Anglo-Maratha War started in circumstances similar to those of the First.
After Peshwa Madhavrao Narayan committed suicide in 1795, Bajirao II , the worthless son of Raghunathrao, became the Peshwa.
Nana Phadnavis , a bitter foe of Bajirao II, became the chief minister.
The disagreements among the Marathas provided the English with an opportunity to intervene in Maratha affairs.
The death of Nana Phadnavis in 1800 gave the British an added advantage.
On April 1, 1801, the Peshwa brutally murdered the brother of Jaswantrao Holkar, Vithuji. Jaswant arrayed his forces against the combined armies of Sindhia and Bajirao II.
The turmoil continued, and on October 25, 1802, Jaswant defeated the armies of the Peshwa and Sindhia decisively at Hadapsar near Poona and placed Vinayakrao, son of Amritrao, on the Peshwa’s seat.
A terrified Bajirao II fled to Bassein, where, on December 31, 1802, he signed a treaty with the English.
To receive from the Company a native infantry with the usual proportion of field artillery and European artillerymen attached to be permanently stationed in his territories.
To cede to the Company territories yielding an income of Rs 26 lakh.
To surrender the city of Surat .
To give up all claims for Chauth on Nizam’s dominions.
To accept the Company’s arbitration in all differences between him and the Nizam or the Gaekwad.
Not to keep in his employment Europeans of any nation at war with the English.
To subject his relations with other states to the control of the English.
After the Peshwa accepted the subsidiary alliance, Sindhia and Bhonsle attempted to save Maratha's independence.
But the well-prepared and organised army of the English under Arthur Wellesley defeated the combined armies of Sindhia and Bhonsle. It forced them to conclude separate subsidiary treaties with the English.
In 1804, Jaswant Rao Holkar made an attempt to form a coalition of Indian rulers to fight against the English. But his attempt proved unsuccessful.
The Marathas were defeated, reduced to British vassalage, and isolated from one another .
Admittedly, the treaty was signed by a Peshwa who lacked political authority , but the gains made by the English were immense.
The provision of keeping English troops permanently in Maratha territory was of great strategic benefit .
The addition of Poona to the list meant that the Company’s troops were now more evenly spread and could be rushed to any place without much delay in times of need.
Though the Treaty of Bassein did not hand over India to the Company on a platter, it was a major development in that direction; the Company was now well-placed to expand its areas of influence.
In the circumstances, the observation that the treaty 'gave the English the key to India' may be exaggerated but appears understandable.

Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-19)

The third Anglo-Maratha war was the last and decisive War in Anglo-Maratha relations.

Lord Hastings had the imperialistic design of imposing British paramountcy.
By the Charter Act of 1813 , the East India Company’s monopoly of trade in China (except tea) ended, and hence the company needed more markets.
The Pindaris, made up of many castes and classes, were attached to Maratha armies as mercenaries. When the Marathas became weak, the Pindaris could not get regular employment.
As a consequence, they started plundering neighbouring territories , including those of the Company. The English charged the Marathas with giving shelter to the Pindaris.
Pindari leaders like Amir Khan and Karim Khan surrendered while Chitu Khan fled into the jungles.
The Treaty of Bassein, described as a treaty with a cipher (the Peshwa), wounded the feelings of the other Maratha leaders.
Lord Hastings’ actions taken against the Pindaris were seen as a transgression of the sovereignty of the Marathas; they served to unite the Maratha Confederacy once again.
A repentant Bajirao II made a last bid in 1817 by rallying together the Maratha chiefs against the English in the course of the Third Anglo-Maratha War .
The Peshwa attacked the British Residency at Poona. Appa Sahib of Nagpur attacked the residency at Nagpur, and the Holkar made preparations for war.
But by then, the Marathas had lost almost all those elements which are needed for the growth of power. The political and administrative conditions of all the Maratha states were confused and inefficient .
The Bhonsle at Nagpur and the Sindhia at Gwalior had also become weak. So the English, striking back vigorously, succeeded in not allowing the Peshwa to exert his authority again on the Maratha confederacy.
The Peshwa was defeated at Khirki , Bhonsle at Sitabuldi , and Holkar at Mahidpur .
June 1817, Treaty of Poona , with the Peshwa.
November 1817, Treaty of Gwalior , with Sindhia.
January 1818, Treaty of Mandasor , with Holkar.
In June 1818, the Peshwa finally surrendered , and the Maratha Confederacy was dissolved. The Peshwaship was abolished .
Peshwa Bajirao became a British retaine r at Bithur near Kanpur.
Pratap Singh , a lineal descendant of Shivaji, was made ruler of a small principality, Satara , formed out of the Peshwa’s dominions.

Anglo Maratha War FAQs

Q1. How many Anglo-Maratha Wars were fought?

Ans. Three Anglo-Maratha Wars were fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire.

Q2. Who won the First Anglo-Maratha War?

Ans. The First Anglo-Maratha War, fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire, ended in a stalemate with no clear winner.

Q3. What was the result of the First Anglo-Maratha War?

Ans. The war concluded with the Treaty of Salbai in 1782, which resulted in a restoration of territories and a mutual agreement between the two parties to maintain peace with each other.

Q4. Which treaty ended the First Anglo-Maratha War?

Ans. The First Anglo-Maratha War was ended by the Treaty of Salbai in 1782. The treaty was signed between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire, marking the conclusion of the war and establishing certain terms and agreements between the two parties.

Anglo-Maratha Wars

The first, second, and third Anglo-Maratha wars were fought between the army of the British East India Company , which after 1757 was de facto ruler of Bengal and of other provinces in North East India , and the Maratha Empire, or confederacy, in the south of India. The Moghul Empire was already effectively under British control but its power had never extended far into the South, where the French —defeated in the North at the Battle of Plassey (1757)—still vied with the British for dominance. The wars started in 1777 and ended with British victory in 1818. This left the British in control, directly or indirectly via treaties with Princely states, of a vast proportion of India, making India the jewel in the crown of the British Empire . Typically, the British divided and ruled by benefiting from conflict between different Indian rulers, such as that between the ruler of Indore, and the Maratha overlord, or Peshwa and by neutralizing others. What had started as a commercial enterprise was now a full-blown imperial project. Making a profit for the mother-land was still the bottom line but the concept of the British race as destined to rule others, for their eventual benefit, was now rapidly developing. As Rudyard Kipling , the India-born novelist and poet of Empire would put later it, it was ‘the white man’s burden’ to shed light into dark places to ‘seek another’s profit and work another’s gain.’ [1] though the more cynical Mary Henrietta Kingley, the African explorer, described empire as the ‘blackman’s burden’ for its often wonton destruction of other cultures.

1 First Anglo-Maratha War
2 Background
3 Battle of Wadgaon
4 British Response
5 Treaty of Salbai
6 Second Anglo-Maratha War
7 Background
9 Third Anglo-Maratha War
11 References
12 External links

India’s cultures were never quite as despised as those of Africa but they were regarded as decadent and immoral, and thus in need of correction. If at the start of the Maratha wars men such as Warren Hastings ( Governor-General 1773-1785) valued Indian culture and thought more of partnership than domination, at the end of the Maratha wars, India was ready to be possessed, mapped, defined and ‘owned’ in its entirety in true, full bodied Orientalist style. [2] This feeling of ownership was further consolidated after the failure of the 1857 First War of Indian Independence or Mutiny when governmental responsibility was transferred to Westminster, and was finally sealed (May 1, 1876) when Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India.

First Anglo-Maratha War

The First Anglo-Maratha War was the first of three Anglo-Maratha wars fought between the Great Britain and Maratha Empire in India . The war began with the Treaty of Surat and ended with the Treaty of Salbai.

After the death of Madhavrao Peshwa in 1772, his brother Narayanrao Peshwa ascended the position of Peshwa of the Maratha Empire . However, Raghunathrao, Narayanrao’s uncle, had his nephew assassinated in a palace conspiracy that placed Raghunathrao as the next Peshwa, although he was not a legal heir. However, the late Narayanrao’s widow, Gangabai, gave birth to a son after her husband’s death. The newborn infant was named ‘Sawai’ (“One and a Quarter”) Madhavrao and legally was the next Peshwa. Twelve Maratha chiefs, led by Nana Phadnis directed an effort to name the infant as the new Peshwa and rule under him as regents. Raghunathrao, unwilling to give up his position of power, sought help from the British at Bombay and signed the Treaty of Surat on March 7, 1777. According to the treaty, Raghunathrao ceded the territories of Salsette and Bassein to the British along with parts of revenues from Surat and Bharuch districts. In return, the British were to provide Raghunathrao with 2,500 soldiers. The British Calcutta Council, on the other side of India, condemned the Treaty of Surat and sent Colonel Upton to Pune to annul it. The Colonel was also sent to make a new treaty with the regency that renounced Raghunath and promised him a pension. The Bombay government rejected this and gave refuge to Raghunath. In 1777 Nana Phadnis violated his treaty with the Calcutta Council by granting the French a port on the west coast. The British replied by sending a force towards Pune.

Battle of Wadgaon

The British and the Maratha armies met on the outskirts of Pune. The Maratha army reportedly numbered 80,000 soldiers while the British consisted of 35,000 with highly superior ammunition and cannons. However, the Maratha army was commanded by a brilliant General named Mahadji Shinde (also known as Mahadji Sindia). Mahadji lured the British army into the ghats (valleys) near Talegaon and trapped the British. Once trapped, the Maratha cavalry harassed the enemy from all sides and attacked the British supply base at Khopoli. The Marathas also utilized a scorched earth policy, burning farmland and poisoning wells. As the British began to withdraw to Talegaon, the Marathas attacked, forcing them to retreat to the village of Wadgaon. Here, the British army was surrounded from all sides by the Marathas and cut off from food and water. The British finally surrendered by mid-January 1779 and signed the Treaty of Wadgaon that forced the Bombay government to relinquish all territories acquired by the British since 1775.

British Response

The British Governor-General in Bengal, Warren Hastings , rejected this treaty and sent a large force of soldiers across India under Colonel Goddard. Goddard captured Ahmedabad in February 1779, and Bassein in December 1780. Another Bengal detachment led by Captain Popham captured Gwalior in August 1780. Hastings sent yet another force after Mahadji Shinde. In February 1781, led by General Camac, the British finally defeated Shinde at Sipri.

Treaty of Salbai

After the defeat, Shinde proposed a new treaty between the Peshwa and the British that would recognize the young Madhavrao as the Peshwa and grant Raghunathrao a pension . This treaty, known as the Treaty of Salbai, was signed in May 1782, and was ratified by Hastings in June 1782 and by Phadnis in February 1783. The treaty also returned to Shinde all his territories west of the Yamuna. It also guaranteed peace between the two sides for twenty years, thus ending the war .

Second Anglo-Maratha War

The Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803 - 1805) was the second conflict between the United Kingdom and the Maratha Empire in India .

The overweening ambition of Raghunath Rao, Peshwa Baji Rao II's father, and the latter's own incompetence since coming into his inheritance, had long occasioned much internecine intrigue within the Maratha confederacy; Peshwa Baji Rao II no longer commanded the deference his predecessors had.

In October 1802, Peshwa Baji Rao II was defeated by one of his own nominal subordinates, the Holkar ruler of Indore, at the battle of Poona.

Baji Rao II fled to British protection, and in December the same year concluded the Treaty of Bassein with the British East India Company , ceding territory for the maintenance of a subsidiary force and agreeing to not to enter treaties with any other power.

At the Battle of Assaye (the fictional venue of Richard Sharpe's triumph [3] ) on September 23, 1803—the British led by the future 1st Duke of Wellington in what was his first major military success defeated the Maratha rebels on behalf of Baji Rao, whom they restored to power in terms of the Treaty of Bassein.

This act of craven expediency on the part of the Peshwa, their nominal overlord, horrified and disgusted the Maratha chieftains, who wanted least of all to see an extension of British power; in particular, the Sindhia rulers of Gwalior and the Bhonsle rulers of Nagpur and Berar contested the agreement. They were defeated, respectively, at Laswari and Delhi by Lord Lake and at Assaye and Argaon by Sir Arthur Wellesley. The Holkar rulers of Indore belatedly joined the fray and were also defeated by the British .

Peace was concluded in 1805, with the British acquiring Orissa and parts of western Gujarat and Bundelkhand from the Marathas, who were left with a free hand in much of central India. The Scindia Maharajas retained control and overlordship over much of Rajasthan.

Third Anglo-Maratha War

The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817 - 1818) was a final and decisive conflict between the British and the Maratha Empire in India , which left the U.K. in control of most of India.

It began with an invasion of Maratha territory by the British governor-general, Lord Hastings, in the course of operations against Pindari robber bands. The Peshwa of Pune's forces, followed by those of the Bhonsle of Nagpur and Holkar of Indore, rose against the British, but British diplomacy convinced the Sindhia of Gwalior to remain neutral, although he lost control of Rajasthan. British victory was swift, and resulted in the breakup of the Maratha empire and the loss of Maratha independence to the British. The Peshwa was pensioned off, and most of his territory was annexed to Bombay Presidency, although the Maharaja of Satara was restored as ruler of a princely state until its annexation to Bombay state in 1848. The northern portion of the Nagpur Bhonsle dominions, together with the Peshwa's territories in Bundelkhand, were annexed to British India as the Saugor and Nerbudda Territories. The Maratha kingdoms of Indore, Gwalior, Nagpur, and Jhansi became princely states, acknowledging British control.

The Third Anglo-Maratha War left the British in control of virtually all of present-day India south of the Sutlej River.

↑ Rudyard, Kipling, “Take up The White Man’s Burden” (Modern History Sourcebook, Fordham University, 1899) Take up the White Man’s burden Or, as Arthur James Balfour (Lord Balfour) put it, ‘it is our business to govern, with or without gratitude’, cited by Said, 1978, 33.
↑ As defined by Said, 1978, Orientalism is a ‘corporate institution for dealing with the Orient—dealing with it by making statements about it, authorizing views of it, describing it, by teaching it, settling it, ruling over it’ (3) with little interest in what its people say about it or about themselves. In contrast to his successors, Hastings valued Indian culture and institutions, commissioned a translation of the Bhagavad Gita and thought that Indians should be ruled by their own, not by British, law. See Said, 78.

References ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

Athale, Anil A. Struggle for Empire Anglo-Maratha Wars 1679-1818 . New Delhi: Reliance, 2001. ISBN 9788175101203
Cornwell, Bernard. Sharpe's Triumph Richard Sharpe and the Battle of Assaye , September 1803. New York: HarperCollins Pub, 1998. ISBN 9780061012709
Rogers, Franklin R. When the Fight Was Done A Novel of the Maratha Wars . New Delhi: Penguin Books, 2002. ISBN 9780143028802
Said, Edward. Orientalism . NY: Pantheon, 1978. ISBN 9780394428147
Thapar, Romila, and Thomas George Percival Spear. A History of India . Baltimore: Penguin Books, 1965; 1990. ISBN 9780140138351

External links

All links retrieved July 27, 2023.

Athale, Anil. Anil Athale of Joffe’s Invaders
Beck, Sanderson. Marathas and the English Company 1701-1818
Indian History – British Period

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards . This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

First_Anglo-Maratha_War history
Second_Anglo-Maratha_War history
Third_Anglo-Maratha_War history

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia :

History of "Anglo-Maratha Wars"

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

Pages using ISBN magic links

Celebrate Independence Day with PW Upto 60% Off on UPSC Online Courses

UPSC Online
UPSC offline and Hybrid
UPSC Optional Coaching
UPPCS Online
BPSC Online
MPSC Online
MPPSC Online
WBPSC Online
OPSC Online
UPPCS Offline Coaching
BPSC Offline Coaching
UPSC Test Series
State PSC Test Series
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
SUBJECT WISE CURRENT AFFAIRS
DAILY EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ
Daily Prelims(MCQs) Practice
Daily Mains Answer Writing
Free Resources

Offline Centres
NCERT Notes
UDAAN Notes
UPSC Syllabus
UPSC Prelims PYQs
UPSC Mains PYQs

The Anglo-Maratha Struggle for Supremacy: Rise & Fall of Maratha Empire

Introduction

The Anglo-Maratha Struggle for Supremacy refers to a series of conflicts between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in the 18th and early 19th centuries . These struggles were characterized by territorial disputes, battles for dominance, and shifting alliances between the British and various Maratha factions. The outcome of these conflicts had significant implications for the balance of power in India and the eventual establishment of British colonial rule over the Indian subcontinent.

The Prominent Maratha families

Gaekwads of Baroda
Bhonsle of Nagpur
Holkars of Indore
Sindhias of Gwalior
Peshwa of Poona
Eventually, the Marathas lost in the third Battle of Panipat (1761) . This was accompanied by the death of a young Peshwa, Madhavrao I, in 1772, which weakened the control of Peshwas.
The Maratha confederacies were not as united as earlier, and the English used these divisions to further their goals in new regions such as Bombay.

First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-82)

Twelve Maratha Chiefs: Disagreements regarding succession within the Maratha leadership resulted in the Twelve Maratha chiefs, headed by Nana Phadnavis, endorsing the infant ‘Sawai’ Madhavrao over Raghunath Rao.
However, the British Calcutta Council disagreed and signed the Treaty of Purandhar, 1776, with the regency renouncing Raghunath Rao and giving him a pension.
The English surrendered and signed the Treaty of Wadgaon, giving back all territories to the Marathas.
Salsette was to remain under the possession of the English, whereas all territory conquered since the Treaty of Purandhar was to be restored to the Marathas.
Raghunathrao should only receive a maintenance allowance from the Peshwa and no more support from the English.
The Peshwa should not support any other European nation, and both, the Marathas and the English should undertake that their allies should remain at peace with one another

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Second anglo-maratha war (1803-05).

The British gained an additional advantage in 1800 with the death of Nana Phadnavis.
The Peshwa received from the Company a native infantry of over 6000 troops.
The Peshwa surrendered the city of Surat as well as ceded extra territories.
Yet, they were both defeated by the English under Arthur Wellesley and the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon (1803) and the Treaty of Devgaon (1803) were signed respectively.
Also, the defeat of the Holkars led to the signing of the Treaty of Rajpurghat (1806)

Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-19)

Causes behind the War
Lord Hastings intended to impose British paramountcy.
With the exception of tea, the East India Company’s monopoly on trade in China was terminated by the Charter Act of 1813, so the business required access to new markets.
The Pindaris raided territories of the Company for plunder. This led to friction as they accused the Marathas of supporting the Pindaris.
The other Maratha leaders were hurt by the Treaty of Bassein , which was referred to as “a treaty with a Cipher (the Peshwa)” .
They interpreted the treaty as their total capitulation to independence.
However, the Marathas had considerably weakened now due to poor administration in Maratha states.
The T reaty of Poona (1817) was signed with Peshwa , and similar treaties were signed with Scindia (Treaty of Gwalior, 1817) and Holkar (Treaty of Mandsaur, 1818).
Eventually, in 1818 , the Maratha confederacy was dissolved and the Peshwaship was abolished. Now, Pratap Singh , a descendant of Shivaji was made ruler of Satara .

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

The Anglo-Maratha Struggle for Supremacy marked a significant period of conflict and upheaval in Indian history.
The Marathas, once a formidable power, faced internal divisions and external pressures from the British, ultimately leading to the dissolution of Maratha rule.
The outcome of this struggle reshaped the political landscape of India , paving the way for British dominance and the eventual establishment of colonial rule.

UPDATED :

Recommended For You

INA Trials: Overview & Three Upsurges

The cabinet mission, change in government attitude post-war ..., all about subhas chandra bose and ina, rajagopalachari formula, desai-liaquat pact and wavell plan, quit india movement: overview, underground resistance &..., second world war and nationalistic response, latest comments.

THE MOST LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

Our Courses

Our initiatives, beginner’s roadmap, quick links.

PW-Only IAS came together specifically to carry their individual visions in a mission mode. Infusing affordability with quality and building a team where maximum members represent their experiences of Mains and Interview Stage and hence, their reliability to better understand and solve student issues.

Subscribe our Newsletter

Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.

Contact Details

G-Floor,4-B Pusha Road, New Delhi, 110060

+91 9920613613
[email protected]

Download Our App

Biginner's roadmap, suscribe now form, fill the required details to get early access of quality content..

Join Us Now

(Promise! We Will Not Spam You.)

CURRENT AF.

Select centre Online Mode Hybrid Mode PWonlyIAS Delhi (ORN) PWonlyIAS Delhi (MN) PWonlyIAS Lucknow PWonlyIAS Patna Other

Select course UPSC Online PSC ONline UPSC + PSC ONLINE UPSC Offline PSC Offline UPSC+PSC Offline UPSC Hybrid PSC Hybrid UPSC+PSC Hybrid Other

</div>

The Second Anglo-Maratha War: An Overview

This article provides an overview on the second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805).

The Marathas had lost almost all their top-ranking leaders by the time Wellesley came to India as Governor-General. Mahadji Scindia, Ahalyabai, Nana Fadnavis had been dead.

This removal of the leading personalities led to a selfish struggle among the Marathas. Peshwa Baji Rao II, Daulat Rao Scindia, Yaswant Rao Holkar, etc. entered into a mutual struggle.

Baji Rao, supported by Daulat Rao, nought to ward off Yaswant Rao’s invasion of Poona, but was sig- rally defeated. Baji Rao fled to the English camp and signed a subsidiary alliance with them. This alliance is known as the treaty of Bassein (1802).

ADVERTISEMENTS:

According to the provisions of this treaty a subsidiary force of not less than 6,000 regular infantry, with the usual proportion of field-artillery and European artillery men was to be static tied within Peshwa’s territory in perpetuity and for its maintenance territories yielding annual revenue of twenty-six lacs were handed over to the English by the Peshwa. The Peshwa also pledged not to enter into any communication or entertain any European power hostile to the English. In this way the Peshwa sold his independence for his protection.

The treaty of Bassein, in the words of Dean Hutton “a step which changed the footing in which we (the English) stood in Western India. It trebled the English responsibilities in an instant” . It was, no doubt, a landmark in the history of the English supremacy in India and brought the English Company in a definite, superior relation with the formal head of the Maratha Confederacy.

There has been a tendency among some of the British writers to over-estimate the importance of the treaty of Bassein. Owen holds that “the Treaty by its direct and indirect operations gave the Company the Empire of India”. But it may be pointed out that in 1803 the British suzerainty over India was not a foregone conclusion and much had to be achieved before such position was attained by the British. Lord Castlereagh, the President of the Board of Control, in a paper entitled Observation on the treaty of Bassein criticized the treaty by saying that it appeared “hopeless to govern the Maratha Empire through a feeble and perhaps disaffected Peshwa”.

The article of the treaty which provided for the Peshwa’s acceptance of the British arbitrations in his disputes with other powers was according to Castlereagh fraught with the danger of involving the English “in the endless and complicated distractions of the turbulent. (Maratha) Empire”. Wellesley’s optimism that there was no reason to justify apprehension of hostility with the Maratha chiefs was belied, for, war with the Marathas was not long in coming. Wellesley, however, hoped that if was would actually break out the treaty of Bassein would be of much help to meet the Marathas. Arthur Wellesley; brother of Lord Wellesley, called the treaty of Bassein “a treaty with a cipher (the Peshwa)” .

Baji Rao II was replaced as Peshwa by the British, but the way in which Baji Rao got himself reinstated as Peshwa made him a 6tooge of the British and the prestige of the Maratha confederacy, particularly of Peshwaship was lost.

The abject surrender of Baji Rao to the British which meant surrender of national independence of the Marathas was regarded as a great insult by the other Maratha chiefs who sank their mutual jealousies and for a time made a combined effort to retrieve the position.

The Peshwa, Baji Rao II, soon became repentant for what he had done and secretly encouraged the Maratha combination against the British. Daulat Rao Scindia, Raghuji Bhonsle combined their forces and tried to enlist Jaswant Rao Holkar’s support. But even in the face of such national peril, Holkar kept himself out of the combination. Gaikwar also remained neutral.

The Scindia and Bhonsle mobilized their troops. The total strength of the combined forces was 250,000 men besides 40,000 troops trained by the Frenchmen. The British troops numbered £5,000. Hostilities began in August, 1803.

The British troops were under Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, and General Lake. Arthur Wellesley occupied Ahmednagar in the Deccan and in the battle of Assaye he signally defeated the combined force of the Scindia and Bhonsle. The battle of Assaye (Sept. 23, 1803) has been described as a triumph more splendid than any recorded in Deccan history by Grant Duff. Scindia’s European officers deserted him. In the battle of Delhi Scindia was completely routed and both Delhi and Agra were captured by General Lake. At Laswari in Alwar State Scindia sustained defeat at the hands of General Lake.

In the meantime Bhonsle’s army was also defeated in the battle of Argaon and he was compelled to sign the treaty of Deogaon (Dec. 18,1803) with the English. By this treaty Bhonsle ceded the Province of Cuttack including Balasore and all his territory west of the river Warda. A British Resident was posted at Nagpur. Scindia after his defeat at Laswari signed the treaty of Surji Arjangao (Dec. 30, 1803) surrendered all his territories between the Ganges and the Jumna and his forts and territories north of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Gohad. Ahmandnagar, Broach and all territories west of the Ajanta hills were also surrendered. It was also stipulated that Scindia would not exercise any influence over the Mughal Emperor. A British Resident was placed in Scindia’s court. By a separate treaty on February 27, 1804, Scindia signed a subsidiary alliance with the English.

The success of the English in the Second Anglo-Maratha War secured them numerous important advantages. In fact, even Wellesley did not anticipate so quick and complete success. By this war while the Maratha power was broken and disjointed, it gave a great extension to the British Empire in India. The new acquisition of territories linked up the British possessions of Bengal and Madras.

As a result of this war, the titular Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II was brought under the English protection. Extension of territories up-to the borders of Jaipur, Jodhpur etc.. offered opportunities to the English to enter into friendly alliance with Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bundi, Macheri, and the Jat Kingdom of Bharatpur.

The French trained battalions of the Marathas were disbanded and the Nizam and the Peshwa who became more apprehensive of the British, hence fell more under their influence.

According to Munro, as a result of the Second Anglo-Maratha War, the British became the “complete masters of India, and nothing can shake our power, if we take proper measure to confirm it”. Wellesley felt that the treaties entered into after the Second Anglo-Maratha War afforded the “only possible security for the permanent tranquillity and prosperity of these valuable and important possessions” .

But the too narrow and exacting interpretation of the treaties that were at the close of the Second Anglo-Maratha War did not really make the British possessions secure. At least despatches of Lord Castlereagh did not subscribe to Lord Wellesley’s view. Arthur Wellesley, brother of Lord Wellesley, observed very rightly that “Our enemies are much disgusted and complain loudly of our conduct and want of faith; and in truth I consider the peace to be no means secure”.

Maratha Movement: The History of the Maratha Movement
Study Notes on the Anglo-Mysore Wars
The First 3 Peshwas of the Maratha Empire
Rise and Fall of the Maratha Power | Indian History

Anglo Maratha War, Timeline, Course, Consequence

Anglo Maratha War: The Anglo-Maratha War was a series of conflicts fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Table of Contents

Anglo Maratha War

The Anglo Maratha War was a series of conflicts between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These wars occurred in multiple stages and ultimately led to the defeat of the Maratha Empire and its subsequent annexation by the British.

The Maratha Empire, established by the renowned warrior king Shivaji Maharaj, was one of the largest and most powerful empires in 18th-century India. It encompassed a significant portion of western and central India and was renowned for its warrior culture and skilled cavalry, which provided them with an advantage on the battlefield.

Mughal Empire

First Anglo Maratha War

The First Anglo-Maratha War was fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in India during the 18th century. The war lasted from 1775 to 1782 and was one of the significant events that led to the British colonization of India.

First Anglo Maratha War: Background

The Maratha Empire, which was established by Shivaji in the 17th century, was one of the largest empires in India. The Maratha armies had defeated the Mughals and other regional powers and had established their control over most parts of India. The Marathas were known for their military prowess and their ability to wage guerrilla warfare, which made them a formidable force to reckon with.

Maharana Pratap Biography

First Anglo Maratha War: Causes of the War

The British East India Company established its trading posts in India during the early 17th century. The British had gained a foothold in India by making alliances with regional powers and by using their superior military technology to defeat their enemies. By the mid-18th century, the British had established their control over most parts of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

First Anglo Maratha War Course of the war

The conflict between the British and the Marathas started when the British East India Company decided to interfere in the internal affairs of the Maratha Empire. The British had made an alliance with the Raja of Nagpur, who was a vassal of the Maratha Empire. The Raja of Nagpur had rebelled against the Maratha Emperor, and the British had promised to support him.

The Marathas, who considered the Raja of Nagpur as their vassal, saw the British interference as a direct challenge to their authority. The Maratha Empire had a policy of non-interference in the affairs of their vassals, and the British East India Company’s actions were seen as a violation of this policy.

The Maratha armies, led by their most capable generals, launched an attack on the British forces. The Marathas were initially successful in their campaign, and they were able to capture several British forts and trading posts. The British forces, which were poorly equipped and understaffed, were unable to withstand the Maratha attacks.

However, the British were able to turn the tide of the war by making alliances with other regional powers. The British were able to make an alliance with the Nizam of Hyderabad, who was the Maratha’s traditional enemy. The British were also able to gain the support of the Sikh Empire, which was emerging as a regional power during that period.

First Anglo Maratha War: Consequences of the war

The Marathas, who were facing a united front, were unable to continue their campaign. The British forces, which were now better equipped and had received reinforcements from England, were able to launch a counter-attack. The British forces were able to recapture most of the forts and trading posts that they had lost during the initial phase of the war.

The war ended in 1782, with the signing of the Treaty of Salbai. The Marathas were forced to cede several territories to the British, and the British were recognized as the dominant power in India. The war marked the beginning of the British colonization of India, which would continue for the next two centuries.

End of First Anglo Maratha War: Treaty of Salbai

The Treaty of Salbai was signed on May 17, 1782, between the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company. It marked the end of the First Anglo-Maratha War, which had started in 1775.

The Maratha Empire was a powerful Hindu empire that dominated most of India during the 18th century.
The British East India Company, on the other hand, was a trading company that had established a strong presence in India, primarily in Bengal, Madras, and Bombay.
The First Anglo-Maratha War had started because of territorial disputes between the two powers.
The Marathas had expanded their territories into what the British considered their sphere of influence, and the British had responded by sending troops to counter the Maratha advances.
The war had been fought on several fronts, with both sides winning and losing battles.
By 1782, both sides were eager to end the war. The Marathas were facing financial difficulties, while the British were occupied with other conflicts, notably the American War of Independence.
The two sides met in Salbai, near the city of Pune, to negotiate a peace treaty.
The Treaty of Salbai was a significant achievement for the British. They were able to secure their territories in western India, including Bombay and Salsette.
They were also able to secure trading rights in Maratha territories, which gave them access to valuable resources such as cotton and opium.
In return, the British agreed to pay an annual tribute to the Maratha Empire, which was a sign of respect and recognition of the Marathas’ power.
They also agreed to provide military assistance to the Marathas if they were ever attacked by a foreign power.
The Treaty of Salbai was a turning point in the relationship between the Marathas and the British. It established a sense of mutual respect and recognition, which would shape their relationship over the coming decades.
The treaty also had wider implications for India as a whole. It marked the beginning of the end of Maratha dominance in India.
The Marathas had been weakened by the war and would go on to face further defeats at the hands of the British in subsequent conflicts.
The British, on the other hand, had secured their position in western India, which would pave the way for their eventual domination of the entire subcontinent.

The First Anglo-Maratha War was a significant event in the history of India. The war was fought between two powerful empires, and it led to the emergence of the British as the dominant power in India. The war also demonstrated the superior military technology of the British and their ability to make alliances with other regional powers. The war was the first step in the British colonization of India, which would have a profound impact on the history of the subcontinent.

Second Anglo Maratha War

The Second Anglo-Maratha War was fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India. The war lasted from 1803 to 1805 and was a significant turning point in the history of India.

Second Anglo Maratha War: Background

The Maratha Empire was a powerful Hindu empire that controlled most of the Indian subcontinent in the 18th century. The British East India Company, on the other hand, had established its foothold in India by the early 1700s, primarily through trade. The British were gradually expanding their influence and control over various regions of India, which threatened the Marathas.

The Marathas had suffered a major defeat in the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782) and had lost most of their territories in the north. However, under the leadership of Peshwa Baji Rao II, the Marathas were able to regroup and regain much of their lost power by the early 1800s. Meanwhile, the British had consolidated their position in India and were looking to expand further.

Second Anglo Maratha War: Causes of the War

The main cause of the Second Anglo-Maratha War was the British desire to expand their territory and control over India. The British also wanted to end the Maratha threat to their power and influence in India. Another major cause was the rivalry and conflicts between the Maratha chiefs and the Peshwa, which weakened the Maratha Empire and made it vulnerable to British aggression.

Second Anglo Maratha War: Course of the war

The war began in 1803 when the British launched an attack on the Marathas. The British forces, led by Sir Arthur Wellesley (later known as the Duke of Wellington), were well-equipped with modern weapons and tactics, which gave them a significant advantage over the Marathas. The Marathas, on the other hand, relied on traditional warfare and were no match for the British forces.

The British were able to defeat the Marathas in several battles, including the Battle of Assaye and the Battle of Aragon. The Maratha forces were also weakened by the internal conflicts and rivalries among the Maratha chiefs. The Peshwa Baji Rao II was eventually forced to surrender to the British in 1804, effectively ending the war.

Second Anglo Maratha War: Consequences of the War

The Second Anglo-Maratha War had far-reaching consequences for India.
The Maratha Empire, which had once been one of the most powerful empires in India, was weakened and lost much of its territories to the British.
The war also paved the way for British domination and control over India, which lasted for almost a century.
The war also had significant political consequences.
The Peshwa Baji Rao II was exiled to Bithur, where he later became a mentor to the young Indian nationalist leader, Nana Sahib.
The war also contributed to the rise of the Indian independence movement, which aimed to end British rule in India.

In conclusion, the Second Anglo-Maratha War was a significant event in the history of India. It marked the beginning of British dominance and control over India and the weakening of the Maratha Empire. The war also had significant political consequences, including the rise of the Indian independence movement.

Third Anglo Maratha War

The Third Anglo-Maratha War was a military conflict that took place in India between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire, which was one of the most powerful Hindu states in the Indian subcontinent during the early 19th century. The war began in 1817 and ended in 1818 with the complete defeat of the Marathas and the annexation of their territories by the British.

Third Anglo Maratha War: Background

The origins of the conflict can be traced back to the decline of the Maratha Empire, which had been weakened by a series of internal conflicts and external invasions. The British, who had already established their control over most of India, saw an opportunity to expand their territory and influence by taking advantage of the Maratha’s weakness.

Third Anglo Maratha War: Causes of the War

The British, under the command of General Sir Thomas Hislop, launched a series of attacks on the Maratha forces, which were initially successful. The Marathas, who were under the command of Peshwa Baji Rao II, were unable to resist the British assault and were forced to retreat. However, the Marathas soon regrouped and launched a counterattack, which resulted in a series of battles that lasted for several months.

Third Anglo Maratha War: Course of the war

The decisive battle of the war took place at Koregaon, where a small British force led by Captain Staunton, consisting of 800 soldiers, faced a Maratha army of 20,000 soldiers. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the British forces were able to repel the Maratha assault and secure a strategic victory. The battle of Koregaon is still celebrated as a symbol of resistance against oppression and caste-based discrimination in India.

The Marathas continued to resist the British advance but were gradually pushed back and forced to surrender. The Peshwa, who had initially sought British support against his rivals, was captured and exiled to Bithur, where he lived in exile until his death.

The aftermath of the war saw the complete annexation of the Maratha territories by the British. The Maratha Empire, which had once been one of the most powerful states in India, was reduced to a minor principality. The British also abolished the Peshwa system and established a new administration in the region.

Third Anglo Maratha War: Consequences of the War

The Third Anglo-Maratha War was significant in that it marked the end of the Maratha Empire and the consolidation of British control over India. The war also had a profound impact on the social, political, and economic landscape of India. It paved the way for the establishment of British colonialism in India, which lasted until India’s independence in 1947.

In conclusion, the Third Anglo-Maratha War was a significant event in the history of India. It marked the end of the Maratha Empire and the consolidation of British control over India. The war had far-reaching consequences for the social, political, and economic landscape of India, and its impact can still be felt today.

Consequences of Anglo Maratha War

The Anglo-Maratha War was a series of conflicts fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India from 1775 to 1818. The war had significant consequences for both sides and the Indian subcontinent as a whole.

The Marathas, led by Peshwa Baji Rao II, had established a dominant position in India by the mid-18th century.
However, the British East India Company, which had also gained a foothold in India during the same period, began to see the Marathas as a potential obstacle to their expansion plans.
The British Company saw an opportunity to weaken the Maratha Empire and expand its territory by taking advantage of the internal divisions and power struggles within the Maratha leadership.
The First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782) saw the British Company successfully expand its control over parts of western India.
The Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805) resulted in the complete defeat of the Maratha Confederacy and the subjugation of most of India under British colonial rule.
The consequences of the Anglo-Maratha War were far-reaching. The most immediate effect was the establishment of British supremacy over India.
The Maratha Empire had been the last significant obstacle to British control of the Indian subcontinent, and their defeat paved the way for the British to consolidate their hold over the region.
The war also marked the beginning of the end for the Maratha Empire.
Although the Marathas continued to resist British rule for some time, they were never able to regain their former power and influence.
The Maratha Empire gradually disintegrated into a collection of small states, which were gradually absorbed into British India.
The Anglo-Maratha War also had an impact on Indian society and culture.
The Maratha Empire had been one of the most powerful and influential states in India, and its decline had a profound effect on Indian society.
The war and its aftermath saw the decline of traditional Indian institutions and the rise of a new, British-dominated social order.
The war also had long-term economic consequences for India.
The British East India Company had been primarily interested in trade and commerce, and their conquest of India allowed them to establish a monopoly over Indian markets.
The British began to exploit Indian resources and labor, leading to the depletion of India’s natural wealth and the impoverishment of its people.

In conclusion, the Anglo-Maratha War was a significant event in the history of India and the British Empire. The war led to the establishment of British control over India and the decline of the Maratha Empire. The consequences of the war were far-reaching, affecting Indian society, culture, and economy for decades to come. The legacy of the Anglo-Maratha War continues to be felt in India and the wider world to this day.

Follow US
Govt Download here to get the latest updates

Sharing is caring!

What was the Anglo Maratha War?

The Anglo Maratha War refers to a series of wars fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India between 1775 and 1818. These wars were fought over control of territories and resources in India.

What were the causes of the Anglo Maratha War?

The main cause of the Anglo Maratha War was the expansionist policies of the British East India Company, which sought to control more territory and resources in India. Additionally, there were internal disputes within the Maratha Empire that weakened their ability to resist British expansion.

Who were the major leaders of the Anglo Maratha War?

The British East India Company was led by several military commanders throughout the course of the wars, including Warren Hastings, Lord Cornwallis, and Sir Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington). The Maratha Empire was led by several prominent figures, including Peshwa Baji Rao II and Shivaji II.

What were the major battles of the Anglo Maratha War?

There were several major battles throughout the course of the wars, including the Battle of Wadgaon in 1779, the Battle of Assaye in 1803, and the Battle of Koregaon in 1818. These battles were often fought in different regions of India and involved large numbers of troops.

What were the outcomes of the Anglo Maratha War?

The outcomes of the Anglo Maratha War were significant for both sides. The British East India Company emerged as the dominant power in India, while the Maratha Empire was significantly weakened and ultimately dissolved. Additionally, the wars had a significant impact on the political, economic, and social structures of India, and are seen as a key event in the history of British colonialism in the region.

Trending Events

EPFO PA Result 2024 Out
TSPSC Group 1 Results 2024
UPSC Prelims Result 2024
BPSC 70th Notification 2024
JPSC Mains Exam Date 2024
HPPSC HPAS Exam 2024
UKPSC Exam 2024
UPPSC Exam 2024
MPSC Exam Date 2024 Out

UPSC Study Notes

Polity Notes for UPSC
History Notes for UPSC
Geography Notes for UPSC

UPSC EPFO/APFC

UPSC EPFO Syllabus
UPSC EPFO Admit Card
UPSC APFC Notification
UPSC APFC Syllabus
UPPSC PCS 2024
MPPSC PCS 2024
RPSC PCS 2024
UKPSC PCS 2024

Our Other Websites

Teachers Adda
Adda School
Defence Adda
Engineers Adda

UPSC CSE Exam (Popularly called UPSC IAS Exam) is one of the toughest exam in this country. Needless to say, a dedicated and right approach is required to clear this IAS Exam.

Download Adda247 App

Follow us on

Responsible Disclosure Program
Cancellation & Refunds
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy

We’re fighting to restore access to 500,000+ books in court this week. Join us!

Internet Archive Audio

This Just In
Grateful Dead
Old Time Radio
78 RPMs and Cylinder Recordings
Audio Books & Poetry
Computers, Technology and Science
Music, Arts & Culture
News & Public Affairs
Spirituality & Religion
Radio News Archive

Flickr Commons
Occupy Wall Street Flickr
NASA Images
Solar System Collection
Ames Research Center

All Software
Old School Emulation
MS-DOS Games
Historical Software
Classic PC Games
Software Library
Kodi Archive and Support File
Vintage Software
CD-ROM Software
CD-ROM Software Library
Software Sites
Tucows Software Library
Shareware CD-ROMs
Software Capsules Compilation
CD-ROM Images
ZX Spectrum
DOOM Level CD

Smithsonian Libraries
FEDLINK (US)
Lincoln Collection
American Libraries
Canadian Libraries
Universal Library
Project Gutenberg
Children's Library
Biodiversity Heritage Library
Books by Language
Additional Collections

Prelinger Archives
Democracy Now!
Occupy Wall Street
TV NSA Clip Library
Animation & Cartoons
Arts & Music
Computers & Technology
Cultural & Academic Films
Ephemeral Films
Sports Videos
Videogame Videos
Youth Media

Search the history of over 866 billion web pages on the Internet.

Mobile Apps

Wayback Machine (iOS)
Wayback Machine (Android)

Browser Extensions

Archive-it subscription.

Explore the Collections
Build Collections

Save Page Now

Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future.

Please enter a valid web address

Donate Donate icon An illustration of a heart shape

First Anglo-Maratha War 1774-83 (A Study In Military History)

Bookreader item preview, share or embed this item, flag this item for.

Graphic Violence
Explicit Sexual Content
Hate Speech
Misinformation/Disinformation
Marketing/Phishing/Advertising
Misleading/Inaccurate/Missing Metadata

plus-circle Add Review comment Reviews

Download options, in collections.

Uploaded by Ugraveer on August 23, 2023

First Anglo-Maratha War - NCERT Modern India History UPSC Notes

Patil Amruta

Aug 9, 2024

IAS Exam Latest Updates

09 August, 2024 : UPSC Mains Schedule 2024 Out; Exam from September 20

Between the British East India Company and Maratha Empire in India, during 1775–1782, the First Anglo-Maratha War was fought. The war started with the agreement of Surat and ended with the agreement of Salbai. There was a continuous series of battles at the end of which the Treaty of Salbai was signed in 1782. This brings the first Anglo-Maratha war to an end.

Relevant Links

Background And Course

The third Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao died in 1761 due to sudden shock after he vanquished at the Third Battle of Panipat.
Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao son Madhavrao I succeeded him. Madhavrao I was able to recover some of their Maratha power and territories which they almost lost in the Battle of Panipat.
The English were clearly aware of the growing Maratha power.
When Madhavrao I died, there was a struggle for power in the Maratha camp.
Narayanrao became the Peshwa but his uncle wants to become the Peshwa. For this, he needs the help of the Englishmen.
During 1775 the agreement of Surat was signed. Raghunathrao conceded Salsette and Bassein to the English and in return, he was given soldiers.
The British and army of Raghunathrao attacked the Peshwa and won the battle.
Under Warren Hastings the British Calcutta Council cancelled this agreement and a new treaty; in 1776 the agreement of Purandhar was signed between the Calcutta Council and Minister of Maratha.
Raghunathrao was given the only pension and Salsette was held on by the British.
But the British establishment at Bombay breached this treaty and protected Raghunathrao.
During 1777, Nana Phadnavis crossed his agreement with the Calcutta Council and approved a port on the west coast to the French.
This led the British to take the soldiers towards Pune. There was a battle at Wadgaon near Pune in which the Marathas under Mahadji Shinde secured a conclusive victory over the English.
The English were forced to sign the agreement of Wadgaon in 1779.

Central India And Deccan

After capturing Bassein, Goddard stepped towards Pune. In April 1781 he was defeated in the Battle of Bhor Ghat.
In central India, Mahadji put himself at Malwa to challenge Camac. Initially, he had the support and British forces under Camac, being harassed, had to retreat to Hadur.
In February 1781 the British defeated Shinde of the town of Sipri, but after every move they made that was defeated by his much larger army, until they made a desperate raid in late March, seizing not only their supplies but even weapons and elephants.
Then the military threat from Shinde's forces to the British was reduced. The contest was equally balanced.
Mahadji had a significant victory over Camac, but later they paid off the loss in 1781 through the Battle of Durdah. Colonel Murre came with his new forces in April 1781 to assist Popham and Camac.
After the defeat of Mahadji at Sipri, Mahadji Shinde aroused. Finally, he defeated the forces of Murree on July 1, 1781. From that time Mahadji was too powerful to be defeated.

Treaty Of Salbai

On 17 May 1782, the agreement of Salbai was signed and approved by Hastings in June 1782 and by Nana Phadnavis.
The treaty ended the First Anglo-Maratha War, restored the status, and established peace between the two parties for 20 years.
The East India Company preserved Salsette and Broach.
It also took a promise from the Marathas that they will retake their possessions in the Deccan from Hyder Ali.
Marathas also promised that they will not give any territories to the French.
Raghunathrao was to receive a pension every year.
All territories taken by the British after the Treaty of Purandhar were surrendered back to the Marathas.
The English accepted Madhavrao II as the Peshwa.

Battle Of Wadgaon

On the outskirts of Pune, the British and the Maratha armies met each other.
The Maratha army came at the number of 80,000 soldiers and the British came with 35,000 highly superior ammunition and weapons.
However, the Maratha army was led by a General named Mahadji Shinde. Mahadji gathered the British army into the valleys near Talegaon and trapped the British.
Once trapped, the Maratha cavalry annoyed the enemy from all the sides and attacked the British supply at Khopoli.
The Marathas also used an earth policy that is burning the farmland and poisoning wells and rivers.
As the British started to withdraw to Talegaon, the Marathas attacked, forcing them to go back to the village of Wadgaon.
Here, the British army was rounded from all the sides by the Marathas and cut off from food and water.
Finally the British surrendered by mid-January 1779 and signed the Treaty of Wadgaon that forced the Bombay government to quit all territories acquired by the British since 1775.

Question: Who is the loser of the FIRST ANGLO-MARATHA WAR?

Marathas defeated the British and they surrendered by mid of January 1779. The agreement of Wadgaon was signed in which the Bombay government took hold of all territories owned by the British since 1775. But they still fought against the Marathas, and the agreement of Salbai was signed in May 1782.

Question: Implications of the FIRST ANGLO MARATHA-WAR?

According to the Treaty of Salbai all Maratha territories returned. The British took restrain of Salsette but all the territories occupied by the British were returned to the Marathas.

Question: How many wars did Marathas fight?

First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782)

Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805)

Third Anglo-Maratha War (also known as the Pindari War) (1817–1818).

UPSC : Polity - Constitutional Bodies

Upsc : modern history - british rule and working class struggle, upsc : geography - landforms, upsc : economy - external sector, upsc : science & tech - chemistry, upsc cse : polity - fundamental rights - 01, daily quiz: up police: mental ability (direction sense), daily quiz: rrb ntpc: (series), daily quiz: ctet: science (science around us), daily quiz: ctet: social studies (human geography), daily quiz: ctet: history (gupta period), daily quiz: delhi police: problem solving (direction & distance), daily quiz: ctet: physics (electricity and magnetism), daily quiz: upsc cse (ias): national movement (1905-1919) - ii, 5 oct daily ca quiz for upsc & state pscs, upsc cse (ias) (prelims) polity live test(aug 13 - 16), upsc cse (ias) 2025 prelims (csat) live test (aug 13 - 16).

UPSC CDS General Knowledge All India Mock Test

Upsc civil services prelims csat full test 7, upsc civil services prelims csat full test 6, upsc civil services prelims csat full test 5, upsc civil services prelims csat full test 4, upsc civil services prelims csat full test 3, upsc civil services prelims csat full test 2, upsc civil services prelims csat full test 1, upsc civil services prelims general studies full test 11, upsc civil services prelims general studies full test 10, upsc civil services prelims 2023: general studies (set - a - held on 28 may), upsc cse 2023 (prelims paper-1: general studies) previous year paper (28-may-2023), upsc civil services prelims 2022: csat official paper, upsc civil services prelims 2022: general studies official paper, upsc cse 2022 (prelims paper-2: csat) previous year paper (05-jun-2022), upsc cse 2022 (prelims paper-1: general studies) previous year paper (5-june-2022), upsc civil services exam (prelims) csat official paper-ii (held on: 2021), upsc civil services exam (prelims) general studies official paper-i (held on: 10 oct 2021), upsc cse 2021 (prelims paper-2: csat) previous year paper (10-oct-2021), upsc cse 2021 (prelims paper-1: general studies) previous year paper (10-oct-2021).

14 August 2024 Daily Current Affairs Analysis

13 August 2024 Daily Current Affairs Analysis

12 August 2024 Daily Current Affairs Analysis

10 August 2024 Daily Current Affairs Analysis

09 August 2024 Daily Current Affairs Analysis

08 August 2024 Daily Current Affairs Analysis

07 August 2024 Daily Current Affairs Analysis

06 August 2024 Daily Current Affairs Analysis

05 August 2024 Daily Current Affairs Analysis

03 August 2024 Daily Current Affairs Analysis

Supported by

His Trilogy Explored the Nazi Era. Now He Looks at the People Behind It.

In “Hitler’s People,” the renowned historian Richard J. Evans takes a biographical approach to the Third Reich.

Share full article

This black-and-white image shows Adolf Hitler and Rudolf Hess standing next to a Nazi flag, surrounded by men giving the Nazi salute. The foreground shows a blurred line of helmeted Nazi soldiers.

By Jennifer Szalai

Apple Books
Barnes and Noble
Books-A-Million
Bookshop.org

When you purchase an independently reviewed book through our site, we earn an affiliate commission.

HITLER’S PEOPLE: The Faces of the Third Reich, by Richard J. Evans

“Who Goes Nazi?” is an old essay by Dorothy Thompson that has been making the rounds over the last several years. Writing for Harper’s Magazine in 1941, Thompson suggested playing a “macabre parlor game” to figure out who would sign on to fascism “in a showdown.” (This was before the Wannsee Conference of January 1942, where Hitler’s underlings planned the “final solution.”) Decades later, Thompson’s proposal resonated with Americans who were seeking any glimmer of insight into how far-right extremism — once the marginal purview of dedicated fanatics — had gathered startling levels of popular support.

For Thompson (one of the first American journalists to be kicked out of Germany, in 1934), the crucial factor distinguishing potential fascists from those who would “never go Nazi” was not “race, color, creed or social condition.” Rather, she argued, it was “something in them.”

Such a fixation on individual character would probably irritate the eminent historian Richard J. Evans, but the question he poses in his kaleidoscopic new book, “Hitler’s People,” isn’t so different from the one that preoccupied Thompson. “Who were the Nazis?” he asks in the first sentence of his preface. Were they criminals? Psychopaths? Ordinary Germans? How did seemingly respectable citizens go from rejecting the democracy of the Weimar Republic to countenancing genocide?

Evans, whose trilogy on the Third Reich has been justifiably lauded for its elegance and its scope, previously shied away from a biographical approach to his subject. For a half-century after World War II, focusing on individual personalities was deemed “unfashionable,” he writes, an unseemly reprise of Nazi Germany’s cult of personality, which pinned so much on Hitler that it risked letting “the great mass of Germans” off the hook. But the availability of new documents, as well as the “emergence in our own time of a class of unscrupulous populist politicians,” prompted Evans to revisit a history he already knew well.

The result is a fascinating exploration of individual agency that never loses sight of the larger context. “Hitler’s People” is divided into four parts, beginning with a long section on Hitler himself, before turning to his immediate circle (the “Paladins”), the “enablers and executors” they relied on (the “Enforcers”) and, finally, the “lower-level perpetrators,” or “Instruments,” who served the regime.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in .

Want all of The Times? Subscribe .

IAS Preparation
NCERT Notes for UPSC
NCERT Notes Second Anglo Maratha War

NCERT Notes: Second Anglo-Maratha War [Modern Indian History For UPSC]

NCERT notes on important topics for the IAS aspirants. These notes will also be useful for other competitive exams like banking PO, SSC, state civil services exams and so on. This article talks about the Second Anglo-Maratha War.

Candidates can also download the Second Anglo-Maratha War notes PDF from the link given below.

Second Anglo-Maratha War (UPSC Notes):- Download PDF Here

Second Anglo Maratha War for UPSC

There were three Anglo-Maratha wars (or Maratha Wars) fought between the late 18 th century and the beginning of the 19 th century between the British and the Marathas. In the end, the Maratha power was destroyed and British supremacy established.

Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803 – 1805)

After Tipu Sultan’s Mysore was captured by the British in 1799, the Marathas were the only major Indian power left outside of British domination.
At that time, the Maratha Confederacy consisted of five major chiefs, the Peshwas at Pune, the Gaekwads at Baroda, the Holkars at Indore, the Scindias at Gwalior and the Bhonsles at Nagpur.
There were internal squabbles among themselves.
Baji Rao II (son of Raghunathrao) was installed as the Peshwa after the death of Madhavrao II.
In the Battle of Poona in 1802, Yashwantrao Holkar, the chief of the Holkars of Indore defeated the Peshwas and the Scindias.
Baji Rao II sought British protection and signed the Treaty of Bassein with them.
As per this treaty, he ceded territory to the British and agreed to the maintenance of British troops there.
The Scindias and the Bhonsles did not accept this treaty and this caused the second Anglo-Maratha war in central India in 1803.
The Holkars also joined the battle against the English at a later stage.

Result of Second Anglo Maratha War

All the Maratha forces were defeated by the British in these battles.
The Scindias signed the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon in 1803 through which the British got the territories of Rohtak, Ganga-Yamuna Doab, Gurgaon, Delhi Agra region, Broach, some districts in Gujarat, parts of Bundelkhand and Ahmadnagar fort.
The Bhonsles signed the Treaty of Deogaon in 1803 as per which the English acquired Cuttack, Balasore and area west of Wardha River.
The Holkars signed the Treaty of Rajghat in 1805 according to which they gave up Tonk, Bundi and Rampura to the British.
As a result of the war, large parts of central India came under British control.

Frequently Asked Questions about Second Anglo-Maratha War

What was the main cause of the second anglo-maratha war, what was the consequence of the second anglo-maratha war.

UPSC Books List PDF:- Download PDF Here

UPSC Preparation

IAS General Studies Notes Links

IAS 2024 - Your dream can come true!

Download the ultimate guide to upsc cse preparation, register with byju's & download free pdfs, register with byju's & watch live videos.

IMAGES

A brief history of Anglo-Maratha War (1803-06)
Anglo maratha war upsc notes 81
First Anglo-Maratha War in 1775 to 1782.conflict between british east
The Anglo-Maratha War for Supremacy
The First Anglo-Maratha War (Reign AD 1775-1782)
Anglo Maratha War, Timeline, Course, Consequence

COMMENTS

Anglo-Maratha Wars
The Great Maratha Wars or the Anglo-Maratha Wars refer to the three conflicts fought in India between the British East India Company and the Maratha confederacy or the Maratha Empire. The Maratha Empire in India was destroyed along with the British victory in the wars, which started in 1777 and ended in 1818. The third Peshwa, Balaji Baji Rao ...
Anglo-Maratha Wars
The Third Anglo-Maratha War, also known as the Pindari War, saw Baji Rao II defeated by an EIC army at the Battle of Kirki (aka Kirkee or Khadki) on 5 November 1817 and again at the Battle of Koregaon on 1 January 1818. As to the two remaining Maratha princes, the Raja of Nagpur lost the Battle of Sitabaldi on 27 November 1817 and another on 16 ...
Anglo Maratha Wars, First, Second & Third Anglo Maratha War History
The Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782) was the first of three Anglo-Maratha Wars fought in India between the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company. The Surat Treaty signaled the start of the conflict, while the Salbai Treaty marked its end. British loss and the restoration of both sides' pre-war positions were the outcomes of the ...
Second Anglo-Maratha War
Second Anglo-Maratha War. Political map of India in 1792, compared to yellow borders of 1700. The Second Anglo-Maratha War (from 1803 -1805) was a large conflict within the Maratha Confederacy involving the British East India Company. It resulted in major loss of territory for the Marathas, including regions around Delhi and in present-day ...
Anglo Maratha War, First, Second & Third Anglo Maratha War, Reasons
The third Anglo-Maratha war was the last and decisive War in Anglo-Maratha relations. Background: Lord Hastings had the imperialistic design of imposing British paramountcy. By the Charter Act of 1813, the East India Company's monopoly of trade in China (except tea) ended, and hence the company needed more markets.
Anglo-Maratha Wars
The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817 - 1818) was a final and decisive conflict between the British and the Maratha Empire in India, which left the U.K. in control of most of India. Warren Hastings, Governor-General of British India, 1773-1785. It began with an invasion of Maratha territory by the British governor-general, Lord Hastings, in the ...
Maratha Empire [1674-1818]: Maratha-Mughal Conflicts
The cause of the second Anglo Maratha War ended in a Maratha defeat in which they were forced to sign a treaty acknowledging British paramountcy. The Third Anglo Maratha War from 1817-1818 was a last-ditch effort to regain sovereignty, resulting in the loss of Maratha independence: it left Britain in control of most of India.
First Anglo-Maratha War
The First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782) was the first of three Anglo-Maratha Wars fought between the British East India Company and Maratha Confederacy in India. The war began with the Treaty of Surat and ended with the Treaty of Salbai.The war, fought in between Surat and Poona, saw British defeat and restoration of positions of both the parties before the war.
Third Anglo-Maratha War
The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1819) was the final and decisive conflict between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India.The war left the Company in control of most of India. It began with an invasion of Maratha territory by British East India Company troops, [2] and although the British were outnumbered, the Maratha army was decimated.
The Anglo-maratha War of 1803-5
THE ANGLO-MARATHA WAR OF 1803-5 By A. S. Bennell At Walki, near Ahmednagar, on 6 August 1803, Arthur Wellesley decided that war was inevitable with two of the major chieftains of the Maratha Confederacy, Daulat Rao Sinde and Raghuji Bhonsle. In classic words, an early example of dispatch-writing for the blue book, he wrote to Sinde
The Anglo-Maratha Wars: British Conquest And The Fall Of Maratha Power
The Anglo-Maratha Wars were a series of conflicts between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These wars arose from disputes over succession to the Peshwa's throne and British ambitions for territorial expansion.. A Historical Overview: The Anglo-Maratha Wars 1. First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782)
The Anglo-Maratha Struggle For Supremacy: Rise & Fall Of Maratha Empire
Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-19) Causes behind the War Lord Hastings intended to impose British paramountcy. With the exception of tea, the East India Company's monopoly on trade in China was terminated by the Charter Act of 1813, so the business required access to new markets. The Pindaris raided territories of the Company for plunder. This ...
Anglo Maratha War
The war started with the Treaty of Surat and ended with the Treaty of Salbai. The first Anglo-Maratha war was fought between 1775 and 1818. The Marathas won the first Anglo-Maratha war with the Treaty of Salbai. The implication of the first Anglo-Maratha war was that the British returned the territories occupied by them to the Marathas.
First Anglo Maratha War UPSC Notes: History, Course, & Result
The First Anglo Maratha War was a conflict that occurred from 1775 to 1782. The First Anglo Maratha War was fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India. It began due to territorial disputes and competition for trade control. The war saw initial setbacks for the British. However, they eventually gained the upper ...
The Second Anglo-Maratha War: An Overview
This article provides an overview on the second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805). The Marathas had lost almost all their top-ranking leaders by the time Wellesley came to India as Governor-General. Mahadji Scindia, Ahalyabai, Nana Fadnavis had been dead. This removal of the leading personalities led to a selfish struggle among the Marathas. Peshwa Baji Rao II, Daulat Rao Scindia, Yaswant Rao ...
Anglo Maratha War, Timeline, Course, Consequence
Anglo Maratha War First Anglo Maratha War. The First Anglo-Maratha War was fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in India during the 18th century. The war lasted from 1775 to 1782 and was one of the significant events that led to the British colonization of India.
NCERT Notes: First Anglo-Maratha War
The English accepted Madhavrao II (son of Narayanrao) as the Peshwa. First Anglo-Maratha War (UPSC Notes):- Download PDF Here. Also Read: UPSC Preparation: There were three Anglo-Maratha wars fought during the late 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. Part of BYJU'S NCERT Modern Indian History notes for UPSC 2023.
Anglo-Maratha Wars
Anglo-Maratha Wars may refer to: First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782) Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805) Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1819) Gwalior campaign (1843) See also. Maratha (disambiguation) Mahratta (disambiguation) Mahratta War (disambiguation) This page was last edited on 14 June 2024 ...
Second Anglo-Maratha War NCERT Notes For UPSC
The second Anglo-Maratha war took place from 1803 to 1805. At the end of the first Anglo-Maratha war, the Treaty of Salbai was concluded in 1782 and it established peace between Marathas and the British for the next twenty years. Marathas lost in the second Anglo-Maratha war and they were reduced to the vassalage of the British.
First Anglo-Maratha War 1774-83 (A Study In Military History)
First Anglo-Maratha War 1774-83 (A Study In Military History) Bookreader Item Preview remove-circle Share or Embed This Item. Share to Twitter. Share to Facebook. Share to Reddit. Share to Tumblr. Share to Pinterest. Share via email. EMBED. EMBED (for wordpress.com hosted blogs and archive.org ...
First Anglo-Maratha War
09 August, 2024 : UPSC Mains Schedule 2024 Out; Exam from September 20. Between the British East India Company and Maratha Empire in India, during 1775-1782, the First Anglo-Maratha War was fought. The war started with the agreement of Surat and ended with the agreement of Salbai. There was a continuous series of battles at the end of which ...
Book Review: 'Hitler's People,' by Richard J. Evans
What Hitler's people had in common, Evans says, was the shared trauma of total defeat in World War I. For many Germans, the Weimar Republic that followed that loss represented a period of ...
NCERT Notes: Third Anglo-Maratha War
NCERT notes on important topics for the IAS exam aspirants. These notes will also be useful for other competitive exams like Bank PO, SSC, state civil services exams and so on. This article talks about the Third Anglo-Maratha War. There were three Anglo-Maratha wars (or Maratha Wars) fought between the late 18th century and the beginning of the ...
NCERT Notes: The Second Anglo-Maratha War 1803-1805 [Modern Indian
Second Anglo-Maratha War (UPSC Notes):-Download PDF Here. Second Anglo Maratha War for UPSC. There were three Anglo-Maratha wars (or Maratha Wars) fought between the late 18 th century and the beginning of the 19 th century between the British and the Marathas. In the end, the Maratha power was destroyed and British supremacy established.

Anglo-Maratha Wars

Marathas’ ascent

Peshwa Bajirao (1720–40)

Marathas versus British

Causes of the Conflicts

Anglo-Maratha War I (1775–82)

First Anglo-Maratha War’s outcome

Anglo-Maratha War II (1803–05)

Second Anglo-Maratha War’s outcome

Anglo-Maratha War III (1817–19)

Third Anglo-Maratha War’s outcome

Reasons for Maratha’s defeat

Top 10 Best-Selling ClearIAS Courses

About ClearIAS Team

Reader Interactions

Don’t lose out without playing the right game!

UPSC Online Preparation

Subscribe ClearIAS YouTube Channel

Get free study materials. Don’t miss ClearIAS updates.

IAS/IPS/IFS Online Coaching: Target CSE 2025

Cover the entire syllabus of UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains systematically.

Anglo-Maratha Wars

First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782)

The Maratha Confederacy

Maratha Warfare

Bibliography

About the Author

Translations

Questions & Answers

Powhatan Confederacy

Wampanoag Confederacy

Origins of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

Dutch East India Company

East India Company

Anglo-Mysore Wars

Recommended Books

Cite This Work

Chicago Style

License & Copyright

Anglo Maratha Wars, First, Second & Third Anglo Maratha War History & Result

Anglo Maratha Wars

Anglo-Maratha Wars History

First Anglo-Maratha War

1. First Anglo-Maratha War Courses

2. First Anglo-Maratha War Result

Second Anglo-Maratha War

1. Second Anglo-Maratha War Courses

2. Second Anglo-Maratha War Result

Third Anglo-Maratha War

1. Third Anglo-Maratha War Courses

2. Third Anglo-Maratha War Result

Anglo-Maratha War UPSC

How many wars did Anglo-Maratha fought?

How many Anglo-Maratha War was fought and when?

Who Won Anglo-Maratha War 3?

Who fought Anglo-Maratha war?

Who is the bravest Maratha?

Trending Event

Recent Posts

BPSC Exam 2024

SSC CGL 2024

SSC Stenographer 2024

IMPORTANT EXAMS

Anglo Maratha War, First, Second & Third Anglo Maratha War, Reasons

Rise of Marathas

First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-82)

Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-05)

Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-19)

Anglo Maratha War FAQs

Anglo-Maratha Wars

First Anglo-Maratha War

Battle of Wadgaon

British Response

Treaty of Salbai

Second Anglo-Maratha War

Third Anglo-Maratha War

References ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

External links

The Anglo-Maratha Struggle for Supremacy: Rise & Fall of Maratha Empire

Introduction