This blog post explores the Second and Third Anglo-Maratha Wars, detailing the internal conflicts within the Maratha Empire, the Treaty of Bassein, and the subsequent British expansion in India, culminating in the establishment of British dominance over the Marathas.
In this post, we delve into the intricate history of the Second and Third Anglo-Maratha Wars, focusing on the events leading up to the Treaty of Bassein in 1802. This analysis will cover the internal conflicts within the Maratha Empire, the role of key figures, and the implications of British intervention.
The Maratha Empire saw significant growth under the leadership of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath, who established the hereditary position of Peshwa. His son, Baji Rao I, is often credited as the real founder of Peshwa power. Following Baji Rao I, his son Balaji Baji Rao (Nana) took over, during which the empire expanded considerably. However, the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 marked a significant setback for the Marathas, leading to internal strife and questions about succession.
After the death of Balaji Baji Rao, a power struggle ensued between his son Madhav Rao and his uncle Raghunath Rao. Madhav Rao eventually became Peshwa, but his untimely death in 1772 led to another succession crisis. Narayan Rao, Madhav Rao's brother, was appointed Peshwa but was assassinated due to a conspiracy by Raghunath Rao. This internal conflict weakened the Maratha Confederacy, prompting Raghunath Rao to seek British support, leading to the Treaty of Surat in 1775, which was later rejected in favor of the Treaty of Purandar in 1776.
The First Anglo-Maratha War concluded in 1782 with the Treaty of Salbai, establishing a fragile peace for the next two decades.
The internal strife continued as Madhav Narayan Rao was appointed Peshwa at a young age, with Nanna Fadnavis exercising real power. As Madhav Narayan Rao grew older, he sought to reclaim authority, leading to further tensions. His eventual suicide in 1795 left the Peshwa position to Baji Rao II, who was deemed incapable. The death of Nanna Fadnavis in 1800 exacerbated the internal conflict, providing an opportunity for British expansion under Governor-General Lord Wellesley.
In April 1801, Baji Rao II, amidst internal conflict, killed Vithalji Holkar, leading to a war declared by Jaswant Rao Holkar. Baji Rao II, facing defeat, sought British assistance, resulting in the signing of the Treaty of Bassein on December 31, 1802. This treaty had significant implications:
This treaty effectively made Baji Rao II a puppet of the British, leading to widespread discontent among other Maratha leaders.
The signing of the Treaty of Bassein alarmed other Maratha leaders, including Sindhia and Bhosale, who united against British interference. The British, led by Arthur Wellesley, defeated the combined Maratha forces, imposing subsidiary alliances on them one by one. By 1804, Jaswant Rao Holkar attempted to rally the Marathas but was also defeated.
The British systematically defeated each Maratha leader, culminating in treaties that further solidified British control:
The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1819) was sparked by the British desire for further expansion under Lord Hastings, who sought to establish dominance over the Marathas. The Pindari, a group of mercenaries, began plundering, prompting the British to accuse the Marathas of harboring them. This accusation led to a final attempt by the Marathas to unite against British rule.
Baji Rao II and other leaders attacked British residencies, but the Marathas were politically and administratively weakened. The death of Jaswant Rao Holkar further destabilized their position. The British capitalized on this weakness, defeating the Marathas in several key battles:
By June 1818, Baji Rao II surrendered, and the Peshwa position was abolished, marking the end of the Maratha Confederacy.
The Second and Third Anglo-Maratha Wars marked a significant turning point in Indian history, leading to the establishment of British dominance over the Maratha Empire. The Treaty of Bassein was pivotal, as it not only facilitated British military presence in India but also set the stage for the expansion of British influence across the subcontinent. The Marathas, once a formidable power, were reduced to a shadow of their former selves, paving the way for the British Empire's consolidation in India.
