Anglo-Maratha Wars

The three Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818) resulted in the dissolution of the Maratha Confederacy and British supremacy in India.

First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782)

Caused by a succession dispute over the Peshwaship after the death of Madhav Rao I. The British backed Raghunath Rao (Raghoba) as Peshwa, leading to war with the Maratha chiefs. The British were defeated at the Battle of Wadgaon (1779), forcing a humiliating treaty. However, Warren Hastings later sent forces under General Goddard, who captured Ahmedabad. The war ended with the Treaty of Salbai (1782), which restored the status quo but gave the British the island of Salsette and base at Bassein.

Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805)

Triggered by the Treaty of Bassein (1802) between the Peshwa Baji Rao II and the British, which effectively made the Peshwa a British subsidiary. Other Maratha chiefs (Scindia of Gwalior, Bhonsle of Nagpur, Holkar of Indore) opposed this. The British under General Arthur Wellesley defeated the Scindia-Bhonsle coalition at Assaye (1803) and Argaon. Lake defeated Scindia’s French-trained army at Laswari and captured Delhi. Holkar continued resistance but was later defeated. By the Treaty of Rajghat, the Maratha chiefs ceded territories and accepted British paramountcy.

Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818)

The last war was provoked by the Pindari raids and the Maratha chiefs’ last-ditch attempt to regain independence. British forces under Lord Hastings decisively defeated them. The Peshwa’s realm was annexed to the Bombay Presidency, and the Maratha chiefs accepted subsidiary alliances. The Peshwaship was abolished; Baji Rao II was pensioned off to Bithur.

The Anglo-Maratha Wars extinguished the most formidable Indian power of the 18th century, leaving the British dominant across the subcontinent.