The Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805) was a struggle in India between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire. Raghunathrao, Peshwa Baji Rao II's father, had long been a source of antagonism within the Maratha confederacy due to his overarching ambition and the latter's own inability since gaining the throne. Peshwa Baji Rao II did not command the respect that his predecessors did. This article will explain to you about the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1775-82) which will be helpful in Modern Indian History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Second Anglo-Maratha War(1803-05) - Background

• The Second Anglo-Maratha War began under identical conditions as the first.
• After Peshwa Madhavrao Narayan committed suicide in 1795, Bajirao II, Raghunathrao's worthless son, took over as Peshwa.
• Nana Phadnavis, a fierce opponent of Bajirao II, was appointed as chief minister. The dissensions among the Marathas created an opportunity for the English to engage in Maratha affairs.
• The death of Nana Phadnavis in 1800 provided the British with an additional edge.
• At the Battle of Poona in October 1802, the united troops of Peshwa Baji Rao II and Scindia were defeated by Yashwantrao Holkar, ruler of Indore.
• Baji Rao escaped to British protection and signed the Treaty of Bassein with the British East India Company in December of the same year, yielding land for the upkeep of a subsidiary force and committing to a treaty with no other state.
• The contract would be remembered as the "death knell of the Maratha Empire."

Course of the War

• On April 1, 1801, the Peshwa mercilessly assassinated Yashwantrao Holkar's brother, Vithuji.
• The unrest persisted, and on October 25, 1802, Yashwant decisively beat the troops of the Peshwa and Scindia at Hadapsar near Poona, putting Vinayakrao, son of Amritrao, in the Peshwa's throne.
• A scared Bajirao II retreated to Bassein, where he signed a contract with the English on December 31, 1802.
• Bassein Treaty (1802) - The Peshwa consented to the following terms in the treaty
• To receive from the Company a local infantry (consisting of at least 6,000 troops) with the standard percentage of field artillery and European artillery personnel attached, to be permanently stationed in his territory.
• To cede territories worth Rs 26 lakh to the Company; to surrender Surat; to give up all claims for chauth on the Nizam's dominions.
• To accept the Company's arbitration in all disputes between him and the Nizam or the Gaekwad; not to employ Europeans from any nation at war with the English; and to subject his relations with other states to the control of the English.
• Scindia and Bhonsle sought to save Maratha independence when the Peshwa accepted the subsidiary alliance.
• However, the English army, led by Arthur Wellesley, destroyed the united forces of Scindia and Bhonsle, forcing them to sign separate subsidiary treaties with the English.
• Yashwantrao Holkar attempted to organise a coalition of Indian monarchs to oppose the English in 1804. However, his endeavour was a failure.
• The Marathas were vanquished, subjugated to vassalage by the British, and separated from one another.

Treaty of Bassein - Significance

• Despite the fact that the pact was signed by a Peshwa with little political power, the English gained enormously.
• The installation of regular English troops in Maratha territory was strategically advantageous.
• In Mysore, Hyderabad, and Lucknow, the Company already had troops.
• The inclusion of Poona to the list meant that the Company's forces were now more equally distributed and could be quickly dispatched to any location in the event of an emergency.
• Though the Treaty of Bassein did not throw India up to the Company on a silver platter, it was a significant step forward; the Company was now well positioned to expand its spheres of influence.
• The claim that the pact "handed the English the key to India" may be overdone under the circumstances, but it is comprehensible.

Result of Second Anglo-Maratha War

• The British vanquished all of the Maratha army in these conflicts.
• In 1803 the Scindias signed the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon, which granted the British the lands of Rohtak, Ganga-Yamuna Doab, Gurgaon, Delhi Agra area, Broach, various districts in Gujarat, sections of Bundelkhand, and the Ahmednagar fort.
• In 1803 the Bhonsles signed the Treaty of Deogaon, by which the English obtained Cuttack, Balasore, and the region west of the Wardha River.
• The Holkars signed the Treaty of Rajghat in 1805, giving away Tonk, Bundi, and Rampura to the British.
• As a result of the conflict, the British gained control over significant swaths of central India.

Conclusion

The "Divided Marathas" paid the price for the "United" British as a result of these many treaties. The outcome of this conflict was a result of the second Anglo-Maratha war, the Marathas lost their independence. India was now imprisoned. In 1817, the Marathas launched one final futile attempt to liberate Mother India from colonial rule.

FAQs

Question: What role did local alliances play in the Second Anglo-Maratha War?

MCQs

1. What triggered the Second Anglo-Maratha War?

A) Internal strife within the Maratha Empire
B) British intervention in Maratha politics
C) Economic sanctions imposed by the British
D) Military conflict over territory

2. Which battle was a significant victory for the British during the Second Anglo-Maratha War?

A) Battle of Argaon
B) Battle of Gwalior
C) Battle of Plassey
D) Battle of Assaye

3. What was one of the main outcomes of the Second Anglo-Maratha War?

A) Strengthening of the Maratha Empire
B) Ceding of territories to the British
C) Establishment of a Maratha republic
D) Unification of Indian states

4. Which treaty marked the end of the Second Anglo-Maratha War?

A) Treaty of Paris
B) Treaty of Deogaon
C) Treaty of Gwalior
D) Treaty of Bassein

5. How did the Second Anglo-Maratha War influence British rule in India?

A) It led to the decline of British power
B) It prompted reforms in the Maratha leadership
C) It established British supremacy in central India
D) It united various Indian states against the British

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the causes and consequences of the Second Anglo-Maratha War in the context of British expansion in India.

Answer: The Second Anglo-Maratha War was primarily fueled by the British East India Company's ambition to expand its territorial control in India. Key causes included the weakening of the Maratha Empire due to internal conflicts, the British exploitation of rivalries among Maratha leaders, and their intervention in local politics. The immediate consequences of the war were significant: the British emerged as the dominant power in central India, gaining control over vast territories such as Gwalior and Nagpur. The fragmentation of the Maratha confederacy marked a turning point in Indian history, leading to further consolidation of British power. This war not only diminished the Maratha influence but also set a precedent for British intervention in Indian princely states, establishing a pattern that would characterize British colonial policies in India.

Q2: Discuss the military strategies employed by the British during the Second Anglo-Maratha War.

Answer: The British military strategies during the Second Anglo-Maratha War were characterized by rapid mobility, superior artillery, and effective use of local alliances. The leadership of General Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) played a crucial role, emphasizing the importance of quick strikes and decisive battles. The British forces utilized well-coordinated maneuvers to outflank Maratha troops, exploiting their fragmented command structure. The successful use of artillery, particularly during the Battle of Assaye, showcased the British military's advantages over traditional Maratha cavalry tactics. Additionally, forming alliances with discontented Maratha factions further weakened the opposition. This combination of strategies allowed the British to secure key victories and expand their influence significantly during the conflict.

Q3: Evaluate the impact of the Second Anglo-Maratha War on Indian society and governance.

Answer: The Second Anglo-Maratha War had profound impacts on Indian society and governance. The war led to a significant shift in power dynamics, diminishing the authority of the Maratha Empire and leading to the rise of British hegemony in India. As the British consolidated their control, they introduced administrative reforms that altered traditional governance structures, including land revenue systems and law enforcement. This shift often undermined local governance and disrupted traditional social hierarchies. Furthermore, the war's outcome facilitated the spread of British culture and educational practices, influencing social change in Indian society. The fragmentation of the Maratha confederacy also encouraged the emergence of new regional powers, reshaping the political landscape and setting the stage for further resistance against British rule in subsequent decades.

Previous Year Questions on Second Anglo-Maratha War

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which of the following was a significant battle in the Second Anglo-Maratha War?

A) Battle of Plassey
B) Battle of Buxar
C) Battle of Assaye
D) Battle of Panipat

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Battle of Assaye, fought on September 23, 1803, was a significant battle in the Second Anglo-Maratha War, marking a decisive victory for the British against the Maratha forces.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Critically assess the reasons for the British victory in the Second Anglo-Maratha War." Discuss the implications for the Maratha Empire.

Answer: The British victory in the Second Anglo-Maratha War can be attributed to several factors, including superior military tactics, effective leadership, and the strategic exploitation of internal divisions within the Maratha leadership. The British forces, led by Arthur Wellesley, utilized a combination of mobility and artillery, effectively countering traditional Maratha cavalry tactics. Additionally, the British formed alliances with rival Maratha factions, further destabilizing the confederacy. The implications for the Maratha Empire were profound; the war led to the loss of significant territories, weakening their political power and paving the way for British dominance in central India. The conflict marked a critical turning point, facilitating the eventual establishment of direct British rule over large parts of India.