In which year was the Treaty of Bassein signed between Baji Rao II, the Maratha Peshwa of Poona in India, and the British?

Question

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Understanding the Treaty of Bassein 1802

The Treaty of Bassein is a significant agreement in the history of British India and the decline of the Maratha Empire. It was signed between the British East India Company and Baji Rao II, who was the Maratha Peshwa (chief minister) based in Poona (modern-day Pune).

The treaty was signed in 1802, specifically on 31st December. This treaty was a consequence of internal conflicts within the Maratha Confederacy. Following his defeat by the Holkar faction at the Battle of Poona, Peshwa Baji Rao II sought refuge and military assistance from the British.

Key Aspects of the Treaty of Bassein

The Treaty of Bassein essentially placed the Maratha Peshwa under British protection. Some of the main points of the treaty included:

The Peshwa agreed to receive a permanent force of British subsidiary troops stationed in his territory.
He agreed to cede territories to the British to cover the cost of this force.
He also agreed to surrender control over his foreign affairs and not engage with other powers without British consent.
The Peshwa had to accept British mediation in disputes with other Maratha chiefs.

This treaty greatly increased British influence in the Maratha territories and was a major step towards the disintegration of the Maratha Confederacy. It also played a crucial role in the events leading to the Second Anglo-Maratha War.

Year of the Treaty: 1802

The question asks for the year the Treaty of Bassein was signed between Baji Rao II, the Maratha Peshwa of Poona, and the British. Based on historical records, this pivotal treaty was signed in the year 1802.

Treaty Name	Signatories	Year Signed	Location	Significance
Treaty of Bassein	Baji Rao II (Maratha Peshwa) & British East India Company	1802	Bassein (Vasai)	Placed Peshwa under British protection, increased British influence, contributed to Second Anglo-Maratha War.

Revision Table: Bassein Treaty Facts

Detail	Information
Name	Treaty of Bassein
Key Maratha Signatory	Baji Rao II (Peshwa)
Other Signatory	British East India Company
Year Signed	1802
Context	Following Baji Rao II's defeat by Holkar
Effect	Peshwa accepted Subsidiary Alliance, ceded territory, lost foreign policy control

Additional Information on Baji Rao II and the Marathas

Baji Rao II: He was the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. His reign was marked by internal dissent among the Maratha chiefs (like Scindia, Holkar, Gaekwad, Bhonsle) and increasing British intervention. His decision to sign the Treaty of Bassein was highly unpopular with other Maratha leaders and is seen as a major factor in the loss of Maratha independence.

Maratha Confederacy: The Maratha power emerged in the 17th century under Shivaji Maharaj. By the 18th century, the Peshwas became the de facto rulers, leading a confederacy of powerful Maratha sardars. Internal rivalries weakened the confederacy, making it vulnerable to the British.

Subsidiary Alliance System: This system was introduced by Lord Wellesley, the Governor-General of British India. It was a treaty between the British East India Company and Indian princely states, by which the Indian ruler agreed to:

Accept the permanent stationing of a British force within his territory.
Pay a subsidy for the maintenance of this force or cede a part of his territory for this purpose.
Expel all non-British Europeans from his state.
Accept a British Resident at his court.
Not enter into negotiations or alliances with any other Indian ruler without the British Resident's knowledge and consent.

The Treaty of Bassein brought the Peshwa under this system, significantly extending British control over a major Indian power.