All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

The First Anglo-Maratha War was concluded by which one of the following?  

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2023 English Previous Year Paper (16-April-2023)
The correct answer is

The Treaty of Salbai

Understanding the First Anglo-Maratha War and its Conclusion

The First Anglo-Maratha War was a series of conflicts fought in India between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire during the late 18th century. This war was a significant event in the history of British expansion in India and the decline of the Maratha power.

The war began primarily due to British interference in the internal affairs of the Marathas, particularly a succession dispute in Poona. The British supported Raghunathrao (Raghoba) against the legal claimant Madhavrao II, which led to the Treaty of Surat in 1775.

Analyzing the Treaties and Conventions

Let's look at the options provided and their role in the context of the First Anglo-Maratha War:

  • The Treaty of Surat (1775): This treaty was signed between Raghunathrao and the British, essentially initiating British involvement in the Maratha succession struggle and marking the beginning of the First Anglo-Maratha War. It did not conclude the war.
  • The Treaty of Purandar (1776): Signed between the British and the regency council governing for the young Maratha Peshwa, Madhavrao II. This treaty attempted to nullify the Treaty of Surat but was not fully honoured by either side, and hostilities continued. It was an attempt at peace during the war, but not the final conclusion.
  • The Convention of Wadgaon (1779): This was a major setback for the British during the war. After a British force was surrounded by the Marathas near Wadgaon, they were forced to sign this convention, which was highly unfavourable to the British. It certainly did not conclude the war; rather, it was a point within the conflict.
  • The Treaty of Salbai (1782): This treaty was signed between the British East India Company and the Marathas. It brought the First Anglo-Maratha War to an end. The treaty was the result of complex negotiations involving various parties, including the Marathas, the British, and even Haidar Ali of Mysore, who was warring with the British simultaneously.

Therefore, the treaty that officially concluded the First Anglo-Maratha War was the Treaty of Salbai.

Detailed Explanation of the Conclusion of the War

The First Anglo-Maratha War lasted from 1775 to 1782. Neither side achieved a decisive victory initially. The British suffered losses, particularly highlighted by the Convention of Wadgaon. The Marathas, too, faced internal divisions and external pressures.

Peace negotiations were initiated, leading to the Treaty of Salbai in 1782. Key terms of the Treaty of Salbai included:

  • Salbai was ratified by Nana Fadnavis (representing the Marathas) in 1783.
  • Status quo was largely restored, with the British retaining Salsette and the Marathas regaining territories they had lost.
  • The British recognised Madhavrao II as the Peshwa and renounced their support for Raghunathrao.
  • The Marathas agreed not to support other European powers against the British.

This treaty maintained a period of relative peace between the British and the Marathas for about twenty years.

Revision Table: Treaties of the First Anglo-Maratha War

Treaty/Convention Year Signatories Significance
Treaty of Surat 1775 British, Raghunathrao Started the war; British supported Raghunathrao.
Treaty of Purandar 1776 British, Maratha Regency Council Attempted to supersede Treaty of Surat; not fully effective.
Convention of Wadgaon 1779 British, Marathas Humiliating defeat and terms for the British during the war.
Treaty of Salbai 1782 British, Marathas Concluded the First Anglo-Maratha War.

Additional Information on the Treaty of Salbai

The Treaty of Salbai is significant because it established a balance of power for a time, acknowledging Maratha strength while securing British interests like the island of Salsette. It also demonstrated the complexities of Indian politics and the involvement of multiple regional powers in the conflicts.

By ending the First Anglo-Maratha War, the Treaty of Salbai allowed the British to focus their resources on their conflict with Mysore under Haidar Ali and later Tipu Sultan. The peace with the Marathas was crucial for British strategy in Southern India.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. The term Upari refers to which one of the following?

  2. Arrange the following events associated with Shivaji in chronological order:

    1. Attack on Afzal Khan

    2. Capture of Torna

    3. Attack on Shaista Khan

    4. Annexation of Javli

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  3. Which Maratha statesman signed the Treaty of Bassein on December 31, 1802?

  4. Chronologically arrange the following treaties/conventions signed between the Marathas and the British (starting with the earliest) :

    1. Treaty of Salbai

    2. Treaty of Purandar

    3. Convention of Wadgaon

    4. Treaty of Surat

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :


Important Questions from Maratha Confederacy

  1. In which year was the third Battle of Panipat fought?

  2. Match List - I with List - II taking assistance of the codes given below :

    List - I
    (Treaties with Marathas)
    List - II
    (Years)
    1.Treaty of Saibaia.1782
    2.Treaty of Basseinb.1802
    3.Treaty of Surji Anjangoanc.1803
    4.Treaty of Rajpurghatd.1805
  3. Which treaty was signed as a result of the Third Anglo-Maratha War between the British and the Holkar chief in 1818?

  4. Arrange the following events chronologically starting from the earliest

    (A) Treaty of Surat

    (B) Convention of Wadgaon

    (C) Treaty of Mangalore

    (D) Treaty of Purandhar

    (E) Treaty of Salbai

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  5. The sources on Maratha history supplemented by Peshwa Diaries' and the selections from the Peshwa daftar has been extensively used by

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
NDA
September 13, 2026
CDS
September 13, 2026
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
540 Tests 4 Tests Free
1478 Attempts
4.3(173)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App