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

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.