Understanding the Treaty of Surat (1775)

The question asks about the parties involved in signing the Treaty of Surat. This treaty is a significant event in the history of the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company, particularly in the context of the First Anglo-Maratha War.

Context of the Treaty of Surat

The Treaty of Surat was signed in 1775. It occurred during a period of internal power struggles within the Maratha Confederacy. Following the death of the Maratha Peshwa, Narayan Rao, his uncle, Raghunath Rao (also known as Raghoba), sought to become the Peshwa. However, a council of twelve Maratha chiefs, known as the 'Barabhai', supported the claim of Narayan Rao's infant son, Sawai Madhav Rao, and his regent Nana Fadnavis. This political instability created an opportunity for the British East India Company to intervene in Maratha affairs.

Raghunath Rao and the British Alliance

Facing opposition from the powerful Barabhai council, Raghunath Rao turned to the British for help. He sought military assistance from the Bombay government of the British East India Company to secure his claim to the Peshwaship. This alliance was formalized through the Treaty of Surat.

Terms of the Treaty of Surat

Under the Treaty of Surat (1775):

• Raghunath Rao ceded Salsette and Bassein to the British.
• He also promised to give the British control over revenues from the Surat and Bharuch districts.
• In return, the British agreed to provide Raghunath Rao with military support to help him regain his position as Peshwa.

This treaty marked the beginning of the First Anglo-Maratha War, as the British interference in Maratha internal matters was challenged by the Barabhai council and the Peshwa's government in Poona.

Analysis of Options

Let's look at the given options:

• Sayaji Rao: Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III was a ruler of Baroda much later, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was not involved in the Treaty of Surat in 1775.
• Raghunath Rao: As discussed above, Raghunath Rao (Raghoba) signed the Treaty of Surat with the British East India Company seeking their support against his rivals in the Maratha Confederacy.
• Narayan Rao: Narayan Rao was the Peshwa whose death triggered the succession crisis that led to Raghunath Rao's actions. He was already deceased when the Treaty of Surat was signed.
• Balaji Baji Rao: Balaji Baji Rao, also known as Nanasaheb, was Peshwa before Narayan Rao. He died in 1761, long before the Treaty of Surat was signed in 1775.

Based on historical facts, the Treaty of Surat was a pact between the British East India Company and Raghunath Rao.

Revision Table: Key Individuals & Treaties

Additional Information on Anglo-Maratha Relations

The Treaty of Surat was a direct cause of the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782). The Calcutta Council of the British East India Company, under Governor-General Warren Hastings, initially condemned the actions of the Bombay government and negotiated the Treaty of Purandar in 1776 with the Maratha government led by Nana Fadnavis. The Treaty of Purandar effectively annulled the Treaty of Surat. However, disputes continued, leading to renewed hostilities. The war finally concluded with the Treaty of Salbai in 1782, which brought a period of relative peace for twenty years, though British influence continued to grow over time.

Understanding these treaties helps clarify the complex political landscape in India during the late 18th century and the strategic maneuvering between Indian powers and the burgeoning British influence.