Which Maratha statesman signed the Treaty of Bassein on December 31, 1802?
Baji Rao II
Understanding the Treaty of Bassein and Maratha Leaders
The question asks about the Maratha statesman who signed the Treaty of Bassein on December 31, 1802. This treaty was a significant event in Indian history, marking a crucial step in the decline of the Maratha Confederacy and the rise of British influence.
Key Details of the Treaty of Bassein (1802)
The Treaty of Bassein was signed on December 31, 1802, between the British East India Company and the Maratha Peshwa. The Peshwa was the chief minister or prime minister of the Maratha Empire and held significant power, especially towards the later period of the empire.
Following conflicts and internal strife within the Maratha Confederacy, particularly between the Peshwa and the Holkar faction, the then Peshwa sought protection from the British. This led to the signing of the Treaty of Bassein.
Identifying the Maratha Signatory
Let's examine the options provided:
- Baji Rao II: He was the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire during the period leading up to and including 1802. Internal conflicts among the Maratha chiefs, especially with Yashwantrao Holkar, forced him to seek refuge and sign the treaty with the British.
- Vithuji Holkar: He was related to Yashwantrao Holkar and was involved in the conflict with the Peshwa, but he was not the signatory of the Treaty of Bassein.
- Daulat Rao Sindhia: He was a powerful Maratha chief from the Sindhia dynasty. While a major figure in the Maratha Confederacy, he was an opponent of the treaty and later fought against the British in the Second Anglo-Maratha War triggered by it.
- Madhava Rao Narayan: Also known as Madhavrao II, he was a Peshwa who died in 1795, well before the Treaty of Bassein was signed in 1802.
Based on historical records, the Maratha statesman who signed the Treaty of Bassein on December 31, 1802, with the British East India Company was Baji Rao II.
Significance of the Treaty of Bassein
The Treaty of Bassein was a pivotal moment. By signing it, Baji Rao II accepted the Subsidiary Alliance system offered by the British. This agreement essentially placed the Peshwa under British protection, required him to cede territory for the maintenance of British troops, accept a British Resident at his court, and conduct foreign affairs only through the British. This treaty greatly expanded British influence and control over the Maratha territories and was a major cause of the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805), as other Maratha chiefs like Sindhia and Bhonsle resented the Peshwa's submission to the British.
| Treaty | Date | Signatories (Maratha Side) | Signatories (British Side) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treaty of Bassein | December 31, 1802 | Peshwa Baji Rao II | British East India Company (Represented by Governor-General Lord Wellesley) | Peshwa accepts Subsidiary Alliance, Cedes territory, British influence expands significantly. |
Conclusion
The statesman who signed the Treaty of Bassein on December 31, 1802, was Peshwa Baji Rao II.
Revision Table: Key Maratha Treaties and Leaders
| Treaty | Year | Maratha Signatory/Involved Party | British Signatory/Involved Party | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treaty of Surat | 1775 | Raghunathrao (Raghoba) | Bombay Government (EIC) | Started First Anglo-Maratha War |
| Treaty of Purandar | 1776 | Nana Phadnavis (acting for Peshwa Madhavrao II) | Calcutta Council (EIC) | Tried to reverse Treaty of Surat |
| Treaty of Salbai | 1782 | Mahadaji Sindhia (representing Marathas) | Warren Hastings (EIC) | Ended First Anglo-Maratha War, Status Quo largely restored |
| Treaty of Bassein | 1802 | Peshwa Baji Rao II | Lord Wellesley (EIC) | Peshwa accepts Subsidiary Alliance, Led to Second Anglo-Maratha War |
| Treaty of Poona | 1817 | Peshwa Baji Rao II | EIC | Further weakened Peshwa's position, prelude to Third Anglo-Maratha War |
| Treaty of Gwalior | 1817 | Daulat Rao Sindhia | EIC | Sindhia gives up rights over Rajput states |
Additional Information on Maratha Confederacy and British Relations
The period from the late 18th century to the early 19th century saw increasing conflict between the Maratha Confederacy and the British East India Company. The Marathas, though powerful, were often divided by internal rivalries among the major chiefs: the Peshwa at Pune, the Sindhias at Gwalior, the Holkars at Indore, the Bhonsles at Nagpur, and the Gaekwads at Baroda.
The British policy, particularly under Governor-General Lord Wellesley, aimed at establishing British paramountcy through the Subsidiary Alliance system. This system involved Indian rulers agreeing to:
- Accept British troops within their territory and pay for their maintenance.
- Accept a British Resident at their court.
- Not enter into alliances with other powers or wage war without British permission.
- Give up their foreign policy to the British.
The Treaty of Bassein was one of the key treaties under this system, effectively bringing the head of the Maratha Confederacy (the Peshwa) under British control. This was a major step towards the eventual dissolution of the Maratha power and the expansion of British rule in India.
Similar Questions
The term Upari refers to which one of the following?
The First Anglo-Maratha War was concluded by which one of the following?
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:
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
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Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Important Questions from Maratha Confederacy
In which year was the third Battle of Panipat fought?
Match List - I with List - II taking assistance of the codes given below :
List - I
(Treaties with Marathas)List - II
(Years)1. Treaty of Saibai a. 1782 2. Treaty of Bassein b. 1802 3. Treaty of Surji Anjangoan c. 1803 4. Treaty of Rajpurghat d. 1805 Which treaty was signed as a result of the Third Anglo-Maratha War between the British and the Holkar chief in 1818?
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:
The sources on Maratha history supplemented by Peshwa Diaries' and the selections from the Peshwa daftar has been extensively used by
