Which of the following Anglo - Maratha wars resulted in merging the Peshwas' territories with the Bombay Presidency?
Third
Understanding the Anglo-Maratha Wars
The question asks about the specific Anglo-Maratha War that resulted in the Peshwa's territories being integrated into the British East India Company's Bombay Presidency. To answer this, let's examine the outcomes of the various Anglo-Maratha conflicts.
Overview of the Anglo-Maratha Wars
There were primarily three major conflicts between the British East India Company and the Maratha Confederacy. These wars significantly impacted the political landscape of India.
- First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782): This war ended with the Treaty of Salbai, which largely restored the status quo, although the British gained Salsette and Bassein. It did not result in significant territorial annexation from the Marathas, especially not the core Peshwa territories.
- Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805): This war resulted in significant territorial gains for the British, particularly in parts of Orissa, Gujarat, and the Doab region. However, the central Maratha power under the Peshwa was weakened but not completely dismantled, and their core territories were not fully annexed into a Presidency.
- Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818): This was the final and decisive conflict. It led to the complete defeat of the Maratha power. The Peshwa, Baji Rao II, was defeated and pensioned off. His territories were annexed by the British.
Outcome of the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818)
The Third Anglo-Maratha War is the key event related to the question. Following the defeat of the Peshwa Baji Rao II at battles like Khadki, Koregaon, and Ashti, the British formally annexed the Peshwa's dominions.
- The Peshwa's office was abolished.
- A large portion of the Peshwa's territories in the Deccan was merged with the existing British territory to form the nucleus of the Bombay Presidency. Some parts were given to the Raja of Satara, a descendant of Shivaji, to create a small princely state under British suzerainty.
Therefore, it was the Third Anglo-Maratha War that led to the direct annexation of the Peshwa's core territories and their integration into the Bombay Presidency.
Conclusion on Peshwa Territories and Bombay Presidency
Based on the outcomes of the Anglo-Maratha Wars, the war that concluded with the merging of the Peshwas' territories with the Bombay Presidency was the Third Anglo-Maratha War.
| War | Duration | Key Treaty | Outcome Regarding Peshwa/Territories |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1775-1782 | Treaty of Salbai | Status quo largely maintained; no major annexation of Peshwa territories. |
| Second | 1803-1805 | Treaty of Bassein (prior), Treaties of Surji-Anjangaon, Rajghat | Weakened Marathas; British gains, but Peshwa's core territories not fully annexed. |
| Third | 1817-1818 | — (Ended with defeat and annexation) | Peshwa defeated and removed; Peshwa's territories annexed and merged with Bombay Presidency. |
Revision Table: Anglo-Maratha War Outcomes
| War | Major Result |
|---|---|
| First Anglo-Maratha War | Ended inconclusively with Treaty of Salbai. |
| Second Anglo-Maratha War | British gained significant territories; Maratha power weakened. |
| Third Anglo-Maratha War | Complete defeat of Maratha Confederacy; Annexation of Peshwa territories into Bombay Presidency. |
Additional Information: Peshwa and Bombay Presidency
Understanding the terms 'Peshwa' and 'Bombay Presidency' provides context to the question.
- Peshwa: Originally the Prime Minister of the Maratha king, the Peshwas of the Bhat family became the de facto rulers of the Maratha Confederacy in the 18th century, holding significant territories around Pune.
- Bombay Presidency: One of the three main administrative subdivisions (Presidencies) of British India. It grew over time through annexations and treaties. The merger of the Peshwa's territories significantly expanded its size and importance in the Deccan region.
The Third Anglo-Maratha War marked the end of the independent Maratha state under the Peshwas and a major expansion of British direct rule in Western India through the Bombay Presidency.
Important Questions from Marathas
Which Maratha warrior died in the successful defence of the Sinhagad fort fighting against the Mughal army?
The Third Battle of Panipat was fought between _____.
What were not consequences of this war ?
Which was not one of the reasons for the defeat of the Marathas ?
The following passage refers about which important battle
