First Anglo-Maratha War
Background and Context
The First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782) was a significant conflict between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India. This war marked the beginning of a series of Anglo-Maratha conflicts that would eventually lead to the British dominance over the Indian subcontinent. The war was primarily triggered by the internal succession disputes within the Maratha Empire and the opportunistic involvement of the British East India Company.
Causes of the War
The primary cause of the First Anglo-Maratha War was the succession dispute following the death of the Maratha Peshwa Madhavrao I in 1772. His death led to a power struggle between his brother Narayanrao and his uncle Raghunathrao, also known as Raghoba. Raghunathrao, seeking to become the Peshwa, assassinated Narayanrao in 1773. However, Narayanrao's widow, Gangabai, gave birth to a posthumous son, Sawai Madhavrao, which complicated Raghunathrao's claim.
The Barbhai Council, a group of influential Maratha chiefs, supported the infant Sawai Madhavrao as the rightful heir. Raghunathrao, in a bid to secure his position, sought the assistance of the British East India Company, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Surat in 1775. This treaty granted Raghunathrao British military support in exchange for territories and revenues.
Course of the War
Initial Engagements
The war began with the British forces, under the command of Colonel Keating, marching towards Pune to install Raghunathrao as the Peshwa. However, they were met with resistance from the Maratha forces led by the Barbhai Council. The initial engagements were indecisive, with both sides suffering losses.
The Battle of Wadgaon
One of the most significant battles of the war was the Battle of Wadgaon in January 1779. The British forces, led by Colonel Egerton, were decisively defeated by the Marathas under the command of Mahadji Shinde (also known as Mahadji Scindia). The British were forced to retreat and eventually surrounded at Wadgaon, leading to the signing of the Convention of Wadgaon, which was highly unfavorable to the British.
Stalemate and Negotiations
Despite the setback at Wadgaon, the British were unwilling to accept defeat. Reinforcements were sent from Bengal Presidency, and the war continued in a state of stalemate. Both sides engaged in sporadic skirmishes without any decisive outcomes. The British, under the leadership of Governor-General Warren Hastings, sought to negotiate a more favorable settlement.
Treaty of Salbai
The prolonged conflict and the realization of mutual exhaustion led to the negotiation of the Treaty of Salbai in 1782. The treaty was mediated by Mahadji Shinde and resulted in the restoration of territories to the pre-war status quo. Raghunathrao was pensioned off, and Sawai Madhavrao was recognized as the Peshwa. The treaty established a period of relative peace between the British and the Marathas, lasting for two decades.
Impact and Consequences
The First Anglo-Maratha War had significant implications for both the British and the Marathas. For the British East India Company, the war highlighted the complexities of Indian politics and the limitations of their military power. It underscored the need for strategic alliances and diplomacy in dealing with Indian states.
For the Marathas, the war reinforced the importance of unity among the various factions and the need to resist external interference. The role of Mahadji Shinde in negotiating the Treaty of Salbai elevated his status within the Maratha Empire, making him one of the most influential leaders of his time.
Legacy
The First Anglo-Maratha War set the stage for future conflicts between the British and the Marathas. The temporary peace established by the Treaty of Salbai was eventually broken, leading to the Second Anglo-Maratha War and the eventual decline of Maratha power. The war also demonstrated the shifting dynamics of power in India, with the British gradually expanding their influence over the subcontinent.