Modern History - All lessons

Anglo-Maratha War III (1817–19)

The Third Anglo-Maratha War, spanning from 1817 to 1819, marked the final and decisive conflict between the British East India Company and the Marathas. This war was fueled by various factors, including the Maratha desire to regain lost territories and the oppressive British rule over Maratha nobles and chiefs.

The Factors Leading to War

1. Maratha Aspirations for Territory

   • The Marathas were determined to reclaim territories they had lost, setting the stage for conflict with the British.

2. Oppression of Maratha Nobles

   • The British's oppressive control over Maratha nobles and chiefs sowed the seeds of discontent and resistance.

3. Pindari Dispute

   • The British's conflict with the Pindaris, whom they believed were receiving protection from the Marathas, added to the tensions that would lead to war.

The Course of the War

4. Geographical Theater

   • The conflict primarily unfolded in Maharashtra and its neighboring regions during the years 1817 and 1818.

5. Peshwa's Offensive

   • The Peshwa initiated hostilities by defeating Maratha chiefs in places such as Ashti, Nagpur, and Mahidpur. These chiefs had invaded the British Residency in November 1817.

6. Treaty of Gwalior

   • On November 5, 1817, the Treaty of Gwalior was signed, relegating Sindia to a passive role in the ongoing war.

7. Treaty of Mandsaur

   • Malhar Rao Holkar and the British reached the Treaty of Mandsaur on January 6, 1818. This treaty resulted in the removal of the Peshwa from power and the establishment of a pension for him.

8. British Expansion

   • As a consequence, the British extended their control by seizing more of the Peshwa's holdings.

Outcome of the Third Anglo-Maratha War

9. Treaty with Sindia

   • Despite not actively participating in the war, Sindia and the British signed the Treaty of Gwalior in 1817.

10. British Control Over Rajasthan

    • As stipulated in the treaty, Sindia ceded Rajasthan to the British.

11. Legacy in Rajputana

    • The Rajas of Rajputana retained their Princely States under British rule until 1947.

12. Treaty of Mandsaur

    • The Treaty of Mandsaur, signed by the British and the Holkar kings in 1818, solidified the British hold over India.

The Role of Inept Leadership

13. Ineffectual Maratha Leadership

    • The leadership of the Marathas played a significant role in their downfall.
    • Rulers like Bajirao II, Daulatrao Scindia, and Jaswantrao Holkar were ineffective and egotistical, contributing to their ultimate defeat.

14. Incompetence in Leadership

    • These later Maratha leaders proved ineffective in countering British authorities such as Elphinstone, John Malcolm, and Arthur Wellesley, who played crucial roles in the English victory against Napoleon.

The Third Anglo-Maratha War concluded with significant territorial changes and the consolidation of British dominance in India. It highlighted the impact of leadership and the aspirations of the Marathas in shaping the course of this historic conflict.