First Anglo Maratha War (1775-1782)

Marathas vs. English: Struggles for Power in 18th Century India

The Maratha Empire ruled over a sizable chunk of the nation and also received tribute from territories that were not directly under their direct authority. They were in Lahore by the middle of the eighteenth century, considering ruling the north Indian empire and acting as king-makers in the Mughal court. The Marathas and the English engaged in three battles for political control between the latter quarter of the 18th century and the first quarter of the 19th century, with the English ultimately triumphing.

These disputes were brought on by the English’s excessive ambition and the Marathas’ divided house, which gave the English hope for their business venture’s success.

Prelude to Conflict: Succession Struggles in First Anglo Maratha War

Succession Turmoil: Rise of Sawai and Barabhai in Maratha Empire

• Madhavrao passed away in 1772, and his brother Narayanrao took his place as the sixth Peshwa.
• Raghunathrao, Narayanrao’s uncle, killed his nephew and proclaimed himself the new Peshwa, even though he was not the legitimate heir.
• After her husband’s passing, Gangabai, Narayanrao’s widow, gave birth to a son.
• The newborn child was given the name “Sawai,” which means “One and a Quarter,” and he was officially the next Peshwa.
• The newborn was named the next Peshwa, and twelve Maratha chiefs (Barabhai), commanded by Nana Phadnavis, attempted to govern for him as regents.

Power Struggle Sparks Conflict: Sawai vs. Raghunath Rao

• The struggle for control between Sawai Madhav Rao and Raghunath Rao was the primary cause of this conflict.

Political Maneuvers: Maratha Chiefs, British, and Peshwa Rivalry

• Nanaphadnavis supported Madhav Rao. Raghunath Rao (Raghoba), who assassinated the previous Peshwa Narayan Rao, asked the British for assistance to be placed as Peshwa against Madhar Rao, Narayan Rao’s recently born posthumous son.
• To foster cooperation with the new Peshwa, Nanafadnavis established a confederation with shrewd Marath chiefs.
• The British, who supported Raghunath Rao on behalf of one faction, intended to profit from the conflict.
• In 1775, Raghunath Rao and the British made a deal in Surat. Raghunath Rao promised the British that if they installed him as Peshwa, he would hand over Salsette and Bessien.

Surat Treaty (1775): Raghunathrao Allies with English Powers

• Raghunathrao sought assistance from the English in Bombay and signed the Treaty in Surat because he was unwilling to cede his position of authority. 
• In accordance with the terms of the agreement, Raghunathrao gave the English control over the Salsette and Bassein regions as well as a percentage of their revenue from the Surat and Bharuch districts.
• Raghunathrao was to give the English 2,500 soldiers in exchange.

Purandar Treaty (1776): British Replace Surat Agreement

• The Treaty of Surat was censured by the British Calcutta Council and Colonel Upton was sent to Pune to annul it and make a new treaty.
• The new treaty was called the Treaty of Purandar, 1776 with the regency which renounced Raghunath and promised him a pension.

Maratha Tactics: Scorched Earth and Wadgaon Siege Strategy

• The Marathas employed a “scorched earth” strategy, destroying crops and polluting wells. 
• The Marathas attacked as the English were about to retire to Talegaon, forcing them to flee to Wadgaon. The Marathas surrounded the English force, cutting off its access to food and water.

Wadgaon Treaty (1779): English Yield Lands to Marathas

• By the middle of January 1779, the English had given up and had signed the Treaty of Wadgaon, which required the Bombay administration to cede all the lands they had won since 1775.

Salbai Treaty (1782): British-Maratha Peace and Clauses

• According to the Salbai Treaty, the status quo was upheld. The British enjoyed 20 years of Maratha peace as a result of this deal. This contract also aided the British in using the Marathas to put pressure on Mysore to reclaim their territory from Hyder Ali. The Treaty of Salbai’s principal clauses were as follows: 
  • The English should keep custody of the Salsette.
  • No other European country should receive backing from the Peshwa.

Conclusion

The Salbai treaty put an end to the First Anglo Maratha War, reinstated the status quo, and established peace between the British and the Maratha for 20 years. As per the treaty, The Marathas should regain control of all of the areas they have gained since the Treaty of Purandar (1776), including Bassein and 

Raghunathrao should not receive any more assistance from the English, and the Peshwa should provide him with a maintenance stipend.

First Anglo – Maratha War  FAQs

Q1. When was the First Anglo Maratha War fought?

Ans. The First Anglo Maratha War was fought between Surat and Pune Kingdom from 1775 – 1782.

Q2. What were the causes of the First Anglo Maratha War?

Ans. Territorial disputes, the expansion of the British East India Company, and the Maratha Empire’s decline.

Q3. Who won the First Anglo Maratha War?

Ans. The British East India Company.

Q4. What were the consequences of the First Anglo Maratha War?

Ans. The British East India Company gained control of much of the Maratha Empire’s territory.

Q5. What are some of the important events of the First Anglo Maratha War?

Ans. The Battle of Panipat, the Battle of Wadgaon, and the Treaty of Salbai.

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