First Anglo Maratha War

Peshwa Madhavrao I appeared as the 9th Peshwa in the year 1745. Following the demise of one of the greatest Maratha Emperors, his son Narayanrao succeeded him to the throne. Within one year of the coronation, in August 1773 the palace security officials intrigued Narayanrao and killed him under the command of his uncle Raghunathrao. 

Raghunathrao or Raghoba banished his nephew’s wife and his loyal chiefs. To his ignorance, the chiefs of Narayanrao attempted to restore the throne with its lawful successor – ‘Sawai’ Madhavrao. This endeavor was directed by Nana Phadnavis – a dominant Maratha Chief of that time. Sensing his vulnerability, feeble Raghunathrao approached the British to protect his interests. 

Events leading to the First Anglo Maratha War

Raghoba went on to sign an agreement with the British East India Company on 6th March 1775 in Surat. The Treaty of Surat guaranteed the military assistance of 2500 personnel. In return, he gave up the provinces of Bassein and Salsette. In addition to that, he also handed over the revenue rights of Surat and Bharuch to the British. 

The Supreme Council in Bengal denounced the Surat agreement and summoned Colonel Upton to renegotiate with Raghunathrao.

 Following the rejection from Raghunathrao, Governor-General Warren Hasting decided to sign the Treaty of Purandhar with Nana Phadnavis in March 1776. Both the parties agreed to drive away French officials from India. The revenue rights of Salsette and Bharuch continued to belong to the British. The British East India Company helped ‘Sawai’ Madhavrao to annex the throne by sending Raghunathrao to exile.

In 1777, Governor-General Warren Hastings commanded the army of the British East India Company to attack Pune after Nana Phadnavis broke terms of the treaty by assigning the French a port in the western frontier. 

Initial Skirmishes of the First Anglo Maratha War – Wadgaon Battle 

In 1779, the British East India Company’s army led by Col. Egerton forced its way to Karla district. Their objective was to install Raghunathrao as the Peshwa to restrict the collaboration of the French and the Marathas. This three-year-long venture of the British Government (1776-1779) ultimately failed. The battalions from northern states led by Col. Goddard could not make it on time, the army was compelled to retreat and surrender in Wadgaon. The Treaty of Wadgaon was signed on 13th January 1779 which implied that the British East India Company are not going to interfere in Maratha affairs. 

Lord Warren Hasting’s Action

Governor Warren Hastings refused to accept the terms of the Treaty of Wadgaon. To his best knowledge, the Maratha officials had not been delegated with any legal authority to set the terms of the agreement. Therefore, he commanded Col. Goddard to exercise control over the Maratha territories with full force. With the help of 6000 Arab foot guards and 2000 horses, Goddard successfully captured Ahmedabad by conquering the fort of Bhadra. Later on, he went on to annex Bassein and regain revenue rights. 

Incessant battles took place with Mahadji Shinde who served as the ruler of Ujjain. At first, he was challenged by a brigade that was dispatched from Bengal under Captain Popham. Later on, Major Camac and his army launched attacks. Every time the conclusion came out as ambiguous. 

First Anglo Maratha War – Array of Battles in the Deccan 

The Marathas gathered a crucial victory in the Bhor Ghat conflict by defeating the cunning Col. Goddard who had his eyes on Pune after occupying Bassein.

 The Malwa portion was well secured under the prominence of the great Scindia monarch – Mahadji Shinde. In the initial years, the British soldiers were humiliated in fights now and then. Only once did the British army secure a win in the battle of Shiori. Major Camac faced loss against the Marathas in the battle of Sironj. The shrewd General took not much time to secure his revenge at the war of Durdah. On 1st July 1781, the omnipotence of Mahadji Shinde became evident after he demolished the combined army of the British East India Company which was directed by Col. Murre, Major Camac, and Popham. Mahadji can be considered as the personality who won the first Anglo Maratha war on behalf of the Marathas. 

The outcome of the first Anglo Maratha War 

The war ended in mutual terms by signing the famous Treaty of Salbai that promised temporary non-intervention of the British for twenty years.

 The British East India Company accepted Madhavrao II as the new Peshwa and at the same time promised to chop off their ties with Raghunathrao. The British Government agreed to return all the territories annexed after the Purandhar war. The portions of Mahadji Shinde that were situated on the western bank of the Jamuna River were returned. 

In return the Marathas allowed the British to continue enjoying the revenue rights of Bharuch and Salsette. Also, the Marathas promised to help the British East India Company in annexing the Carnatic provinces of the Eastern Ghats. 

Conclusion

The First Anglo Maratha War continued for seven long years. The war came to an end with a mutual agreement through the Treat of Salbai in 1782. The British army experienced a rough patch of casualties caused by their endless greed for power. The Maratha Peshwas proved their valiant essence by fighting the British army on level terms.