Second Anglo-Maratha War

The Second Anglo-Maratha War was fought between the years 1803 and 1805. This conflict surged between the Maratha Empire of the Indian Subcontinent and the British East India Company. 

In the 17th Century, the Maratha dominated most of the Indian Subcontinent. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj shared the independent Maratha Kingdom with the principal of Hindawi Swarajya. The first Anglo-Maratha war took place between the Marathas and the British Company in the late and beginning of 18th and 19th century, respectively. As a result of this war, the treaty of Surat was endorsed in the year 1775. According to this treaty, the company took over Broach and Salsette. In addition, the Maratha made a promise to the company that the French would not hold any territories. There were several other treaties that were endorsed between the Marathas and the British company. These include- Treaty of Wadgaon and the treaty of Salbai. 

Now, let us discuss some of the features and nature of the Second Anglo-Maratha War of 1803-05. 

War of 1803-05

In the year 1799, Tipu Sultan’s kingdom of Mysore was annexed by the British Companies. After this victory, the only major kingdom left for securing was the kingdom of Maratha. The British East India Company was determined to bring the kingdom under the Domination of the British. It must be noted that during those times the Maratha empire was in an alliance of five significant chiefs. These chiefs were the Peshwas, the Holkar’s, the Gaekwads, the Bhosle’s, and the Scindia’s. 

After the death of the Peshwa Mahavrao II, Peshwa Baji Rao II was given the responsibility to rule the Maratha Empire. In the year 1802, Peshwa Baji Rao II was defeated by the chief of the Holkar’s. During these hard times, the Peshwas asked for help and protection from the British against the Holkar’s. Therefore, the treaty of Bassein was signed between Baji Rao II and the British East India Company. The treaty included provisions for the maintenance of the troops of the British Empire in the hands of the Maratha. The chiefs of Maratha had to surrender their territories and foreign policies to the company.  In addition to this, the Marathas had ceded a portion of its territory to the British administration. However, the provisions of the treaty were not readily accepted by the Bhosle’s and the Scindia’s This rift caused the conflict between the British Empire and the Marathas- which was known as the Second Anglo-Maratha War. 

Results

After looking at the Second Anglo-Maratha War of 1803-05; let us look at the answer to the question of what was the result of the second Anglo-Maratha war. 

In this conflict, the Marathas soldiers were eventually defeated by the British Empire

Therefore, the question of who won the second Anglo-Maratha war is predominantly clear. The British Empire won the battle. The consequence can be seen in the form of several treaties. These treaties included-

• Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon: The treaty of Surji-Anjangaon was signed between the British empire and the Scindia’s. As a result of this treaty, several territories of Scindia came under the administration of the British Empire

• Treaty of Rajghat: The treaty of Rajghat was signed between the British Empire and the Holkar’s. As a result of this treaty, Rampura, Tonk, and Bundi regions were given to the British 

• Treaty of Deogaon: The treaty of Deogaon was signed between the British Empire and the Bhosle’s

Hence, with the end of the Second Anglo-Maratha War- a major portion of Central India came under the domination of the British Empire. 

Conclusion

The Second Anglo-Maratha War was battled between the years 1803 and 1805. This contention flooded between the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company. This was the second clash between the Marathas and the British in India. In the year 1802, Peshwa Baji Rao II was crushed by the head of the Holkar’s. During these tough situations, the Peshwas requested help and the deal of Bassein was endorsed between Baji Rao II and the British East India Company. This fracture by Bhosle’s and the Scandia’s caused the contention between the British Empire and the Marathas. The British Empire won the fight. The outcome was found as a few settlements.