First Anglo-Maratha Wars

The British company set up its branch in Mumbai as a part of the trading expansion and this saw an emergence in the 17th century. As Mumbai remained one of the major ports for the conduction of the trading system through the seaport, this place gained a lot of importance for the Britishers. The present ruler at the time of the British invasion of Mumbai was under the Martha ruler. Thus, there was an arising cause in which the Britishers won the battle against the Maratha. The “Treaty of Salbai” was also signed as a part of British accession. 

Conquest of Maharashtra

the ‘Conquest of Maharashtra” which is also widely known as the “Anglo-Maratha war” took place in three-stage with different time periods. The “First Anglo-Maratha war” occurred from (1775 to 1782). The “second Anglo Martha war” occurred 1803 to 1805, and the “third Anglo Martha war” was conducted from 1817 to 1819. It is only in the “First Anglo-Maratha war” that the Marathas won while the other two Anglo Maratha wars were won by the British. There was segregation among the two sections of the rulers in Mumbai during the “First Anglo-Maratha war” period, the Hindus and the Muslims, who both demanded the eradication of the Englishmen. 

First Anglo-Maratha war

• “First Anglo-Maratha war” was the final result of the disturbing relationship between Britishers and the Marathas
• The “First Anglo-Maratha war” took place over a period of 7 years (1775-1782).
• The most important reason for the emergence of the “First Anglo-Maratha war” was the interference of the Marathas in the British government including their business transaction with the East India Company
• The “First Anglo-Maratha war” was conducted against the British East India Company and the Marathas
• The “First Anglo-Maratha war” began with the “Treaty of Surat” in its origin and was followed by the “Treaty of Salbai”
•  “First Anglo-Maratha war” is the only battle that resulted in the victory of the Marathas. The place where the “First Anglo-Maratha war” took place was Pune, a subcontinent of India

Treaty of Salbai

“Treaty of Salbai” is a large document that listed the reasons for the end of the “First Anglo-Maratha war”. The “Treaty of Salbai” was signed in 1782 on 17th May. The two parties who remained as the representative of the “First Anglo-Maratha war” were the “British East India Company” and the Marathas. “Treaty of Salbai” was signed by Mahadaji Shinde and Lord Warren Hastings. The primary result that was obtained as a “Treaty of Salbai” restored the peace and established the status quo among the two parties of the “First Anglo-Maratha war”. This treaty had great importance and maintenance until the announcement of the “second Anglo-Maratha war”. 

The existence of the “Treaty of Salbai” remained prominent even after 20 years of signing the treaty which is a remarkable factor of the treaty. The “First Anglo-Maratha war” continued for a longer period of time and it disturbed the mental, physical, economic and financial balance of the society under the Maratha king. In the initial part, it sounds like a treaty of peace for both the parties who took part in the “First Anglo-Maratha war” but in the latter half it was evident that the “Treaty of Salbai” served as a beneficial factor for the Britishers. Along with the establishment of peace, the Britishers also regained their power in Baroach and Salsette. 

The chronological events of the “Treaty of Salbai ” took place after the treaty was broken and the “second Anglo Martha war” was announced. Even though the rivalry between the two groups of representatives was made to attain peace, the “Treaty of Salbai ” was broken and resulted in the Treaty of Wadgaon. This treaty now remained as a challenge to the Britishers and upon accepting the challenge induced the violation of the “Treaty of Salbai” and beginning of “second Anglo Martha war”. 

Conclusion 

“East India Company”, was the big company introduced by the Englishmen in India that mainly focused on the trading and expansion of the business in different branches of India. The emergence of the company aided Indians in gaining employment and the art of culture. However, there are numerous challenges and the downfalls that had to be faced by the Indians that called for the “Conquest of Maharashtra”. After the battles were fought in context to the removal of the British and their company from the heart of India “First Anglo-Maratha war” took place. Along with the battle various treaties were signed for the benefit of the Britishers in the victory against the Indians.