This article explores the Anglo-Maratha struggle, focusing on the rise of the Marathas, British involvement, and the historical impact of the Maratha wars.
Anglo-Maratha Struggle for Supremacy: A Clash of Empires
The Marathas rose from a regional power to a dominant force in India, challenging the declining Mughal Empire. Their strategic expansion, confederacy system, and encounters with the British shaped the political landscape of 18th-century India, making it a significant topic for students of Indian history.
Rise of the Marathas to National Prominence: From Regional Power to Pan-Indian Influence
Emergence and Expansion of Maratha Power
(i) With the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Marathas became one of its main challengers, steadily increasing their influence.
(ii) They controlled vast territories and received tributes from regions outside direct control.
(iii) By the mid-18th century, the Marathas reached Lahore and aspired to dominate the North Indian Empire, acting as kingmakers in the Mughal court.
(iv) Despite defeat at the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) by Ahmad Shah Abdali, they regrouped within a decade and re-established their power across India.
Maratha Confederacy: Structure and Leadership under Peshwas
(i) Bajirao I (1720–1740), regarded as the greatest Peshwa, organized a confederacy of leading Maratha chiefs to manage and expand Maratha influence.
(ii) Under the Maratha Confederacy, prominent families were assigned regions to govern and conquer on behalf of the Maratha King, Shahu.
Key Families in the Maratha Confederacy
(a) Gaekwad of Baroda
(b) Bhonsle of Nagpur
(c) Holkars of Indore
(d) Sindhias of Gwalior
(e) Peshwas of Poona
(iii) The confederacy operated harmoniously under Bajirao I and Madhavrao I, but setbacks like Panipat and the death of Madhavrao I (1772) weakened Peshwa authority.
(iv) Chiefs occasionally united against the British (e.g., 1775–1782), though internal conflicts often undermined unity.
Entry of the English into Maratha Politics: Trigger for Conflict
(i) From the late 18th to early 19th century, the Marathas and English clashed three times, with the British ultimately prevailing.
(ii) The root cause was British ambition combined with internal divisions among the Marathas, creating opportunities for intervention.
(iii) The English in Bombay aimed to establish governance similar to Clive’s system in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
(iv) The British leveraged succession disputes and factionalism within the Marathas to assert political control.
