Explore the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1819), its key events, treaties, and the dissolution of the Maratha Confederacy. Understand its long-term consequences on India’s colonial history.
Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818)
The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818) marked the decisive end of Maratha power and the firm establishment of British paramountcy in India. Beginning with conflicts around the Pindaris and the Treaty of Bassein, the war saw Bajirao II and other Maratha chiefs challenging the British but facing crushing defeats. This topic is highly important for students preparing for UPSC, State PSC, and history exams as it highlights the fall of the Maratha Confederacy and the rise of British control.
Background, Course and Result of the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818)
The background of the Third Anglo-Maratha War reflected growing British expansionism and Maratha resistance.
Before the war began, several developments weakened the Marathas and provided an opportunity for the British to expand their influence.
(i) Lord Hastings pursued imperialist policies to impose British paramountcy, while the Charter Act of 1813 ended Company trade monopoly, pushing it to seek new markets.
(ii) The Pindaris, unemployed Maratha mercenaries, plundered territories including Company lands, leading the British to accuse the Marathas of harboring them.
(iii) Pindari leaders Amir Khan and Karim Khan surrendered, while Chitu Khan fled into jungles.
(iv) The controversial Treaty of Bassein (1802) angered other Maratha chiefs, seen as surrender of independence to the British.
(v) Hastings’ campaigns against Pindaris threatened Maratha sovereignty, pushing chiefs to reunite.
(vi) Finally, Bajirao II attempted in 1817 to rally chiefs into open resistance.
Course of the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818)
The war began with Maratha offensives but quickly revealed their disunity and weakness against the British.
Maratha Offensives
(i) The Peshwa attacked the British Residency at Poona.
(ii) Appa Sahib of Nagpur attacked the residency at Nagpur.
(iii) The Holkars prepared for war, but the Marathas lacked unity and administrative strength.
Internal Weakness of the Marathas
(a) After Jaswantrao Holkar’s death, Tulsi Bai assumed control but proved ineffective under corrupt advisors.
(b) The Bhonsles at Nagpur and Sindhias at Gwalior were politically weakened.
(c) These divisions enabled the British to block the Peshwa from regaining Maratha confederacy control.
Result of the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818)
The war ended in decisive British victories and the final collapse of Maratha sovereignty.
Major Military Defeats
(i) The Peshwa was defeated at Khirki.
(ii) The Bhonsle was crushed at Sitabuldi.
(iii) The Holkar lost at Mahidpur.
Important Treaties Signed
(i) June 1817 – Treaty of Poona with the Peshwa.
(ii) November 1817 – Treaty of Gwalior with Sindhia.
(iii) January 1818 – Treaty of Mandasor with Holkar.
Final Outcome
(a) In June 1818, the Peshwa surrendered.
(b) The Maratha Confederacy was dissolved and the Peshwaship abolished.
(c) Bajirao II was exiled to Bithur near Kanpur as a British pensioner.
(d) Pratap Singh, a descendant of Shivaji, was made ruler of the small principality of Satara.
Summary of the Third Anglo-Maratha War
The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818) signaled the end of Maratha power and confirmed British paramountcy in India. With the defeat of Bajirao II and abolition of the Peshwaship, the Maratha Confederacy dissolved permanently. This war is crucial for students as it illustrates how treaties, battles, and internal weaknesses contributed to the consolidation of British rule in India.
