The Anglo-Maratha Wars were a significant series of conflicts in Indian history that marked the downfall of the Maratha Empire and the rise of British supremacy in India. Let’s dive into all three wars with an easy-to-follow timeline, key events, and outcomes — perfect for CBSE Class 12 and competitive exams!
📍 1st Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782)
🔹 Time Period: 1775 – 1782
🔹 Fought Between: British East India Company and the Maratha Empire
🔹 Cause: Succession dispute after the death of Peshwa Madhavrao I.
⚔️ Timeline Highlights:
- 1772: Peshwa Madhavrao I dies.
- 1773: Raghunath Rao (Raghoba) seeks help from the British to become Peshwa.
- 1775: Treaty of Purandar signed between British and Marathas; British support Raghoba.
- 1776–1779: Skirmishes between British and Marathas.
- 1779: British suffer defeat at the Battle of Wadgaon.
- 1782: Treaty of Salbai signed — war ends with British recognizing Madhavrao II as Peshwa.
✅ Outcome:
Status quo restored. British gain no territory but earn peace for 20 years.
📍 2nd Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805)
🔹 Time Period: 1803 – 1805
🔹 Fought Between: British East India Company and Maratha confederacy (mainly Scindia and Bhonsle)
⚔️ Timeline Highlights:
- 1802: Treaty of Bassein signed — Peshwa Baji Rao II accepts British protection.
- 1803: British forces under Arthur Wellesley defeat Scindias at Assaye.
- 1803: Battle of Laswari – British defeat Scindia’s army.
- 1804–1805: War with Holkars intensifies.
- 1805: Peace treaties signed with Maratha leaders.
✅ Outcome:
British emerge victorious. Scindia and Bhonsle accept British suzerainty. Peshwa becomes a puppet under British control.
📍 3rd Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818)
🔹 Time Period: 1817 – 1818
🔹 Fought Between: British East India Company vs. the last Maratha leaders (Peshwa Baji Rao II, Holkars, Bhonsles)
⚔️ Timeline Highlights:
- 1817: Peshwa Baji Rao II attacks the British Residency in Pune.
- 1817: Battles of Khadki, Sitabuldi (Nagpur), and Mahidpur.
- 1818: British defeat all Maratha forces.
- June 1818: Peshwa Baji Rao II surrenders.
✅ Outcome:
Maratha Confederacy dissolved. Peshwaship abolished. British become the supreme power in India.
| War | Time Period | Main Cause | Major Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1775–1782 | Succession dispute | Treaty of Salbai – no major territorial gain |
| Second | 1803–1805 | Treaty of Bassein | British gain major territories and political control |
| Third | 1817–1818 | Rebellion by Peshwa | End of Maratha Empire; British dominance in India |
📝 Final Thoughts
The Anglo-Maratha Wars played a crucial role in establishing British colonial rule across India. Understanding these wars not only helps in exam preparation but also provides deeper insights into the collapse of Indian regional powers in the face of imperial ambition.
🔍 For more such easy timelines, mind maps, and test booklets – stay tuned with Mind Your Maps!
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