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Home / IAS Preparation / First Anglo Maratha War: Modern History NCERT Notes For UPSC IAS

First Anglo Maratha War: History, Course, Result, Treaties & More | UPSC Notes

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The First Anglo Maratha War was one of the three Anglo Maratha Wars which was fought between the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company. The First Anglo Maratha War took place between 1775 – 1782. The decline of Mughal Empire in India, whetted the political ambition of both British East India Company and the Marathas. The conquest rivalry between the two powers resulted in a series of three Anglo Maratha Wars, which was fought from the last quarter of the Eighteenth century to the first quarter of the Nineteenth Century.

The following article on the First Anglo Maratha war UPSC gives the background, course, and the result of the War, which will be helpful for the UPSC exams.

GS Paper

General Studies Paper I

Topics for UPSC Prelims

First Anglo Maratha War, Treaty of Salbai, British East India Company.

Topics for UPSC Mains

Treaty of Salbai and Its Provisions, Impacts on Maratha-British Relations, Subsequent Anglo-Maratha Conflicts.

About the First Anglo Maratha War

The First Anglo Maratha War was a conflict that occurred from 1775 to 1782. The First Anglo Maratha War was fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India. It began due to territorial disputes and competition for trade control. The war saw initial setbacks for the British. However, they eventually gained the upper hand through reinforcements and naval power. The Treaty of Salbai in 1782 ended the war. It recognized the Maratha Empire as a significant power and defined territorial boundaries.

Background of the First Anglo Maratha War

In 1772, Madhavrao, the fourth Peshwa of the Maratha Empire died. His brother Narayanarao succeeded him as the fifth Peshwa. Narayanarao was murdered by his uncle Raghunathrao who declared himself as the next Peshwa. Soon after the death of Narayanarao, Gangabai (wife of Narayana Rao) gave birth to Sawai Madhavrao, the posthumous son of Narayanarao.

Raghunathrao’s claim to be the next Peshwa was disputed by Sawai Madhavrao who was the legal heir to become the next Peshwa. Sawai Madhavrao was supported by a group of twelve Marata chiefs called Barabhai which was led by Nana Phadnavis. They made efforts to name the infant as the new Peshwa. Due to the dispute over his claims, Raghunathrao sought the support from the British in Bombay for which he signed the Treaty of Surat.

Check notes on the Second Anglo Maratha War here.

Treaty of Surat, 1775

The First Anglo Maratha War began with this treaty. The Treaty of Surat was signed between the British in Bombay and Raghunathrao (one of the claimants to become Peshwa) on 6 March 1775. Under this Treaty, Raghunathrao ceded the following to the British:

  • The territories of Bassein and Salsette
  • Part of revenue from Surat and Bharuch districts

In return to this, the British in Bombay agreed to support Raghunathrao by providing him 2500 soldiers.

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Treaty of Purandar, 1776

The Treaty of Surat was strongly condemned by the British Calcutta Council. The then Governor General Warren Hasting sent Colonel Upton to Pune in order to nullify the Treaty of Surat. Thus, a new treaty called Treaty of Purandar was signed between the British Calcutta Council and Nana Phadnavis on 1 March 1776. Under this Treaty:

  • The British recognised Savai Madhav Rao as the new Peshwa.
  • Pension was promised to Raghunathrao by the British.
  • Maratha accepted not to favour the French existence in India.
  • Salsette was retained by the British.

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Causes of the First Anglo Maratha War

Basically, the First Anglo-Maratha War was due to a power struggle within the Maratha Confederacy and also the ambitious desire of the British East India Company to increase its influence in India. The immediate cause lay in the question of succession that had come up upon the death of Madhavrao I, Peshwa (or prime minister) of the Maratha Empire, in 1772. His death created a political vacuum and rivalry amongst claimants for the position of Peshwa.

The position was sought by Raghunathrao, better known as Raghoba, but he was opposed by two strong Maratha factions supporting the brother's son of the late Peshwa, a young boy called Madhavrao II. In his power play, Raghunathrao sought the help of the British East India Company and brought about the Treaty of Surat in 1775. By this treaty, he agreed to cede certain territories and commercial rights to the British in return for military assistance.

This had given the British a chance to consolidate their hold in India, and they agreed to provide the necessary support needed by Raghunathrao. But this treaty was rejected by the Supreme Council of the British East India Company in Calcutta, and hence faced internal resistance and a diplomatic maze. More than that, Maratha forces united together to defend their state's sovereignty and resisted the British-backed Raghunathrao, which ended in a long inconclusive war.

Know more about the Third and Fourth Anglo Maratha War here.

Course of the First Anglo Maratha War

The Maratha army and the British Force fought the First Anglo Maratha War on the outskirts of Poona. The Maratha army was led by Mahadji Sindhia and they outnumbered the British army. The British army was lured into the ghats near Talegaon and were forced to retreat to Wadgaon by the Marathas. The British army was trapped by the Maratha army from all sides and their food supplies were cut off.

Finally in January 1779, the British surrendered by signing the Treaty of Wadgaon. Under the Treaty of Wadgaon, the British in Bombay were forced to surrender all the territories acquired since 1775.

Read the article on Mughal Maratha relations!

Result of the First Anglo Maratha War

Warren Hastings rejected the Treaty of Wadgaon. He sent large forces in the following years and captured Ahmedabad in 1779, Bassein and Gwalior in 1780. Finally after the defeat of Sindhia at Sipri by the British, the First Anglo Maratha War was brought to an end by signing the Treaty of Salbai.

Treaty of Salbai

The Treaty of Salbai was signed between the British and the Peshwa in May 1782.

  • Salsette and Broach (Bharuch) were to be retained under the possession of the British.
  • Marathas were to defeat Mysore’s Hyder Ali and take back all his Maratha possessions in the Carnatic.
  • No French settlements were allowed in Maratha regions and the British were entitled to enjoy the privileges in trade.
  • The British accepted Madhavrao II (Narayanrao’s son) as the rightful Peshwa and pensioned off Raghunathrao.
  • Peshwa was not allowed to support any other European company in India.
  • The entire territories conquered by the British since 1776 were restored to the Marathas.

The Treaty of Salbai which ended the First Anglo Maratha War, established peace between the Marathas and the British for the next twenty years.

Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Period: From 1775 to 1782, the war was fought.
  • Causes: Dispute over Peshwa succession among the Marathas and interference by the British East India Company.
  • Treaty of Surat: Raghunath Rao and the British inked a treaty promising aid to capture the Peshwa post.
  • Important Battles: Battle of Wadgaon, 1779, where heavy loss was given to the British by the Marathas.
  • Guerrilla Wars: Under the leading maniacs like Mahadji Shinde, the Marathas did much damage using guerrilla skills.
  • Outcome: Concluded by the Treaty of Salbai in 1782, returning territories to the pre-war status quo.
  • Significance: Established a relatively stable relation between the British and the Marathas for the next decade.
  • Foothold: Gave the British a foothold in Indian politics which they later capitalized upon.

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More Articles for IAS Preparation

First Anglo Maratha War UPSC FAQs

The Treaty of Salbai (1782) marked the end of the First Anglo-Maratha War.

The Treaty of Purandar (1775) was an agreement signed between the British East India Company and the Marathas after the First Anglo Maratha War. The treaty established peace and defined territorial boundaries.

The Treaty of Purandar was signed between the British East India Company, represented by Sir Hector Munro, and the Marathas, represented by Mahadji Scindia and Nana Phadnavis.

Warren Hastings was the Governor-General of Bengal during the First Anglo-Maratha War.

The four Anglo-Maratha Wars were the First Anglo Maratha War (1775-1782), Second Anglo Maratha War (1803-1805), Third Anglo Maratha War (1817-1818), and Fourth Anglo Maratha War (1819-1826).

The First Anglo Maratha War was primarily caused by territorial disputes, conflicts over trade control, and the British East India Company's expansionist policies in India.

The outcome of the First Anglo Maratha War was inconclusive, with neither side achieving a decisive victory.
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