The Second Anglo-Maratha War was fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Confederacy from 1803 to 1805. It was part of a series of Anglo-Maratha wars that ultimately led to British dominance over India.
Background of the War
- After the death of Madhavrao II in 1796, the Marathas became politically unstable.
- Baji Rao II (son of Raghunathrao) became the Peshwa but was weak and unpopular.
- The Maratha chiefs (Scindias, Holkars, Bhonsles, and Gaekwads) were in conflict with each other.
- In 1802, Yashwant Rao Holkar defeated Baji Rao II at the Battle of Poona.
- Baji Rao II fled to British protection and signed the Treaty of Bassein (1802), leading to war.
Course of the War
1. Treaty of Bassein (1802)
- Signed between Baji Rao II and the British.
- British agreed to support Baji Rao II and reinstated him as Peshwa.
- In return, Baji Rao II accepted British suzerainty and agreed to maintain a subsidiary alliance.
2. Battles of the War (1803-1805)
- The Maratha chiefs Scindias and Bhonsles opposed the Treaty of Bassein and fought against the British.
- Major battles:
- Battle of Delhi (1803) – British defeated the Scindias and took control of Delhi.
- Battle of Assaye (1803) – Arthur Wellesley (Duke of Wellington) defeated the Marathas.
- Battle of Laswari (1803) – British crushed Scindia’s forces completely.
- Battle of Argaon (1803) – British victory over Bhonsles.
- Battle of Gwalior (1804) – Final defeat of the Scindias.
- Holkar initially stayed neutral but later fought the British in 1804-05.
- The British successfully defeated the Marathas and took control of key territories.
Treaties & Results
- Treaty of Deogaon (1803): Bhonsles of Nagpur surrendered to the British.
- Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon (1803): Scindias surrendered and accepted British suzerainty.
- Treaty of Rajpurghat (1805): Holkar also accepted British dominance.
Effects of the War
- British became the dominant power in India.
- Marathas lost significant territories, including Delhi and parts of Central India.
- Baji Rao II became a puppet ruler under British control.
- End of Maratha independence, paving the way for the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818).
MCQs on Second Anglo-Maratha War
1. Which treaty led to the Second Anglo-Maratha War?
a) Treaty of Salbai
b) Treaty of Purandar
c) Treaty of Bassein
d) Treaty of Surat
Answer: c) Treaty of Bassein
2. Who was defeated at the Battle of Assaye (1803)?
a) Holkar
b) Scindia
c) Bhonsle
d) Gaekwad
Answer: b) Scindia
3. Who led the British forces in the Battle of Assaye?
a) Lord Cornwallis
b) Arthur Wellesley
c) Lord Dalhousie
d) Robert Clive
Answer: b) Arthur Wellesley
4. Which Maratha chief signed the Treaty of Deogaon (1803)?
a) Scindia
b) Holkar
c) Bhonsle
d) Gaekwad
Answer: c) Bhonsle
5. What was the result of the Second Anglo-Maratha War?
a) Complete Maratha victory
b) British became dominant in India
c) Marathas regained their lost territories
d) British left India
Answer: b) British became dominant in India
6. Which Maratha ruler fled to the British for protection and signed the Treaty of Bassein?
a) Madhavrao I
b) Baji Rao I
c) Baji Rao II
d) Daulat Rao Scindia
Answer: c) Baji Rao II
7. In which year did the Second Anglo-Maratha War start?
a) 1799
b) 1803
c) 1817
d) 1824
Answer: b) 1803
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