Treaty of Bassein (1802) – Turning Point in Indian History
Introduction
The Treaty of Bassein was signed on 31 December 1802 between the British East India Company and Peshwa Baji Rao II of the Maratha Empire. This treaty marked the beginning of British control over the Marathas and led to the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805).
Background of the Treaty
- The Maratha Empire was politically unstable after the death of Madhavrao II in 1796.
- The powerful Maratha chiefs, including Scindias, Holkars, Bhonsles, and Gaekwads, were fighting for power.
- Yashwant Rao Holkar defeated Peshwa Baji Rao II at the Battle of Poona (1802), forcing him to flee.
- Baji Rao II sought help from the British and signed the Treaty of Bassein in exchange for military support.
Terms of the Treaty
- Baji Rao II Accepted British Protection
- He agreed to become a subsidiary ally of the British East India Company.
- British Stationed Troops in Maratha Territory
- A British army of 6,000 soldiers was to be permanently stationed in Maratha lands.
- The Peshwa had to pay for the British army’s expenses.
- Marathas Lost Independence
- The Peshwa could not form alliances with any other power without British permission.
- He had to dismiss foreign officers from his service.
- British Got Control Over Key Territories
- Bassein (Vasai), Salsette, and Surat were given to the British.
- Maratha forts and military resources came under British influence.
Consequences of the Treaty
1. Led to the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805)
- The Maratha chiefs (Scindias, Holkars, Bhonsles) opposed the treaty.
- This led to war between the British and Marathas, in which the British emerged victorious.
2. British Became the Supreme Power in India
- The Maratha Empire started declining, making way for British domination.
- Baji Rao II became a puppet ruler under British control.
3. Weakened the Maratha Confederacy
- The Maratha chiefs lost unity and started fighting among themselves.
- The Holkars and Scindias were forced to sign treaties with the British later.
4. Paved the Way for British Expansion
- The treaty gave the British a strong foothold in western India.
- It was a major step towards British control over the whole of India.
MCQs on Treaty of Bassein
1. The Treaty of Bassein was signed in which year?
a) 1799
b) 1802
c) 1805
d) 1817
Answer: b) 1802
2. Who signed the Treaty of Bassein with the British?
a) Daulat Rao Scindia
b) Yashwant Rao Holkar
c) Baji Rao II
d) Nana Phadnavis
Answer: c) Baji Rao II
3. Which war was triggered by the Treaty of Bassein?
a) First Anglo-Maratha War
b) Second Anglo-Maratha War
c) Third Anglo-Maratha War
d) First Anglo-Mysore War
Answer: b) Second Anglo-Maratha War
4. Which of the following was a result of the Treaty of Bassein?
a) Marathas gained control over Bengal
b) British lost Bombay
c) British got control over Maratha territories
d) Peshwa became independent
Answer: c) British got control over Maratha territories
5. Which Maratha chief opposed the Treaty of Bassein?
a) Baji Rao II
b) Daulat Rao Scindia
c) Lord Wellesley
d) Warren Hastings
Answer: b) Daulat Rao Scindia
6. What did the Treaty of Bassein allow the British to do?
a) Station their army in Maratha lands
b) Remove the Mughal Emperor
c) Make Baji Rao II independent
d) Defeat the French in India
Answer: a) Station their army in Maratha lands
7. What happened to Baji Rao II after the treaty?
a) He became independent
b) He ruled without British interference
c) He became a puppet ruler under British control
d) He expanded the Maratha Empire
Answer: c) He became a puppet ruler under British control
Conclusion
The Treaty of Bassein (1802) was a major turning point in Indian history. It weakened the Marathas, strengthened British rule, and paved the way for British supremacy in India. Ultimately, this treaty led to the downfall of the Maratha Empire and allowed the British to expand their control across India.
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