Chapter Notes - From Trade to Territory: War with Marathas

In the 18th century, the British East India Company expanded its control over various parts of India, which eventually led to conflicts with the Marathas, one of the dominant regional powers at that time. The war with Marathas played a significant role in the Company's expansion and consolidation of its territorial control in India. Here are the key points regarding the war with Marathas:

The Rise of Marathas:
- The Marathas were a powerful regional power in western India, with their capital in Pune and territories extending across present-day Maharashtra, Gujarat, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- They were originally a part of the Bhosle clan and served as generals in the armies of the Deccan Sultanates.
- Under the leadership of Shivaji, they emerged as an independent kingdom and successfully challenged the Mughal Empire.
- After Shivaji's death, the Marathas continued their expansion under the Peshwas, who served as the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire.

British Interests and Conflicts:
- The British East India Company had established its presence in India primarily for trade purposes.
- However, as the Marathas expanded their territories and posed a threat to the British-controlled regions, conflicts arose between the two powers.
- The British were particularly interested in gaining control over key trade routes and territories in western India, which were under Maratha control.

The First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782):
- The first major conflict between the British and the Marathas took place from 1775 to 1782.
- The war was primarily fought over control of the territories of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
- Initially, the Marathas achieved some success, but the British forces, led by Governor-General Warren Hastings, eventually gained the upper hand.
- The Treaty of Salbai was signed in 1782, which established peace between the two powers, but the Marathas had to cede certain territories to the British.

The Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805):
- The second war between the British and the Marathas occurred from 1803 to 1805.
- The British, now under the leadership of Lord Wellesley, aimed to weaken the Maratha Empire and expand their control in India.
- The war resulted in the British victory, and they gained significant territories, including Delhi, Agra, and parts of Gujarat and Rajputana.
- The Treaty of Bassein (1802) had already established British influence over the Marathas, and this war further consolidated British control.

The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818):
- The third and final war between the British and the Marathas took place from 1817 to 1818.
- The Marathas were weakened by internal conflicts and lacked a unified leadership, making it easier for the British to defeat them.
- The war resulted in the complete annexation of the Maratha territories by the British, leading to the end of Maratha independence.

Significance of the War:
- The war with Marathas marked a significant step in the expansion of British territorial control in India.
- It allowed the British East India Company