The Second Anglo-Maratha War was one of the most significant conflicts in the expansion of British rule in India. Fought between 1803 and 1805, it marked a turning point in the decline of the Maratha Confederacy and the rise of British dominance over the Indian subcontinent. This war was not only a military contest but also a struggle of political ambition and shifting alliances. The events that unfolded during this period reshaped the political landscape of India and paved the way for the consolidation of British power through the East India Company.
Background of the Second Anglo-Maratha War
The roots of the Second Anglo-Maratha War lay in the internal divisions of the Maratha Empire. After the death of Madhavrao II in 1796, the leadership of the Marathas became fragmented. The Peshwa, who served as the empire’s chief minister, lost his firm control over the various Maratha chiefs, leading to instability. The main power centers of the Maratha Confederacy such as the Scindias of Gwalior, the Holkars of Indore, the Bhonsles of Nagpur, and the Gaekwads of Baroda often competed with one another for dominance.
This internal discord created opportunities for the British East India Company, which sought to extend its influence across India. The British had already defeated Mysore in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799) and were now turning their attention toward the Marathas, who were one of the last major powers resisting their expansion.
The Treaty of Bassein (1802)
The immediate cause of the Second Anglo-Maratha War was the Treaty of Bassein, signed on December 31, 1802. After being defeated by Yashwantrao Holkar at the Battle of Poona, Peshwa Baji Rao II sought refuge with the British. Desperate to regain his throne, he agreed to sign the treaty with Governor-General Lord Wellesley.
Under the Treaty of Bassein, Baji Rao II agreed to accept British protection, maintain a subsidiary force of British troops, and cede territory to cover the expenses of this army. In return, the British promised to restore him to power in Poona. Although it seemed like a personal agreement, this treaty had far-reaching consequences. The Maratha chiefs particularly Scindia and Bhonsle viewed it as a betrayal of Maratha sovereignty and an invitation for British interference in their affairs.
Outbreak of the War
The signing of the Treaty of Bassein led directly to hostilities between the British and other Maratha leaders who refused to accept British dominance. The conflict began in 1803 when Scindia of Gwalior and Bhonsle of Nagpur joined forces against the British East India Company. Lord Wellesley ordered British troops, under commanders like General Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington) and General Gerard Lake, to advance against the Marathas.
Major Campaigns and Battles
The Second Anglo-Maratha War saw several major campaigns across India, particularly in central and northern regions. These campaigns demonstrated the superior organization and discipline of the British army compared to the more traditional fighting methods of the Maratha forces.
Battle of Assaye (September 23, 1803)
One of the most decisive battles of the war was the Battle of Assaye, fought in present-day Maharashtra. General Arthur Wellesley led the British forces against the combined armies of Scindia and Bhonsle. Although heavily outnumbered, Wellesley’s troops achieved a stunning victory due to superior tactics and discipline. This victory at Assaye is often regarded as one of Wellesley’s greatest military achievements and established his reputation as a brilliant commander.
Battle of Argaon (November 1803)
Shortly after Assaye, Wellesley achieved another victory at the Battle of Argaon. The Maratha forces, led by Raghoji II Bhonsle, were defeated once again. These back-to-back victories severely weakened the Bhonsle faction and forced them to seek peace with the British.
Campaigns in Northern India
Meanwhile, in northern India, General Gerard Lake led successful operations against the forces of Daulat Rao Scindia. Lake captured key territories including Delhi, where he freed the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II from Maratha control, placing him under British protection. The victories at Aligarh, Delhi, and Laswari further cemented British dominance in northern India.
Treaties and the End of the War
The Second Anglo-Maratha War officially ended with a series of treaties signed between 1803 and 1805. These agreements consolidated British control and significantly weakened the Maratha chiefs.
- Treaty of Deogaon (December 1803)Signed with Raghoji II Bhonsle of Nagpur, this treaty forced him to cede the provinces of Cuttack and Berar to the British.
- Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon (December 1803)Signed with Daulat Rao Scindia, it required him to give up territories between the Yamuna and Ganges rivers, as well as in Gujarat.
- Treaty of Rajghat (December 1805)Signed with Yashwantrao Holkar, marking the formal end of the conflict after prolonged resistance.
Through these treaties, the British East India Company gained large portions of territory, extending its influence across central and northern India. The Maratha Confederacy was fragmented, and the Peshwa’s authority became merely nominal.
Key Figures in the Second Anglo-Maratha War
Several important leaders played vital roles during this conflict, both on the British and Maratha sides.
- Lord WellesleyThe Governor-General of India who implemented the Subsidiary Alliance system, using diplomacy and military force to expand British influence.
- Arthur WellesleyThe British commander who led successful campaigns in southern India, including the famous Battle of Assaye.
- General Gerard LakeLed the northern campaigns, securing key victories that gave the British control over Delhi and northern territories.
- Baji Rao IIThe Peshwa whose decision to sign the Treaty of Bassein triggered the war, ultimately leading to the loss of Maratha independence.
- Daulat Rao ScindiaThe powerful Maratha ruler of Gwalior who resisted British expansion but was defeated in several battles.
- Yashwantrao HolkarOne of the few Maratha leaders who continued resistance against British domination even after others had surrendered.
Impact of the War
The Second Anglo-Maratha War had profound consequences for the Indian subcontinent. The defeat of the Marathas marked a decisive step in the establishment of British supremacy in India. The British East India Company gained vast territories, securing control over regions such as Delhi, Cuttack, and parts of central India. The Mughal Emperor became a figurehead under British protection, symbolizing the end of the old Indian imperial order.
The Maratha Confederacy, once a formidable power, was permanently weakened. Although it would rise again in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817 1818), its authority never fully recovered. The political fragmentation of the Marathas made it easier for the British to implement their policies of indirect rule and economic exploitation.
British Strategy and Military Superiority
The war also demonstrated the effectiveness of British military organization and their ability to combine diplomacy with force. The use of well-trained infantry, superior artillery, and coordinated movements gave the British a clear advantage over the Maratha armies, which often relied on cavalry and outdated tactics. The success of commanders like Arthur Wellesley showed how professional training and discipline could overcome numerical disadvantage.
The Second Anglo-Maratha War was a defining chapter in India’s colonial history. It showcased the political fragmentation of Indian powers and the growing influence of the British East India Company. Through diplomacy, treaties, and decisive military action, the British extended their reach across India, setting the stage for complete dominance by the early 19th century. For the Marathas, the war marked the beginning of the end of their independence and the transformation of India into a colony under British control. The legacy of this conflict remains a crucial reminder of how internal division and foreign ambition shaped the course of Indian history.