1. Peace Before the Storm (1783-1803)
The Marathas and the British enjoyed two decades of peace from 1783 to 1803. However, this period of relative calm would soon give way to conflict due to internal strife within the Maratha Empire and increasing British interference in Maratha politics.
2. The Decline of Military Efficiency
A significant departure from the military practices established by Shivaji and Bajirao I occurred during this time. Leadership roles, from the Peshwa down to the Naik who commanded as few as 10 soldiers, became hereditary rather than merit-based. This shift reduced the effectiveness of the Maratha military. Ambitious and capable individuals, frustrated by the lack of opportunities, often switched allegiances, further weakening the empire.
3. The Death of Nana Phadnavis (1800)
The death of Nana Phadnavis in 1800 marked the end of wise governance in the Maratha Empire. Though not a military leader, Nana Phadnavis had a deep understanding of Indian politics and had effectively managed the empire’s affairs. His absence created a leadership vacuum that exacerbated the already growing tensions.
4. Maratha Unity and British Alarm
The Marathas, under Nana Phadnavis, had shown their military strength during the Battle of Kharda against the Nizam. The growing power of their Western-styled armies alarmed the British, who began to view the Marathas as a significant threat to their influence in India.
5. Leadership Crisis in the Maratha Empire
The deaths of key leaders like Shinde, Holkar, and the Peshwas further destabilized the Maratha Empire. This leadership vacuum, combined with internal divisions, made the empire vulnerable to external interference, especially from the British.
6. British Interference and the Second Anglo-Maratha War
The Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-04) was largely triggered by British interference in Maratha politics. This interference was facilitated by the internal troubles and divisions among the Marathas. The signing of the Treaty of Bassein in 1802 effectively made Peshwa Bajirao II a puppet of the British, further inflaming tensions.
7. The War on Multiple Fronts
The war was fought on four distinct fronts:
- Cuttack in the east
- Bharuch on the western coast
- Near Aurangabad in central India
- The Ganga-Yamuna valley in the north
Each of these theaters saw intense fighting, with the British gradually gaining the upper hand.
8. Defections and Losses for the Marathas
Daulatrao Shinde’s French General, Peron, defected to the British, followed by others. General Lake, leading the British forces, established control over Delhi by installing Shah Alam under British rule. He then moved on to Agra, where French officers surrendered, marking a significant loss for the Marathas. The fall of Agra also meant the loss of the gun foundry established during Mahadji Shinde's reign.
9. The Final Battle: Laswari
The Battle of Laswari was the last significant battle of the Second Anglo-Maratha War. Shinde’s General, Ambuji Ingle, advanced to confront the British forces, but the defeat at Laswari marked the end of major resistance from the Marathas in this conflict. The Second Anglo-Maratha War concluded with the British firmly establishing their dominance over the Maratha territories.
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