Aftermath
of the Peshwa's Death
The death of
the Peshwa in 1761 created an opportunity for the Nizam of Hyderabad and Hyder
Ali of Mysore to expand their influence. However, their attempts to exploit the
situation were thwarted by the Marathas, who successfully repelled their
advances, maintaining the integrity of Maratha power in the region.
Rise of
Mahadji Shinde (Scindia)
Mahadji
Shinde, born in 1727, emerged as a formidable leader under the reign of Peshwa
Madhavrao. By 1769, alongside Tukoji Holkar, he reasserted Maratha dominance
over Delhi and the Mughal Emperor, reviving their influence in North India.
Shinde’s leadership marked a resurgence of Maratha power, restoring their hold
over strategic regions.
Maratha
Revenge on the Rohillas
In
retaliation for the Rohillas' support of Ahmad Shah Abdali during the Third
Battle of Panipat, Mahadji Shinde led a decisive campaign against them. In one
battle, nearly 15,000 Rohillas were killed. This victory cemented Maratha
control from the banks of the Ganga-Yamuna rivers to the Sutlej, ushering in
nearly 30 years of Maratha supremacy in northern India until 1803.
Internal
Strife and the Death of Madhavrao
In 1772,
Peshwa Madhavrao died and was succeeded by his younger brother Narayanrao.
However, Narayanrao was assassinated in 1773, allegedly at the behest of his
uncle, Raghunathrao. Justice Ramshastri Prabhune later convicted Raghunathrao
for his involvement, further destabilizing the Maratha leadership.
The First
Anglo-Maratha War Begins
On December
12, 1774, the British launched an attack on Sashti Island (modern-day Mumbai),
marking the beginning of the First Anglo-Maratha War. The Marathas, outnumbered
and outmatched by British naval supremacy, lost control of the island. This
confrontation set the stage for a protracted conflict between the Marathas and
the British East India Company.
The East
India Company’s Financial Crisis
In 1772, the
East India Company faced financial insolvency, narrowly avoiding collapse by
securing a loan. The British Parliament subsequently tightened control over the
Company’s operations. Despite the British vulnerability, the Marathas,
suffering from internal divisions and depleted financial resources, were unable
to capitalize on this opportunity. The breakdown of the traditional
revenue-sharing system between local governments and the Maratha central
authority further weakened their position.
Treaty of
1776 and Temporary Peace
In 1776, the
Marathas and the British reached a temporary agreement. The Marathas retained
control of Bassein, while the British held Sashti. Additionally, the British
agreed to cease their support for Raghunathrao, who had been a contentious
figure within the Maratha leadership.
External
Threats and the Prospect of a Maratha-French Alliance
Meanwhile,
the British faced another crisis, this time in their North American colonies,
which had revolted against British rule. This conflict naturally attracted
French involvement, which extended to India. The possibility of a
Maratha-French alliance alarmed the British, adding a new dimension to the
ongoing Anglo-Maratha rivalry.
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