Question

Answer the following question:

Why was the Third Anglo-Maratha War fought? What were its results?

Answer 1

The Third Anglo Maratha War was fought in (AD 1817-1818) because the Maratha chiefs were feeling humiliated after signing the Subsidiary Alliance with the British. Peshwa Baji Rao II began to make plans to unite the Marathas against the British. This war was fought during the Governor Generalship of Marquess Hastings. When Lord Hastings became aware of Baji Rao’s plans he forced him to sign the Treaty of Pune in 1817. According to it, Konkan was ceded and Baji Rao II renounced Maratha leadership. Scindia was forced to sign the Treaty of Gwalior and provide help to the British against the Pindaris.
The Marathas made their last attempt to regain their old prestige and independence. They declared war against English. Baji Rao II raised a huge army and attacked the British Residency at Poona in 1817. The war continued for about two years. Finally, the Marathas were defeated and large parts of their territories were annexed by the British.
The Third Anglo – Maratha War led to the abolition of Peshwa’s hereditary office. The Maratha dream of building a Hindu empire was completely shattered and the British emerged as the unchallenged power in India.