Third Anglo-Maratha War

Quick Facts: Who was Third Anglo-Maratha War?

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Third Anglo-Maratha War

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The final, decisive conflict (1817–1819) that dismantled the vast Maratha Empire.

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Origins & Early Life

The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1819) was the final and decisive conflict between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire. The war left the Company in control of most of India. It began with an invasion of Maratha territory by East India Company troops, and although the British were outnumbered, the Maratha army was decimated. The troops were led by Governor General Hastings, supported by a force under General Thomas Hislop. Operations began against the Pindaris, a band of local mercenaries and Marathas from central India.

Career & Major Achievements

Peshwa Baji Rao II's forces, supported by those of Mudhoji II Bhonsle of Nagpur and Malharrao Holkar III of Indore, rose against the East India Company. They attempted to regain the power that was taken away by the British due to the Treaty of Bassein. Pressure and diplomacy convinced the fourth major Maratha leader, Daulatrao Scindia of Gwalior, to remain neutral even though he lost control of Rajputana. British victories were swift, resulting in the breakup of the Maratha Empire and the end of Maratha power. Several minor battles were fought by the Peshwa's forces to prevent his capture.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Peshwa was eventually captured and placed on a small estate at Bithur, near Kanpur. Most of his territory was annexed and became part of the Bombay Presidency. The Maharaja of Satara was restored as the ruler of his territory as a princely state. In 1848 this territory was also annexed by the Bombay Presidency under the doctrine of lapse policy of Lord Dalhousie. Bhonsle was defeated in the Battle of Sitabuldi and Holkar in the Battle of Mahidpur.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1817: 1817 Milestone — The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1819) was the final and decisive conflict between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire.
2. 1848: 1848 Milestone — In 1848 this territory was also annexed by the Bombay Presidency under the doctrine of lapse policy of Lord Dalhousie.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Third Anglo-Maratha War

True or False: “The Third Anglo-Maratha War was fought primarily over control of the lucrative trade routes through Bombay and Calcutta.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While trade was a factor, the war's core conflict revolved around the political supremacy and territorial integrity of the Maratha Empire against the British East India Company.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Adolphe, Grand Duke of Luxembourg — Historical peer (Born in 1817) (1817): Grand Duke of Luxembourg, ruling from 1890 until his death in 1905.
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• Albert I of Monaco — Historical peer (Born in 1848) (1848): Prince of Monaco, devoted to science, exploration, and modernizing the state.
• Augustus Saint-Gaudens — Historical peer (Born in 1848) (1848): Pioneering American sculptor embodying the ideals of the American Renaissance.

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