Treaty of Bassein (1802)

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of Bassein (1802)?

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Treaty of Bassein (1802)

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A pivotal 1802 pact dissolving the Maratha Empire's autonomy to the British East India Company.

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Origins & Early Life

The Treaty of Bassein was a pact between the British East India Company and Baji Rao II, the peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy. It was signed on 31 December 1802 after the Battle of Poona, in present-day Bassein (Vasai). The treaty was a decisive step in the dissolution of the Maratha Empire, which led to the East India Company's annexation of the empire's territories in western India in 1818. On 13 May 1803, Baji Rao II was restored as peshwa under the protection of the East India Company and so had become a British client ruler.

Career & Major Achievements

The treaty led to the expansion of Company rule over the Indian subcontinent. However, the treaty was not acceptable to all Maratha chieftains and resulted in the Second Anglo-Maratha War. The terms of the treaty entailed the following: A force of around 6000 East India Company troops were permanently stationed with the Peshwa.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Any territorial districts yielding 2.6 million rupees were to be paid to the Company. The peshwa could not enter into any other treaty without first consulting the Company. The peshwa could not declare war without first consulting the Company.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1802: 1802 Milestone — It was signed on 31 December 1802 after the Battle of Poona, in present-day Bassein (Vasai).
2. 1803: 1803 Milestone — On 13 May 1803, Baji Rao II was restored as peshwa under the protection of the East India Company and so had become a British client ruler.
3. 1818: 1818 Milestone — The treaty was a decisive step in the dissolution of the Maratha Empire, which led to the East India Company's annexation of the empire's territories in western India in 1818.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of Bassein (1802)

True or False: “True or False: The Treaty of Bassein immediately led to the complete and peaceful dissolution of the Maratha Empire.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The treaty was highly destabilizing; it did not result in peaceful dissolution but instead led to the Second Anglo-Maratha War due to widespread discontent among Maratha chieftains.

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