Treaty of Salbai

The Treaty of Salbai, concluded in 1782, marked the end of the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782) between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire. Signed between Warren Hastings, the Governor-General of Bengal, representing the Company, and Madhavrao II, represented by Mahadji Shinde (Scindia), one of the leading Maratha chiefs, the treaty established peace and stability between the two powers for nearly two decades. It was a significant turning point in Anglo-Maratha relations and shaped the political balance of power in late eighteenth-century India.

Background

The First Anglo-Maratha War originated from disputes over the succession to the Maratha throne following the death of Peshwa Madhavrao I in 1772. His younger brother Narayanrao succeeded him but was assassinated in 1773, allegedly at the instigation of his uncle, Raghunathrao (Raghoba). The Maratha nobility, led by the powerful Barbhai Council, placed Narayanrao’s infant son, Madhavrao II, on the throne, rejecting Raghunathrao’s claim.
Seeking to regain power, Raghunathrao sought the support of the British East India Company, which saw in this internal conflict an opportunity to expand its political influence. The resulting Treaty of Surat (1775) between Raghunathrao and the Company granted the British territories and trade privileges in return for military support to reinstate him as Peshwa.
This alliance provoked the Barbhai faction and led to open hostilities between the Marathas and the British, resulting in the First Anglo-Maratha War. The conflict extended across western and central India, with fluctuating fortunes on both sides. Despite initial British victories, the war dragged on without decisive success.

Course of the War

The First Anglo-Maratha War was marked by several significant military encounters, including:

• Battle of Wadgaon (1779): The Marathas inflicted a decisive defeat on the British forces under Colonel Egerton and forced them to sign the Convention of Wadgaon, under which the British agreed to restore all territories seized from the Marathas. However, this treaty was later repudiated by the Calcutta Council.
• Campaigns of Mahadji Shinde: Mahadji Shinde emerged as the chief architect of Maratha military revival, reorganising forces, securing key territories, and leading diplomatic negotiations.

Both sides suffered heavy losses, and neither could claim an outright victory. The prolonged war, rising costs, and changing political priorities eventually led both parties to seek peace.

Negotiation and Signing of the Treaty

Negotiations began under the influence of Warren Hastings, who sought to stabilise the Company’s position in India and concentrate resources on other fronts, particularly against Hyder Ali of Mysore and potential French threats. The Marathas, too, were inclined towards peace, as they wanted to consolidate their internal unity and address regional challenges.
The Treaty of Salbai was signed in May 1782 at Salbai, a place near Gwalior, between representatives of the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire. It was ratified in 1783, formally bringing the war to an end.

Main Provisions of the Treaty

The Treaty of Salbai established a framework for mutual peace and recognition between the British and the Marathas. Its major terms included:

• Recognition of Madhavrao II: The British recognised Madhavrao II as the legitimate Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, thereby ending their support for Raghunathrao, who was to be granted a pension by the Marathas.
• Territorial Adjustments:
  • The British retained Salsette and Broach (Bharuch), which they had captured earlier.
  • All other territories acquired during the war were restored to the Marathas.
  • The Marathas regained control over territories in western and central India.
• Mutual Non-Aggression: Both powers agreed not to assist the enemies of the other.
• Maratha Relations with Other Powers: The Marathas agreed to maintain peace with the Nizam of Hyderabad and Hyder Ali of Mysore, who were British adversaries.
• Diplomatic Cooperation: The Marathas assured they would not allow French influence or settlement in their territories, thereby indirectly supporting British anti-French policies.
• Peace Duration: The treaty ensured peace between the two powers for twenty years.

Significance of the Treaty

The Treaty of Salbai had far-reaching implications for the political and diplomatic landscape of India:

• End of Hostilities: It brought an end to the seven-year-long First Anglo-Maratha War, establishing a relatively peaceful relationship between the Marathas and the British.
• British Consolidation: The treaty allowed the British to focus their military resources on southern India, where the Second Anglo-Mysore War was underway.
• Recognition of Maratha Power: The British were compelled to recognise the political legitimacy and military strength of the Maratha Confederacy.
• Rise of Mahadji Shinde: Mahadji Shinde emerged as one of the most influential figures in Indian politics, playing a pivotal role in restoring Maratha prestige and mediating future Anglo-Maratha relations.
• Temporary Balance of Power: The treaty established a temporary balance between the British and Indian powers, delaying direct conflict until the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805).

Assessment and Historical Importance

The Treaty of Salbai represented a diplomatic compromise rather than a victory for either side. For the Marathas, it restored political stability and recognition, while for the British, it secured their territorial gains and strategic interests without further conflict.
The peace that followed allowed the Marathas to rebuild their internal administration and strengthen their regional influence, particularly under the leadership of Mahadji Shinde and Nana Fadnavis. For the British, the treaty was a strategic success, as it ensured neutrality from a major Indian power during critical campaigns in southern India.