Treaty of Salbai and Anglo-Maratha Relations

The Treaty of Salbai was signed on May 17, 1782, between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire, ending the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782). Negotiated by Warren Hastings and Mahadji Shinde, the treaty established a twenty-year peace between the two powers. It allowed the East India Company to consolidate its holdings in Bengal and focus its military resources on Hyder Ali of Mysore, while recognizing Sawai Madhavrao as the rightful Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy.

Historical Context and First Anglo-Maratha War

The death of Peshwa Madhavrao I in 1772 created a succession crisis in Pune. Raghunathrao (Raghoba), the uncle of the young Peshwa Narayanrao, arranged Narayanrao’s assassination in 1773 to seize power. However, a council of twelve Maratha chiefs known as the Barbhai Council, led by Nana Phadnavis, rejected Raghunathrao’s claim and proclaimed Narayanrao’s posthumous son, Sawai Madhavrao, as the legitimate Peshwa.

Causes of the Conflict

• Treaty of Surat (1775): Driven from Pune, Raghunathrao sought military support from the Bombay Presidency. Under the Treaty of Surat, the British agreed to provide 2,500 troops in exchange for Salsette, Bassein, and revenues from Surat and Bharuch.
• Treaty of Purandar (1776): The Supreme Council in Calcutta, headed by Governor-General Warren Hastings, annulled the Treaty of Surat as unauthorized. Colonel Upton signed the Treaty of Purandar with Nana Phadnavis, invalidating Raghunathrao’s claims while retaining Salsette for the British.
• Resumption of Hostilities: The Bombay Presidency ignored the Calcutta directives and gave refuge to Raghunathrao. When Nana Phadnavis granted a port on the western coast to the French in 1777, the British launched a military campaign toward Pune.

Major Military Battles and the Wadgaon Convention

The military campaign highlighted the Maratha Empire’s tactical advantages in terrain and cavalry operations.

Key Engagements

• Battle of Wadgaon (1779): Maratha forces led by Mahadji Shinde used scorched-earth tactics, cutting off British supply lines from Bombay. The trapped British force surrendered at Wadgaon in January 1779.
• Convention of Wadgaon (1779): The British signed a humiliated agreement surrendering all territories acquired by the Bombay Presidency since 1773 and handing over hostages.
• Rejection by Hastings: Warren Hastings rejected the Convention of Wadgaon and dispatched fresh armies under General Goddard and Captain Popham. Goddard captured Ahmedabad and Bassein, while Popham captured the fortress of Gwalior in August 1780.
• Battle of Sipri (1781): General Camac defeated Mahadji Shinde at Sipri, forcing Shinde to negotiate a settlement on behalf of the Maratha Confederacy.

Terms of the Treaty of Salbai

Signed on May 17, 1782, and ratified by Hastings in June 1782 and Nana Phadnavis in February 1783, the treaty contained seventeen articles defining territorial and political boundaries.

Core Provisions

• Recognition of the Peshwa: The British recognized Sawai Madhavrao as the sole legitimate Peshwa. Raghunathrao was pensioned off with a monthly allowance of 25,000 rupees and barred from political life.
• Territorial Adjustments: The British retained control of Salsette and Elephanta islands. All other territories captured by the British during the war, including Bassein, were returned to the Marathas.
• Control of Bharuch: Bharuch was handed over to Mahadji Shinde as a reward for his role in mediating the peace.
• Anti-French Clause: The Marathas agreed not to allow any other European powers, particularly the French, to establish settlements or military presence within their territories.
• Alliance against Mysore: Hyder Ali of Mysore was required to surrender all territories captured from the British and the Nawab of Arcot. The Marathas agreed to assist the British if Hyder Ali refused these terms.
• Guarantee of Peace: Mahadji Shinde acted as the mutual guarantor for the proper execution of the treaty terms by both sides.

Comparison of Anglo-Maratha Treaties (1775–1782)

Strategic Impact on British Expansion

The Treaty of Salbai marked a turning point in British imperial strategy in India. By securing the western front for twenty years, the East India Company avoided a simultaneous conflict with the two most powerful indigenous states: the Marathas and Mysore.

Strategic Consequences

• Isolation of Mysore: Hyder Ali lost potential Maratha support during the Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780–1784), leaving Mysore to face the British without major allies.
• Rise of Mahadji Shinde: The treaty established Mahadji Shinde as an independent regional power broker. He expanded Maratha control over North India, occupying Delhi and taking Emperor Shah Alam II under his protection in 1784.
• Relocation of Power: The British diplomatic footprint expanded in Pune, laying the groundwork for future political interference.
• Interim Stability: The twenty-year peace lasted until 1802, when internal rivalries among Maratha chiefs led Peshwa Baji Rao II to sign the Treaty of Bassein, triggering the Second Anglo-Maratha War.

Key Exam Facts

• The Treaty of Salbai was signed on May 17, 1782, ending the First Anglo-Maratha War.
• Salbai is situated in the Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh.
• Warren Hastings was the Governor-General of Bengal during the signing of the treaty.
• David Anderson represented the East India Company during negotiations at Salbai.
• Mahadji Shinde mediated the treaty and served as the guarantor of its terms.
• The treaty guaranteed twenty years of peace between the British and the Marathas (1782–1802).
• Sawai Madhavrao (Madhavrao II) was recognized as the legitimate Peshwa.
• Raghunathrao received an annual pension of three lakh rupees (25,000 rupees monthly) and retired to Kopargaon.
• The British retained possession of Salsette and Elephanta islands.
• The city and district of Bharuch were ceded to Mahadji Shinde.
• The Barbhai Council was a group of 12 Maratha leaders organized by Nana Phadnavis to counteract Raghunathrao’s intrigues.
• Captain Popham captured the Gwalior Fort from the Marathas in August 1780.