The Second Anglo-Maratha War, also known as the Second Maratha War, took place from 1803 to 1805. It was a major conflict between the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company. The war resulted in a British victory and marked a significant turning point in the consolidation of British control over India.

Causes of the War:

• Expansionist Policies: The British East India Company sought to expand its territorial control and influence over India. They viewed the Marathas as a major power that posed a challenge to their ambitions.
• Political Instability: The death of Madhavrao II, the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, in 1795 created a power vacuum and led to a succession crisis. This instability weakened the Marathas and provided an opportunity for the British to intervene.
• Rivalry and Alliances: The British had formed alliances with various regional powers, including the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Gaekwad of Baroda, who were opposed to Maratha expansion. This further heightened tensions between the Marathas and the British.

A course of the War:

1. British Offensive: The war began in 1803 with the British launching a series of offensives against the Marathas. British forces, under the command of General Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington), captured key Maratha territories, including Ahmednagar, Pune, and Gwalior.
2. Battles and Engagements: Several significant battles were fought during the war. The Battle of Assaye (September 1803) and the Battle of Laswari (November 1803) were notable British victories that weakened Maratha’s resistance.
3. Siege of Bharatpur: The Marathas, under the leadership of the Jat ruler Maharaja Suraj Mal, defended the city of Bharatpur against the British. The siege lasted for several months but ended in a British victory, further weakening Maratha’s resistance.
4. Treaty of Bassein (1802): Before the war, the British had signed the Treaty of Bassein with Baji Rao II, the new Peshwa. However, the treaty proved to be ineffective in maintaining peace, as both sides violated its terms.
5. Treaty of Surji-Arjungaon (1803): The war concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Surji-Arjungaon in December 1803. The Marathas were forced to cede territories to the British, including control over Delhi and Agra. They also had to accept a British subsidiary force in their territories.