The Third Anglo-Maratha War, also known as the Third Maratha War, took place from 1817 to 1818. It was a decisive conflict between the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company. The war marked the final collapse of Maratha’s power and resulted in the complete subjugation of the Marathas under British rule.

Causes of the War:

1. British Expansionist Policies: The British East India Company sought to extend its control over the Indian subcontinent, and the Maratha Empire posed a significant obstacle to their ambitions. The British aimed to dismantle Maratha’s power and establish direct control over the region.
2. Internal Conflicts and Rivalries: The Maratha Empire was rife with internal conflicts and power struggles among different factions and regional rulers. The British capitalized on these divisions and exploited them to further their interests.
3. Loss of Allied Support: The Marathas had previously enjoyed the support of various regional powers, but their alliances weakened over time. The British, on the other hand, had successfully formed alliances with key Maratha rivals, including the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Gaekwad of Baroda.

A Course of the War:

1. Initial Conflicts: The war began with small-scale clashes between the Marathas and the British. The British forces, under the command of General Thomas Hislop, advanced into Maratha territories, capturing important strongholds.
2. Battle of Koregaon: One of the notable engagements of the war was the Battle of Koregaon, fought in January 1818. A small contingent of British troops, mainly consisting of the Mahar regiment, held off a much larger Maratha force. The British emerged victorious, and the battle became a symbol of resistance against Maratha’s power.
3. The capture of Key Forts: The British gradually captured strategic forts and territories, including Ahmednagar, Sholapur, and Nagpur. The Marathas put up resistance, but they were outmatched by the superior British forces and their allies.
4. The defeat of Peshwa Bajirao II: Peshwa Bajirao II, the titular ruler of the Maratha Empire, was the primary target of British aggression. He was defeated by the combined forces of the British and their allies at the Battle of Khadki (Kirkee) in November 1817. The defeat effectively ended the Peshwa’s authority and marked the collapse of Maratha’s power.
5. Surrender of Appa Sahib: Appa Sahib, the adopted son of the late Maratha ruler Raja of Nagpur, continued to resist the British. However, he was eventually defeated and forced to surrender in May 1818. With his surrender, the Maratha resistance was effectively crushed.