The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

MARATHA WARS

The Maratha Wars (fought from 1774 to 1782, 1803 to 1805 and from 1817 to 1818) were wars between the Maratha peoples and troops of the English East India Company in India. By the late 18th century the Maratha Hindus, divided into over ninety clans, had formed an uneasy confederacy which became a significant force in northern and central India. Rivalries between chiefs were exploited by the British. In the Second War Sir Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) won the battles of Assaye and Aragon. The Charter of the East India Company was renewed in 1813, when no further British acquisitions were envisaged, but in 1817 Company troops under Lord Hastings invaded Maratha territory to put down Pindari robber bands supported by Maratha princes, and finally made British power dominant within the sub- continent.
Research Maratha Wars