Treaty of Salbai (1782): A Turning Point in Anglo-Maratha Relations

The Treaty of Salbai, signed in 1782, marked a significant chapter in the Anglo-Maratha conflicts during the late 18th century. As the British East India Company expanded its dominion in India, it encountered powerful native forces — the Maratha Confederacy being the most formidable among them. The Treaty of Salbai concluded the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782), laying the groundwork for a temporary peace and shifting political equations in the Indian subcontinent.

Treaty of Salbai (1782)

 

Historical Background of the First Anglo-Maratha War

Rise of the Maratha Confederacy

After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1680 and the fall of the Mughal Empire, the Marathas rose as a dominant force in Indian politics. By the mid-18th century, they controlled a vast region extending from the Deccan Plateau to parts of northern India.

Internal Succession Crisis

The First Anglo-Maratha War was rooted in a succession dispute. Following the death of Peshwa Madhavrao I in 1772, a political vacuum emerged. His brother Narayana Rao succeeded him but was murdered in 1773. This led to a power struggle between:

• Raghunath Rao (Raghoba) – the uncle of the deceased Peshwa,
• Nana Phadnavis – the chief minister of the Maratha Empire, who supported infant Madhavrao II.

British Involvement

The British East India Company, eager to capitalize on the instability, supported Raghunath Rao in return for territorial and trade advantages. This led to the Treaty of Surat (1775), where Raghunath Rao promised Salsette and Bassein to the British.

Outbreak of War

The Treaty of Surat was deemed unauthorized by the British Calcutta Council, but war had already begun. The resulting First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782) was a mix of inconclusive battles, shifting alliances, and regional resistance.

 

The Treaty of Salbai (1782): Overview

Date and Location

• Signed: May 17, 1782
• Location: Salbai, a village in present-day Madhya Pradesh
• Parties Involved:
• British East India Company (represented by Warren Hastings)
• Maratha Confederacy (represented by Mahadji Shinde/Scindia)

Key Objective

To end hostilities of the First Anglo-Maratha War and establish a status quo, balancing British and Maratha interests.

 

Terms and Conditions of the Treaty

1. Territorial Adjustments

• British Retentions:
• Salsette Island (near Bombay) was retained by the British.
• The territories acquired during the war were returned to the Marathas, except Salsette.
• Maratha Sovereignty:
• The Marathas retained control over Madhavrao II as Peshwa and rejected Raghunath Rao, aligning with Nana Phadnavis' faction.

2. Withdrawal and Peace Agreement

• The British agreed to withdraw support to Raghunath Rao.
• Both parties agreed to non-interference in each other's allies and internal politics.
• The British agreed to support the Marathas against Hyder Ali of Mysore.

3. Recognition and Legitimacy

• The British recognized Madhavrao II as the legitimate Peshwa.
• Mahadji Shinde (Scindia) was acknowledged as the mediator and a major player in the agreement.

4. Prisoner Exchange

• Both sides agreed to release prisoners of war.
• Maratha prisoners in British custody and British prisoners held by the Marathas were exchanged.

5. Trade and Diplomacy

• Trade privileges and mutual respect of each other's spheres were outlined.
• British factories and forts were to remain under the East India Company’s jurisdiction.

 

Significance of the Treaty

1. End of a Prolonged War

The treaty formally ended seven years of hostilities, restoring peace and preventing further British losses.

2. Strategic Gains for the British

While the British lost most territorial gains, retaining Salsette was significant for securing the Bombay Presidency.

3. Rise of Mahadji Scindia

Mahadji Scindia emerged as a diplomatic mastermind, strengthening his control over northern India and becoming the chief negotiator in Maratha affairs.

4. Temporary Peace

The treaty led to 20 years of relative peace between the British and the Marathas until the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805).

 

Contemporary Impact and Legacy

1. Strengthening of British Diplomacy

The British East India Company, under Warren Hastings, learned valuable lessons in native diplomacy and power politics. The emphasis shifted from military conquest to political manipulation and alliances.

2. Lessons for the Marathas

While the Marathas were successful in curbing British expansion temporarily, internal disunity and future underestimations of British power would prove costly in subsequent wars.

3. Prelude to Mysore Conflict

With the Marathas focused inward and British now aligned with them, the Second Anglo-Mysore War intensified, targeting Hyder Ali.

 

Key Figures Involved

1. Warren Hastings

• Governor-General of Bengal
• Architect of British diplomacy during this period

2. Mahadji Scindia (Shinde)

• Maratha general and diplomat
• Played a pivotal role in negotiations

3. Nana Phadnavis

• Chief statesman of the Maratha Empire
• Defender of Maratha independence and guardian of the Peshwa

4. Raghunath Rao (Raghoba)

• Disputed claimant to the Peshwa title
• Abandoned by the British after the treaty

 

Treaty of Salbai: Analytical Insights

1. Realpolitik Over Ideology

The Treaty reflected a pragmatic approach by both sides, where military fatigue, economic pressures, and diplomatic maneuvering led to a mutually beneficial solution.

2. British Long-Term Strategy

Despite returning many territories, the British gained strategic coastal strongholds and valuable experience in Indian geopolitics.

3. Delay in Maratha Downfall

The Treaty postponed British domination in India. The Maratha Confederacy, though fragmented, held off complete British control for another two decades.

 

Facts and Statistics

Aspect	Details
Year Signed	1782
Location	Salbai, Madhya Pradesh
Conflict Resolved	First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782)
Duration of War	7 years
British Gain	Island of Salsette
Maratha Gain	Recognition of Madhavrao II and internal sovereignty
Main Negotiators	Warren Hastings, Mahadji Scindia
Impact	20 years of peace between British and Marathas

 

Conclusion

The Treaty of Salbai (1782) stands as a crucial moment in the colonial history of India. It not only ended a costly war but also shaped the diplomatic contours of the subcontinent for the years to follow. It temporarily halted British advances into Maratha territories, allowed both sides to regroup, and set the stage for future conflicts.

Understanding this treaty offers key insights into Anglo-Maratha relations, the strategies of colonial expansion, and the resilience of Indian powers in the face of European imperialism.

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FAQs on Treaty of Salbai (1782)

Q1. What was the Treaty of Salbai?

The Treaty of Salbai was a peace agreement signed in 1782 between the British East India Company and the Maratha Confederacy, ending the First Anglo-Maratha War.

Q2. Who signed the Treaty of Salbai?

The treaty was negotiated by Warren Hastings on behalf of the British and Mahadji Scindia for the Marathas.

Q3. What were the key terms of the Treaty of Salbai?

• British retention of Salsette
• Recognition of Madhavrao II as Peshwa
• Withdrawal of British support to Raghunath Rao
• Mutual non-aggression pact

Q4. What was the significance of the Treaty?

It provided a 20-year peace between the Marathas and the British, allowed consolidation of territories, and gave strategic advantages to both parties.

Q5. Which war did the Treaty of Salbai end?

The treaty ended the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782).