MCQs Based On Modern History- (34)

Correct Option: 3. Treaty of Salbai.
Explanation: The First Anglo-Maratha War ended in 1782 with the Treaty of Salbai, brokered by Mahadji Sindhia. It maintained the status quo and brought 20 years of peace between the British and the Marathas.
Background to the Treaty:
-First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782): This war broke out due to the Marathas’ opposition to the British East India Company’s interference in Indian politics, particularly over the support for Raghunath Rao (Rao Sahib), who was vying for the Peshwa’s position.
The conflict was primarily a struggle for political dominance, with the British supporting one faction, while the Marathas united against the British.
The British were initially pushed back by the Marathas and had to negotiate after suffering several defeats. Meanwhile, the Marathas, although militarily strong, faced internal rivalries that prevented them from securing a decisive victory.
Key Terms of the Treaty:
1. Status Quo Restored:
The treaty effectively restored the status quo ante bellum (the situation before the war). Neither side gained or lost territory.
The British retained control over Salsette and Bassein (strategically important coastal territories) but agreed to return other areas they had occupied during the war.
2. Raghunath Rao’s Fate:
The British renounced support for Raghunath Rao’s claim to the Peshwa’s position, a key issue that had sparked the war.
The Marathas formally accepted the Peshwa Madhavrao II as the legitimate ruler, consolidating their internal power.
3. Maratha Allies:
The treaty also maintained the independence of various Maratha chiefs such as Mahadji Sindhia, who played a key role in facilitating peace. It allowed them to maintain their respective territories and influence.
4. Peace between British and Marathas:
The treaty marked a 20-year peace between the British and the Marathas, allowing both parties to stabilize their positions and recuperate from the prolonged conflict.
5. Non-Interference in Internal Affairs:
Both sides agreed to respect each other’s sovereignty and refrain from interfering in internal matters, particularly the appointment of rulers.
Significance of the Treaty of Salbai:
1. British Consolidation:
Although the British did not win a decisive military victory, the treaty allowed them to retain critical territories like Salsette and Bassein, which were strategically important for controlling the western coast and for future naval operations.
The treaty provided the British with 20 years of peace to consolidate their rule, particularly in the Bengal Presidency, and to focus on expanding their influence in other parts of India.
2. Maratha Unity Temporarily Restored:
The treaty brought a temporary truce to the Marathas, who were facing internal division and infighting. However, this peace was short-lived as internal rivalries soon resurfaced, weakening their power.
Mahadji Sindhia played a key role in reconciling the Maratha factions and mediating peace with the British. His influence marked a shift in Maratha politics towards a more centralized leadership.
3. Diplomatic Success for Warren Hastings:
The treaty marked a diplomatic success for Warren Hastings, the British Governor-General, who managed to maintain British interests despite military setbacks. Hastings’ leadership helped preserve British authority in India.
4. A Precursor to Further British Expansion:
The peace created by the treaty allowed the British to focus on their wars with Mysore (Haidar Ali and later Tipu Sultan) and the Nizam of Hyderabad, furthering their colonial ambitions in the subcontinent.
The treaty also allowed the British to shift focus toward external threats, particularly from France and other European powers.
Impact on Indian Politics:
The treaty highlighted the fragility of alliances in India. Despite the peace between the British and the Marathas, the Maratha Confederacy was divided into several factions, and internal conflicts soon erupted, especially between the Peshwa and the Scindhias.
The British were able to exploit these divisions, leading to further opportunities for expansion.
The Maratha power remained a major force, but their inability to maintain unity after the treaty would eventually lead to their downfall in the following wars.

Correct Option: 2. Warren Hastings.
Explanation: Warren Hastings, the Governor-General at the time, played a crucial role in reviving British fortunes during the First Anglo-Maratha War through military and diplomatic means.

Correct Option: 3. Mediator for peace.
Explanation: Mahadji Sindhia mediated the Treaty of Salbai in 1782, which brought an end to the war between the British and the Marathas.

Correct Option: 4. Tipu Sultan.
Explanation: Tipu Sultan actively sought alliances with Revolutionary France and other foreign powers to oppose the British.

Correct Option: 3. Tipu Sultan ceded half of his territory and paid indemnity.
Explanation: After the Third Anglo-Mysore War, Tipu Sultan had to give up half of his territories and pay a large indemnity of 330 lakhs of rupees.