Home > Indian History > History of India > Treaty of Bassein
Treaty of Bassein
The Treaty of Bassein happens to be one of the greatest events which redefined the power of British rule in India. It was signed on 31st December in the year 1802, between Bajirao II, the Peshwa of Pune and the British East India Company

Share this Article:

Treaty of Bassein, Maratha Empire The Treaty of Bassein proved to be an important event in the history of British supremacy in India. During the latter half of the 18th century, the British East India Company managed to establish their rule over most parts of India.

Background of the Treaty of Bassein
The influence of Nana Phadnavis in Poona was increased after being victorious over the Nizam at Kharda. During this time, the Marathas were engaged in constant strife among themselves and certain splintering was taking place due to the dictatorship of Nana Phadnavis. After undergoing several critical plots, the son of Raghoba, Baji Rao II, was enthroned as the Peshwa on December 4, 1796. Nana Phadnavis was chosen as the chief minister of Baji Rao II. The Nizam took advantage of the unstable situation among the Marathas and recovered the territorial dominions that the Marathas seized after his severe defeat at Kharda.

Causes of the Treaty of Bassein
The policy of Subsidiary Alliance was directed by Lord Wellesley after his arrival as a Governor-General on April 26, 1798. His firm belief was that the best way of safeguarding the interest of England was to reduce the whole country into military dependence on the East India Company. The English began to gain more strength instead of any conflict between the English and the Marathas. The death of Nana Phadnavis on March 13, 1800, brightened the prospects of English and the last chance of keeping the Marathas in order was wiped out. The death of Nana removed the barrier that had checked to a great extent the disruptive activities of the Maratha chiefs. Thereafter, there was a vicious fight between Daulat Rao Sindhia and Jaswant Rao Holkar for capturing Poona and Sindhia received the favor of the Peshwa. Wellesley advised the Poona Residents to manage the secret treaty with Poona for turning out Sindhia on April 12, 1800, though the Peshwa remained firm in his position and the Resident suggested immediate destruction to restrain the power of Peshwa.

Treaty of Bassein, Maratha Empire The intrigues of the Peshwa were making matters among the Marathas worse. The murder of Vithuji Holkar by the Peshwa in April 1801 made the situation more complicated. The Holkar then raised war against the combined force of Sindhias and the Peshwas at Poona and the armies were defeated by him and the city was captured. While Amrit Rao`s son Vinayak Rao was made the Peshwa by Jaswant Rao Holkar, Baji Rao went to Bassein for shelter. In this vulnerable situation, Baji Rao decided to accept Subsidiary Alliance and he then signed with the East India Company the Treaty of Bassein on December 31, 1802.

Provisions of the Treaty
According to this treaty, an English force of 6,000 was to be permanently a part of the Peshwa army. To maintain this force an amount of 26 lakhs in Indian currency were to be provided to the British. This treaty also restricted the Peshwa to enter into any treaty or declare war without consulting the Company. It also includes that the Peshwa`s claim upon the Nizam and Gaekwar would be subject to the arbitration of the Company and the Peshwa also abdicated his demand over Surat.

Later, under the protection of the East India Company, Baji Rao II regained his Peshwarship on May 13, 1803. With the sanction of the treaty of Bassein, the ascendancy of the East India Company was started and this treaty contributed to the development of the sway and influence of the East India Company over the Indian subcontinent. However, the Maratha rulers namely the Shindes and the Bhosales did not accept the treaty and this caused the Second Anglo-Maratha War in 1803.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.