1. Historical Background
Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Marathas emerged as an independent power, establishing authority over various Indian states, including Odisha. The political horizon of India during this period was defined by the rivalry between these rising regional powers and the British East India Company.
2. Causes of the Anglo-Maratha Conflict
The conflict was driven by several geopolitical and economic factors:
- Strategic Location: Odisha served as the geographical link between the British presidencies of Bengal and Madras. The lack of a safe passage through Maratha-controlled Odisha was "irksome, expensive and sometimes difficult" for the British.
- Territorial Ambition: Historically, Odisha was considered part of Bengal since the Muslim conquest in 1568 A.D. After obtaining revenue rights following the Battle of Buxar, the British coveted the fertile, revenue-yielding lands of Odisha.
- Maratha Incursions: Maratha raids into the British districts of the Northern and Southern Sarkars (Mughalbandi region) caused significant harassment.
- Economic Clash: Trade interests clashed, particularly regarding the salt trade.
- Imperial Goals: The ultimate British objective was extending their dominion over the whole of India.
3. British Diplomatic Efforts (Early Phase)
Initial British attempts to secure Odisha were diplomatic rather than military:
- Clive's Negotiations (1765-1767): After acquiring the Diwani in 1765, Lord Clive attempted to acquire Odisha through negotiation. In 1767, he sent Thomas Motte to Nagpur to offer money to the Bhonsala, but the mission failed.
- Warren Hastings' Strategy: Hastings required a passage through Odisha for troops fighting Hyder Ali of Mysore. He paid the Marathas 13 lakhs of rupees plus a loan of 12 lakhs to secure this permission.
4. Role of Maratha Governors (Subahdars)
A. Rajaram Pandit (The Shrewd Diplomat)
Rajaram Pandit ruled during the tenure of Warren Hastings. At this time, the Raja of Nagpur had joined an anti-British confederacy with Poona, Hyderabad, and Mysore.
- The Passage Negotiation: Despite the confederacy, the Bhonsle chief instructed Rajaram to avoid direct clashes but extract Chauth from the British. Hastings sent a detachment under Colonel Pearse and an envoy, Anderson. Rajaram personally negotiated in Calcutta, securing 12 lakhs immediate payment and demanding a 25 lakh loan.
- Internal Administration: Rajaram was an able administrator who crushed recalcitrant zamindars. He chastised the King of Khurda and captured the rebellious land-holder Balarama Maharatha, who had sought asylum with King Divyasimhadeva.
- Reforms: He disbanded hereditary talukdars, appointing his own men for revenue collection, and promoted the influx of pilgrims to Puri.
B. Sadashiv Rao (The Friendly Administrator)
Succeeding his father Rajaram Pandit in 1793, Sadashiv Rao maintained cordial relations with the British.
- Cooperation: He allowed the British to use Barabati and facilitated troop movements from Bengal to Madras. This cooperation led to improvements in the British postal system in Odisha.
- The 1795 Mutiny Incident: When a mutinous British battalion sought refuge in Mayurbhanj, Sadashiv Rao intervened, instructing the King of Mayurbhanj to expel the rebels.
- The Khurda Succession Crisis: Despite his friendliness, Sadashiv stood his ground on justice. Upon the death of King Divyasimhadeva II, the British supported the claim of Shyamsundar. Sadashiv opposed this "tooth and nail," ensuring that the legitimate heir, Mukundadeva, ascended the throne.
5. The Final Conquest (1803)
The diplomatic friendship ultimately failed to save Maratha rule. Lord Wellesley, driven by imperialist ambitions, launched an offensive. Taking advantage of Sadashiv Rao's absence from Cuttack, the British General Harcourt occupied coastal Odisha in October 1803, bringing Maratha rule to an end.