1. Introduction and Background
The foundation of the British Empire in India was solidified by victories at Plassey and Buxar, which naturally encouraged expansion into Odisha. Following the grant of the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha to the East India Company in 1765, the British sought to establish supremacy over the region. The final occupation took place in 1803, facilitated by the fragile Maratha administration.
2. Causes for British Occupation
A. Weakness of Maratha Rule
Internal conflict arose among the Bhonsles of Nagpur after the death of Januji, which severely weakened the Maratha hold on Odisha. The administration declined to the point where Maratha rulers had to seek British help to suppress unruly landlords. Furthermore, oppressive Zamindars exploited the common people, creating a chaotic political condition that made the populace eager to oust the Marathas.
B. Economic Interests
The British established factories at Hariharpur, Pipli, and Balasore to secure a commercial base. They viewed the province as economically vital, particularly after securing a monopoly over salt manufacturing from the Marathas.
C. Military and Strategic Importance
Geographically, Odisha was the link between the British presidencies of Bengal and Madras. Warren Hastings previously had to pay Chauth to the Marathas to allow the passage of British armies. With the arrival of Lord Wellesley in 1798, the imperialist drive to annex Odisha to connect the British territories intensified.
3. Stages of Conquest
Phase I: Occupation of Ganjam (Prelude)
The British acquired the Northern Circars (including Ganjam) via a firman in 1765 from Shah Alam and a treaty with Nizam Ali in 1766. Cotsford was appointed Resident of Ganjam in 1766. By 1768, the British had suppressed the refractory chief Narayanadeva of Paralakhemundi, bringing Ganjam fully under Madras administration.
Phase II: The Campaign of 1803
Lord Wellesley devised a plan to attack the Marathas from multiple fronts.
1. Capture of Puri
Wellesley used diplomacy by communicating that it was the desire of Lord Jagannath to have the British rule, thereby winning over the priests and the people. He also resorted to bribery, paying Maratha officers like the Naib of Cuttack and the Faujdar. Colonel Harcourt took command after Campbell fell ill. The British secured the help of the King of Khurda and crossed the treacherous mouth of Chilka lake by bribing the Maratha Faujdar, Fateh Muhammad. Puri was captured without resistance on 18 September 1803.
2. Conquest of Cuttack and Barabati Fort
Harcourt marched toward Cuttack, overcoming resistance at Ahmadpur and Mukundapur. By 10 October 1803, Cuttack town was secured. The siege of the Barabati Fort began on 14 October 1803. British troops, led by Lt. Colonel Clyton, breached the fort after heavy bombardment. The fall of Barabati marked the end of Maratha rule in coastal Odisha.
3. Capture of Balasore
Captain Morgan led the expedition to Balasore, reaching the port of Balaramgarhi via the river Budhabalanga. Aided by bribes and the panic caused by British mobilization, the Marathas fled, and Morgan occupied Balasore on 22 September 1803.
4. Treaties and Consolidation
Following the military victories, the Treaty of Deogaon was signed on 17 December 1803, in which Raghuji Bhonsle formally ceded Cuttack and Balasore to the East India Company. Additionally, feudatory chiefs of states like Khurda, Mayurbhanj, and Angul acknowledged British suzerainty.
5. The Question of Sambalpur
Although Major Broughton conquered Sambalpur in January 1804 and signed a treaty with Queen Ratnakumari, the territory was restored to the Marathas by Governor-General Barlow (a pacifist) in 1806. The British permanently annexed Sambalpur in 1849 under Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse.
6. Conclusion
The occupation in 1803 ended the long, oppressive administration of the Marathas and established the British as the sole authority in Odisha. This event integrated Odisha into the British administrative setup, opening a new era in the region's modern history.
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