Correct Option
The correct option is 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
The Anglo-Maratha Wars were a series of three conflicts fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Confederacy between 1775 and 1818. These wars resulted in the destruction of the Maratha Confederacy and the establishment of British paramountcy over most of India.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Pair 1 is Correct: The First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782) was concluded by the Treaty of Salbai (1782). Under this treaty, the British acknowledged Madhavrao II as the Peshwa, and the Marathas guaranteed that the French would not be allowed to establish settlements in their territories. This treaty secured peace between the two powers for twenty years.
- Pair 2 is Correct: The Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805) occurred due to the internal conflict within the Maratha Confederacy and the signing of the Treaty of Bassein by Peshwa Bajirao II. The British defeated the armies of Sindhia and Bhonsle. Consequently, the British gained control over extensive territories, including Orissa (from the Bhonsles of Nagpur) and the territories north of the Yamuna river, including Agra and Delhi (from the Sindhias).
- Pair 3 is Correct: The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818) was the final decisive conflict. The British crushed the Maratha power. The office of the Peshwa was abolished. Peshwa Bajirao II was dethroned and pensioned off to Bithur (near Kanpur). His territories were annexed into the Bombay Presidency.
Key Takeaway: The Treaty of Salbai ended the First War restoring the status quo; the Second War gave the British control over Delhi, Agra, and Orissa; and the Third War led to the abolition of the Peshwaship and the exile of Bajirao II to Bithur.