Modern Indian History

Third Maratha War (1817-1819)

1. But soon the Peshwa undid this treaty with the British and on 5 November 1817 attacked the British Residency
2. The Bhonsle chief, Appa Sahib also refused to abide by the Treaty of Nagpur, which he had signed with the British on 17 May 1816.
3. He fought with the British in the Battle of Sitabaldiin November 1817, but was defeated
4. The Peshwa now turned to Holkar for help, but Holkar too was defeated by the British on 21 December 1817 at Baroda.
5. The Peshwa now turned to Holkar for help, but Holkar too was defeated by the British on 21 December 1817 at Baroda.

Causes of the Defeat of the Marathas

1. The main reasons were
2. Lack of capable leadership
3. Military weakness of the Marathas.
4. The major drawback of the Maratha power was mutual bitterness and lack of cooperation amongst themselves
5. The Marathas hardly left any positive impact on the conquered territories.
6. The Marathas did not have cordial relations with other princes and Nawabs of India.
7. The Marathas failed to estimate correctly the political and diplomatic strength of the British

Reforms of Hastings

1. He approved the Ryotwari system of land revenue
2. Madras Presidency by Sir Thomas Munroe.
3. In the sphere of judiciary, the Cornwallis Code was improved.
4. The Police system of Bengal was extended to other regions.
5. The importance of Indian Munsiffs had increased during his administration.
6. The separation of judicial and revenue departments was not rigidly followed. Instead, the District Collector acted as Magistrate.
7. Hastings had also encouraged the foundation of vernacular schools by missionaries and others
8. In 1817, the Hindu College was established at Calcutta by the public for the teaching of English and western science.
9. Hastings was the Patron of this college. He encouraged the freedom of the Press and abolished the censorship introduced in 1799.
10. The Bengali Weekly, Samachar Darpanwas started in 1818 by Marshman, a Serampore missionary.

Estimate

1. Lord Hastings was an able soldier and a brilliant administrator.
2. His liberal views on education and Press are commendable
3. He suppressed the Pindaris, defeated the Marathas and curbed the power of the Ghurkhas.
4. He was considered the maker of the Bombay Presidency.
5. The completed and consolidated the work of Wellesley.
6. Lord Hastings was succeeded by Lord Amherst (1823-28) who fought the First Anglo-Mysore War (1824-26)