Question

The Treaty of Surat signed by the English and Raghunath Rao became the cause for _________.

A)The first Anglo-Maratha war
B)The Third Carnatic war
C)the Third Anglo-Maratha War
D)the Third Anglo-Mysore War

Answer 1

HINT: From the early 17th century to the early 18th century, Indian subcontinent was ruled by the Maratha Empire, belonging to the Bhonsale dynasty. The Peshwa played a crucial role in expanding the Empire; initially they served as subordinates to the Maratha king but later worked as leaders.

Step by step solution:
Option A- Raghunath Rao tried to secure the succession after the death of the peshwa Narayan Rao in 1773. Narayan Rao was murdered by his guards. However, the legal heir to the throne was Narayan Rao's posthumous son named "Sawai". Raghunath Rao; reluctant to give up his position of power, sought help from the British at Bombay. The East India Company supported Raghunath’s claim in the Treaty of Surat (March 7, 1775) in return for Salsette Island and Bassein (Vasai). Raghunathrao, along with his men, was able to take the Peshwa’s seat in Pune.

Upon becoming aware the Governor General in Council at Calcutta did not approve this treaty and held it null and void. Colonel further ordered a representative "Colonel Upton" to visit Poona ( Pune) to annul this treaty and make a new treaty with the Governor General in Council at Calcutta.They signed a new treaty with Nana Phadnavis in 1776 called the Treaty of Purandar ( 1 March 1776) annulled that of Surat, According to which, Raghunath Rao was pensioned and his cause abandoned, but the Salsette and Broach districts and their revenues were retained by the British.

Option B- In India,The Carnatic Wars were a series of military conflicts dealing with struggles for succession and territory. Finally in the end, the British East India Company established its dominance among the European trading companies within India.This is not a correct option.

Option C- The British wanted control of the southern territories dominated by Maratha chieftains. The Third Anglo-Maratha War was fought because of the conflict between the British and the Pindaris. This is an incorrect option.

Option D- In Southern India ( 18th Century), the four wars between the British and the Kingdom of Mysore were fought and they are known as " The Anglo-Mysore Wars". This is not a correct option.

NOTE: There were three Anglo-Maratha wars fought between the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century between the Marathas and the British. In 1782, first war was fought, Second Maratha war from 1803-1805 and lastly; The Third Maratha war from 1817-1818. At last, the Maratha power was destroyed and British supremacy established.