Question

Discuss the reasons behind the end of the Maratha rule.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Mention the beginning of the end of the Maratha rule: Peshwa Bajirao II and his incompetence.
• Describe the growth of conflicts: Internal strife of Sardars and attacks from British
• The end of the Maratha rule: Battle of Ashti and surrender of Peshwa

Solution:
The major reasons behind the end of the Maratha rule were:

• Bajirao II became the Peshwa after the deaths of Mahadaji Shinde and Nana Phadanavis. The decline of the Maratha rule hence began.
• Bajirao II lacked leadership qualities and was faced with several problems.
• The supremacy of Marathas over the North and South declined under his reign.
• He was unable to bring the Maratha Sardars together and the Sardars' power was weakened by internal strife.
• The Maratha power further declined when the British captured Pune in 1817 CE.
• Finally, in 1818 CE, the British defeated the Marathas in the battle of Ashti in the Solapur district, resulting in the end of Maratha rule.