Second Anglo-Maratha War opens: Delhi, Assaye and Orissa

Background. The conflict arose from struggles for supremacy within the Maratha Empire. Daulat Rao Sindhia, Maharaja of Gwalior, maintained independence despite British expansion. Following Holkar's victory at Poona in 1802, the Peshwa signed the Treaty of Bassein, recognizing the East India Company as paramount. This political shift triggered hostilities, with British forces under General Lake and Major General Wellesley mobilizing against Sindhia's forces in 1803.

Military Campaigns. General Lake commanded British forces in the north, defeating Marathas at Aligarh and Delhi. Major General Arthur Wellesley led an army that pursued Maratha forces threatening Hyderabad. Wellesley's outnumbered troops defeated Sindhia and Bhonsle forces at Assaye in September 1803. These victories, alongside Lake's successes, compelled Sindhia to negotiate, leading to significant territorial concessions in late 1803.

Treaties and Occupation. Following military defeats, Daulat Rao Sindhia signed the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon in December 1803, ceding territories including Delhi-Agra and parts of Bundelkhand. Raghoji II Bhonsle signed the Treaty of Deogaon in December, giving up Cuttack. The British occupation of Orissa occurred in October 1803, consolidating control over coastal regions and princely states in Odisha.