(Four Anglo-Mysore Wars: Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, Three Anglo-Maratha Wars: decline of Maratha
Confederacy, Anglo-Sikh Wars: Ranjit Singh, Dalhousie and annexation, Role of military reforms
and diplomacy in expansion, Subsidiary Alliance vs Resistance movements)
The Anglo-Indian wars form a pivotal segment in India’s colonial history and are critically
important for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. These conflicts not only exemplify British
military expansion but also highlight indigenous resistance, diplomacy, and political stratagems.
Focusing on the Anglo-Mysore, Anglo-Maratha, and Anglo-Sikh wars, alongside military reforms
and diplomatic policies like the Subsidiary Alliance.
I. Anglo-Mysore Wars (1767-1799): The Rise and Fall of Resistance
The Anglo-Mysore conflicts were a series of four wars fought between the Kingdom of Mysore and
the British East India Company, with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan emerging as prominent leaders.
- First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-1769): Hyder Ali’s strategic acumen led to initial victories,
forcing the Treaty of Madras, which restored conquered territories. - Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-1784): A fierce response to British betrayal. Tipu Sultan
joined his father, Hyder Ali, showcasing military prowess. The war ended with the Treaty of
Mangalore, recognizing Mysore’s resilience. - Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-1792): Tipu Sultan faced a coalition of the British, Marathas,
and Nizam of Hyderabad. He was compelled to sign the Treaty of Seringapatam, ceding half
of Mysore’s territory. - Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799): Marked the tragic end of Tipu Sultan at the Battle of
Srirangapatna. The British emerged victorious, leading to Mysore’s subjugation and political
restructuring.
Significance: The wars underline Tipu’s diplomatic outreach to the French and Ottomans, his military
innovations, and eventual martyrdom in defense of sovereignty.
II. Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775-1818): Fragmentation of the Maratha Confederacy
The three Anglo-Maratha wars reveal the systematic weakening of the Maratha power structure and
the rise of British supremacy in India. - First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782): Rooted in the succession dispute following the death
of Peshwa Madhavrao I. The Treaty of Salbai recognized Madhavrao II as Peshwa, granting
temporary peace. - Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805): A result of internal discord among Maratha chiefs.
The British defeated Scindia and Bhonsle, annexing key territories like Delhi. - Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818): Ended the Maratha Confederacy. Peshwa Baji Rao II
was defeated and exiled, leading to the annexation of vast regions.
Impact: These wars were instrumental in dismantling one of the most formidable Indian powers and
expanding British hegemony.
III. Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845-1849): From Ranjit Singh to Annexation
The Sikh Empire, consolidated under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, represented a formidable northern
force. However, his death triggered instability. - First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846): Despite the valor of the Sikh army, poor leadership led to
defeat. The Treaty of Lahore imposed harsh conditions. - Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-1849): Sparked by a rebellion in Multan. British victory led to
the complete annexation of Punjab.
Role of Lord Dalhousie: His aggressive Doctrine of Lapse and direct annexation policy post-war
established British control over the Northwest frontier.
IV. Military Reforms and Diplomacy in Colonial Expansion
The British applied a combination of military reforms and diplomatic tactics to subdue Indian states.
● Military Reforms: Introduction of modern artillery, structured battalions, and European-style
training gave the British a strategic edge.
● Diplomatic Tools: Use of alliances, pacts, and treaties to divide Indian powers, such as the
Treaty of Bassein (1802), which isolated Maratha leaders.
V. Subsidiary Alliance vs Resistance Movements
● Subsidiary Alliance: Initiated by Lord Wellesley, this policy coerced Indian rulers into
accepting British troops within their territories, at their expense, effectively eroding
sovereignty.
● Resistance Movements: Despite these tactics, leaders like Tipu Sultan, the Marathas, and
Sikh generals like Ranjodh Singh Majithia displayed tenacious resistance.
Contrast: While the Subsidiary Alliance masked imperialism under treaties, resistance movements
embodied the struggle for autonomy and national pride.
Conclusion
Understanding the Anglo-Indian wars offers more than just a timeline of events; it reveals the
complex strategies employed by the British to establish and expand their control in India. These wars
showcase the interplay between military innovation, diplomatic maneuvering, and local resistance.
They highlight how the British used both force and political alliances to weaken powerful Indian
states. The conflict also addresses the resilience and adaptability of Indian rulers who resisted
colonial domination. Studying these wars deepens our insight into the nature of colonial expansion
and its lasting impact on India’s political landscape. This knowledge is crucial for appreciating the
broader themes of imperialism, resistance, and statecraft in colonial history.
For UPSC Mains, focus on cause-effect dynamics, role of key personalities, and the comparative
study of resistance versus diplomacy. For Prelims, remember treaties, dates, and major
battles.This knowledge bridges history with polity and IR, forming an interdisciplinary edge for
Civil Services aspirants.
MCQ
- Which treaty ended the First Anglo-Mysore War (1767-1769)?
A) Treaty of Seringapatam
B) Treaty of Madras
C) Treaty of Mangalore
D) Treaty of Salbai
Answer: B) Treaty of Madras
Explanation: The First Anglo-Mysore War ended with the Treaty of Madras, which restored
conquered territories to both sides. - The Treaty of Seringapatam (1792) was signed after which Anglo-Mysore War?
A) First
B) Second
C) Third
D) Fourth
Answer: C) Third
Explanation: The Treaty of Seringapatam ended the Third Anglo-Mysore War and resulted in Tipu
Sultan ceding half of his territory. - Who was the ruler of Mysore during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799)?
A) Hyder Ali
B) Tipu Sultan
C) Peshwa Madhavrao I
D) Ranjit Singh
Answer: B) Tipu Sultan
Explanation: Tipu Sultan was the ruler during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War and died in the Battle of
Srirangapatna. - Which of the following was NOT a cause of the First Anglo-Maratha War
(1775-1782)?
A) Succession dispute after Peshwa Madhavrao I’s death
B) British desire to expand territory in the Deccan
C) Treaty of Bassein
D) Maratha resistance to British interference
Answer: C) Treaty of Bassein
Explanation: The Treaty of Bassein was signed in 1802 during the Second Anglo-Maratha War, not
the first. - Assertion (A): The Treaty of Salbai (1782) resulted in temporary peace between
the British and Marathas.
Reason (R): It recognized Madhavrao II as the Peshwa.
A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
C) A is true but R is false
D) A is false but R is true
Answer: A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: The Treaty of Salbai settled the succession dispute and established Madhavrao II as
Peshwa, bringing temporary peace. - During the Second Anglo-Maratha War, which territories did the British annex?
A) Mysore
B) Punjab
C) Delhi
D) Bengal
Answer: C) Delhi
Explanation: The British annexed Delhi and other key territories after defeating Maratha chiefs like
Scindia and Bhonsle. - The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818) resulted in:
A) The restoration of Maratha power
B) The decline of British influence
C) The end of Maratha Confederacy
D) Treaty of Lahore
Answer: C) The end of Maratha Confederacy
Explanation: The Third Anglo-Maratha War ended the Maratha Confederacy and marked the
expansion of British control. - Which Sikh ruler consolidated the Sikh Empire before the Anglo-Sikh Wars?
A) Dalhousie
B) Ranjit Singh
C) Ranjodh Singh Majithia
D) Hari Singh Nalwa
Answer: B) Ranjit Singh
Explanation: Maharaja Ranjit Singh consolidated the Sikh Empire before his death led to instability
and Anglo-Sikh conflicts. - The First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846) ended with:
A) Treaty of Amritsar
B) Treaty of Lahore
C) Treaty of Mangalore
D) Treaty of Salbai
Answer: B) Treaty of Lahore
Explanation: The Treaty of Lahore was signed after the First Anglo-Sikh War, imposing harsh terms
on the Sikh Empire. - Which policy initiated by Lord Wellesley forced Indian rulers to accept British
troops at their expense?
A) Doctrine of Lapse
B) Subsidiary Alliance
C) Permanent Settlement
D) Ryotwari System
Answer: B) Subsidiary Alliance
Explanation: The Subsidiary Alliance coerced rulers to host British troops, effectively curtailing their
sovereignty. - Assertion (A): Tipu Sultan sought French and Ottoman support to resist the
British.
Reason (R): Tipu Sultan’s military reforms were influenced by European styles of warfare.
A) Both A and R are true and R explains A
B) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
C) A is true but R is false
D) Both A and R are false
Answer: B) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
Explanation: Tipu Sultan sought external alliances and also modernized his military, but the reforms
do not directly explain his diplomatic outreach. - Which war is correctly matched with its outcome?
A) Second Anglo-Mysore War – Treaty of Madras
B) First Anglo-Maratha War – Treaty of Salbai
C) First Anglo-Sikh War – Treaty of Mangalore
D) Fourth Anglo-Mysore War – Treaty of Lahore
Answer: B) First Anglo-Maratha War – Treaty of Salbai
Explanation: The Treaty of Salbai ended the First Anglo-Maratha War. - The Doctrine of Lapse was primarily used during the time of:
A) Lord Wellesley
B) Lord Dalhousie
C) Lord Cornwallis
D) Lord Hastings
Answer: B) Lord Dalhousie
Explanation: Dalhousie used the Doctrine of Lapse to annex states without a natural heir. - Which among the following military reforms gave the British an edge in the
Anglo-Indian wars?
A) Introduction of sepoy regiments only
B) Adoption of European-style artillery and training
C) Use of guerilla tactics from Indian rulers
D) Sole reliance on Indian cavalry
Answer: B) Adoption of European-style artillery and training
Explanation: British military reforms included modern artillery and European training methods,
enhancing their battlefield efficiency. - Assertion (A): The Subsidiary Alliance was a diplomatic tool to prevent alliances
between Indian states.
Reason (R): It allowed Indian rulers to maintain full sovereignty and control over their armed forces.
A) Both A and R are true and R explains A
B) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
C) A is true but R is false
D) Both A and R are false
Answer: C) A is true but R is false
Explanation: The Subsidiary Alliance prevented Indian states from forming alliances, but it severely
limited rulers’ sovereignty, including control over their armies.
