Lord Hastings

In 1818, Scindia was also forced to sign a new treaty with the British on the basis of which Ajmer was given to the Nawab of Bhopal, who also accepted the British suzerainty. The Gaekwar of Baroda, while accepting the Subsidiary Alliance, agreed to hand over certain areas of Ahmedabad to the British. The Rajput states which were under the Pindaris were freed after the latter’s suppression.

The year 1818 was a significant year on account of major political achievements for the British. The Maratha dream of establishing themselves as the paramount power in India was completely destroyed. Thus, the last hurdle in the way of British paramountcy was removed.

Causes of the Defeat of the Marathas

There were several reasons for the defeat of the Marathas in the Anglo-Maratha Wars. The main reasons were:

- Lack of capable leadership

- Military weakness of the Marathas.

- The major drawback of the Maratha power was mutual bitterness and lack of cooperation amongst themselves.

- The Marathas hardly left any positive impact on the conquered territories.

- The Marathas did not have cordial relations with other princes and Nawabs of India.

- The Marathas failed to estimate correctly the political and diplomatic strength of the British.

Reforms of Hastings

The Governor-Generalship of Lord Hastings witnessed not only territorial expansion but also the progress of administration. He approved the Ryotwari system of land revenue introduced in the Madras Presidency by Sir Thomas Munroe. In the sphere of judiciary, the Cornwallis Code was improved. The Police system of Bengal was extended to other regions. The importance of Indian Munsiffs had increased during his administration. The separation of judicial and revenue departments was not rigidly followed. Instead, the District Collector acted as Magistrate.

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