The Struggle, 1817: The Pindari War: The Maratha Powers Rise in Revolt

To carry out his broad policy of reform in India, Lord Hastings first relied on diplomacy. He sought support from native princes against the Pindárís and aimed to prevent any alliance in their favour, believing that in the coming struggle no state could remain neutral.

He therefore improved relations with Poona and Nágpur, approached Sindhia, Holkar, chiefs of Central India and Rájputána, and even tried to conciliate Amír Khán so that he might abandon disorderly conduct.

In 1817, subsidiary treaties were concluded with several states in Málwá and with Nasir Muhammad of Bhopal, who proved a loyal and dependable ally.

In Rájputána, delayed negotiations with Jagat Singh of Jaipur encouraged the rulers of Udaipur, Jodhpur, and others to seek British protection. By the end of the year, alliances with them strengthened British ability to restore order in Western Hindustán.

Meanwhile, affairs at Poona worsened. In September 1816, Trimbakjí, murderer of Shástrí and favourite of the Peshwá, escaped from prison after less than a year and successfully avoided recapture.

Bájí Ráo denied any connection with him before the Resident and outwardly adopted a friendly tone. He even supported the anti-Pindárí plans and settled disputes with the Gáekwár in February 1817.

In reality, Bájí Ráo was secretly working with Trimbakjí, and together they prepared a major rising against British influence and treaty rights in the Maráthá state.

Once this treachery was discovered before it matured, Mr. Elphinstone announced that the subsidiary force would be used to disperse the illegal levies and, if needed, compel the Peshwá to cease aggression.

The Peshwá tried to delay action, but Elphinstone, familiar with his deceitful conduct, acted firmly. He reinforced the British contingent with troops from Haidarábád, summoned a strong detachment to Poona, and presented an ultimatum.

Thoroughly alarmed, Bájí Ráo agreed to surrender three forts as security for future good behaviour, though he still refused to openly oppose Trimbakjí.

Because disturbances at Cuttack delayed the Governor-General’s orders, Elphinstone acted independently and on 6 May granted the Peshwá one month to end all connection with Trimbakjí.

Soon afterwards, official instructions arrived. They laid down three courses: if Bájí Ráo surrendered Trimbakjí promptly, the Treaty of Bassein would continue unchanged; if he obeyed later, the treaty would be modified with stronger safeguards; if he refused and remained hostile, he would be deposed.

As the deadline neared, Elphinstone occupied the three forts, assembled forces, and prepared for military action. Seeing resistance useless, the Peshwá finally offered a reward for Trimbakjí’s capture.