In which year was the Treaty of Bassein signed between Baji Rao II, the Maratha Peshwa of Poona in India, and the British?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. 1802.
The Treaty of Bassein was signed in 1802 between Baji Rao II, the Maratha Peshwa, and the British East India Company. This treaty marked a significant shift in power, as the Peshwa sought British protection after his defeat in the Second Anglo-Maratha War. By accepting British subsidiary alliance terms, Baji Rao II effectively surrendered Maratha sovereignty, leading to further British dominance in India.
Other Options:
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1801: Incorrect—this year saw the Treaty of Lucknow between the Nawab of Awadh and the British.
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1810: Incorrect—this was a period of British consolidation but unrelated to the Marathas.
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1820: Incorrect—by this time, the Maratha power had significantly declined post the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818).