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Battles Fought in the Colonial Era Module - III

Military History of the
When Tipu's name was dropped from the company's "friends" list by Governor General
Colonial Era
Lord Cornwallis the third Mysore war began in 1790. Tippu was stopped in 1792 at
Seringapatam (now Shrirangapattana, Karnataka) and was forced to surrender half of
his dominions. Tipu then requested France for help in fighting the British, which was
agreed and given. Governor General Lord Mornington undertook the fourth war and
in a fierce battle Tipu died and the British defeated his troops

10.1.4 The Maratha Wars Note

There were three Anglo-Maratha Wars between the army of British East India
Company and the Maratha Empire during the years 1775-1782, 1803-1805, 1816-
1819. The first war began with the treaty of Surat and ended with the treaty of Salbai.
After the fall of Mysore in 1799-1800 the Marathas were the only major power left
outside the control of British India and during the second Maratha war the British
again defeated the Marathas.

Do you Know?

Shivaji created a body of professional army in place of irregular army. The army was
put under a chain of command and was paid in cash. The importance of Navy
was realized very early by the Shivaji and a strong Navy was created which was
stationed at Kolaba. Similarly Forts were also maintained properly as it played a vital
role in the defence mechanism. The officers were appointed especially at forts to take
special care of it.

The smallest unit of Cavalry consisted of 25 troopers and was placed under a Havaldar.
The Cavalry was divided into two classes-Bargis and Shiledars. The Bargis were
given the horses and arms by the state while the Shiledars had to find them on their
own. The smallest unit of Infantry consisted of 9 soldiers and was placed under Naik.
The third Maratha war was the final and decisive conflict between the Maratha Empire
and the British East India Company. This war left the company in control of most of
the India. At the end of the war, all of the Maratha powers had surrendered to the
British. Marathi language was recognized in the Bombay Presidency and started after
1820.

Intext Question 10.2

1. Who was the commander in chief who later became the ruler of Mysore?
2. Who was Hyder Ali's Son?

What You Have Learnt

 The colonial powers were at war with each other.

 The reasons for the several wars they fought were rivalry over trade and

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