2017-01-13 Fri

After the death of both Peshwa Madhavrao (1772) and Narayanrao (1773), their uncle Raghunathrao became the new Peshwa. A council of 12 members known as Barabhai Council headed by Nana Phadnavis was formed; they overthrew Raghunathrao, took in charge of the Maratha Administration and nominated the minor son of Narayanrao, Madhurao Narayan as the new Peshwa after reports of Raghunathrao having murdered Narayanrao came out.

Angered, Raghunathrao took help from the British and signed the Treaty of Surat with them. The combined forces of the English general Keating and Raghunathrao defeated the Maratha forces. Warren Hastings annulled this treaty and instead signed the Treaty of Purandar (1776) with the Barabhai Council at Pune recognizing Madhavrao as Peshwa; the first Anglo-Maratha War began.

Mahadji Sindhia led the Maratha forces against Raghunathrao along with an English force proceeded towards Pune where they were defeated by the Barabhai forces in the battle of Talegaon. The English were compelled to sign the Treaty of Wadgaon (1779) with the Marathas.

Governor-General Hastings rejected the treaty and sent a large army to invade Mahadji Sindhia’s jagir in Malwa. However, they were also involved in a war against Haidar Ali and it became almost impossible for the English to continue wars in two different fronts. Hence, Hastings proposed for a peace with Sindhia. Sindhia accepted the proposal and accordingly the Treaty of Salbai was signed between the English and Sindhia on 17 May, 1782.

The English agreed not to give any further support to Raghunathrao and recognized the Peshwaship of Madhurao Narayan. In 1783, the leader of the Maratha Council, Nana Phadnavis ratified the treaty. The First Anglo-Maratha War came to a close.

This is a 10.89gms. 1188 AH silver rupee coin struck by Marathas in the name of Shah Alam II. On the obverse is the name of the king, Shah Alam II with the year 1188. On the reverse is the julus formula and mint name with the reignal year 41.