Treaties in Indian History, List of All Treaties in Indian History, Treaties in Medieval India

Treaties in Indian History: Treaties have played a crucial role in shaping Indian history, marking transitions in power, territorial changes, and diplomatic strategies. From ancient kingdoms to colonial struggles, treaties influenced political landscapes, alliances, and conflicts. Some treaties led to peace, while others paved the way for further wars and foreign dominance.

Read on to get a comprehensive overview of all treaties in Indian history, covering agreements from the medieval period to modern times, including those from the Anglo-Maratha, Anglo-Mysore, Anglo-Sikh, and Anglo-Afghan wars.

What is a Treaty in Indian History?

A treaty in Indian history refers to a formal agreement between two or more political entities, such as kingdoms, empires, or colonial powers, to resolve conflicts, define territorial boundaries, or establish alliances. These treaties were often signed after wars or as diplomatic measures to maintain peace.

In India, treaties played a crucial role in shaping political landscapes, from medieval agreements between regional rulers to colonial-era treaties imposed by the British. Some treaties helped in maintaining sovereignty, while others led to territorial losses and foreign dominance.

List of All Treaties in Indian History

Treaties have significantly shaped the course of Indian history, marking alliances, conflicts, and territorial changes. From medieval agreements between Indian rulers to colonial-era treaties imposed by the British, these diplomatic documents played a crucial role in defining India’s political landscape. 

Below is a detailed list of all major treaties in Indian history, categorized by different historical periods and conflicts.

Treaties in Medieval India

Medieval India witnessed several treaties between powerful dynasties, often as a result of wars or to establish political control. These treaties helped in defining boundaries and securing temporary peace among conflicting states.

1. Treaty of Asurar Ali (1639)

The Treaty of Asurar Ali was signed between the Mughal Empire and the Ahom Kingdom. It ended the Mughal attempt to conquer Assam and established a clear boundary between the two territories. The Ahoms successfully resisted Mughal expansion, retaining their sovereignty over Assam.

2. Treaty of Purandar (1665)

This treaty was signed between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mirza Raja Jai Singh, a commander of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. As per the agreement:

• Shivaji had to surrender 23 forts to the Mughals.

• He was allowed to retain 12 forts and became an orderly of the Mughals.

• Despite this temporary setback, Shivaji later regained his power and continued his struggle for Swarajya.

Treaties of Carnatic Wars

The Carnatic Wars (1746–1763) were fought between the British and the French for dominance in South India. Several treaties ended different phases of the war.

3. Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)

• Ended the First Carnatic War.

• Restored Madras to the British, which had been captured by the French.

4. Treaty of Pondicherry (1755)

• Ended hostilities between the British and the French in India.

• Did not completely resolve tensions, leading to further conflicts.

5. Treaty of Paris (1763)

• Ended the Third Carnatic War.

• The French lost most of their Indian territories, except for a few trading posts.

• Confirmed British dominance in South India.

Treaties in Indian Modern History

The modern period, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries, saw frequent treaties due to British expansion in India. These treaties led to the rise of British supremacy and the decline of native rulers.

6. Treaty of Alinagar (1757)

Signed between Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula of Bengal and Robert Clive of the British East India Company, this treaty allowed the British to fortify Calcutta and ensured their commercial privileges. It created the way for British dominance in Bengal, leading to the Battle of Plassey later that year.

7. Treaty of Allahabad (1765)

This treaty was signed between the British (Robert Clive) and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. As per the agreement:

• The British gained Diwani Rights (tax collection rights) in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

• It marked the beginning of British political control in India.

• This treaty solidified British influence over the Mughal Empire.

All Treaties of the Anglo-Maratha War

The British fought three major wars against the Marathas, leading to several treaties that weakened the Maratha Empire.

8. Treaty of Purandar (1776)

This treaty ended the first phase of the First Anglo-Maratha War between the British and the Marathas.

• It was a result of British interference in Maratha politics.

• The treaty allowed the British to maintain control over Salsette and Bassein.

• It later led to further conflicts between the British and the Marathas.

9. Treaty of Wadgaon (1779)

Signed during the First Anglo-Maratha War, the Treaty of Wadgaon was a major victory for the Marathas.

• The British were forced to surrender their territories and retreat from Pune.

• However, this was a temporary victory, as British reinforcements later turned the tide in their favour.

10. Treaty of Salbai (1782)

The Treaty of Salbai was signed between the British and the Marathas to officially end the First Anglo-Maratha War.

• The British recognized Madhavrao II as the Peshwa.

• The Marathas agreed not to support Hyder Ali of Mysore.

• This treaty ensured 20 years of peace between the British and the Marathas.

11. Treaty of Bassein (1802)

• Signed between the British and Peshwa Baji Rao II.

• This led to the Second Anglo-Maratha War, as it invited British intervention.

All Treaties of the Anglo-Mysore War

The Anglo-Mysore Wars were a series of conflicts between the British and the Kingdom of Mysore. Mysore, under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, fought four wars against the British, resulting in key treaties.

12. Treaty of Madras (1769)

The Treaty of Madras was signed between the British East India Company and Hyder Ali of Mysore after the First Anglo-Mysore War.

• Both parties agreed to return captured territories.

• They promised to help each other against third-party invasions.

• However, the treaty failed as the British later betrayed Hyder Ali in the Second Anglo-Mysore War.

13. Treaty of Mangalore (1784)

• Signed between Tipu Sultan and the British, ending the Second Anglo-Mysore War.

• Both parties returned conquered territories.

14. Treaty of Seringapatam (1792)

• Signed after the Third Anglo-Mysore War.

• Tipu Sultan lost half his territory to the British, Marathas, and Nizam of Hyderabad.

15. Treaty of Seringapatam (1799)

This treaty ended the Third Anglo-Mysore War, signed between Tipu Sultan and the British.

• Tipu Sultan had to cede half of his territory to the British, the Marathas, and the Nizam of Hyderabad.

• He also had to pay a large war indemnity.

• This treaty weakened Mysore and set the stage for Tipu’s downfall in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.

Treaties of the Anglo-Sikh War

The Anglo-Sikh Wars led to British control over Punjab. The Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845–1849) resulted in British annexation of Punjab.

16. Treaty of Lahore (1846)

This treaty marked the end of the First Anglo-Sikh War.

• The Sikhs had to cede Kashmir, Jalandhar Doab, and other territories.

• They had to reduce their army and accept British dominance.

17. Treaty of Amritsar (1846)

This treaty followed the Treaty of Lahore.

• The British sold Kashmir to Maharaja Gulab Singh for ₹75 lakh.

• This treaty created the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Treaty of Anglo-Nepal War

The Anglo-Nepal War (1814-1816) was fought between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal. It ended with the Treaty of Sugauli, which significantly reduced Nepal’s territorial holdings and established British dominance in the region.

18. Treaty of Sugauli (1815-1816)

This treaty ended the Anglo-Nepal War between the British and Nepal.

• Nepal lost significant territories, including Sikkim, Kumaon, and Garhwal.

• The British recognized Nepal’s sovereignty but kept a resident in Kathmandu.

Treaty of Anglo-Afghan War

The Anglo-Afghan Wars (1839–1919) were fought between the British and Afghanistan.

19. Treaty of Gandamak (1879)

• Signed after the Second Anglo-Afghan War.

• Afghanistan became a British protectorate, losing control over foreign policy.

20. Treaty of Rawalpindi (1919)

• Signed after the Third Anglo-Afghan War.

• Restored Afghanistan’s independence in foreign affairs.

Importance of Treaties in Indian History

Treaties have been a diplomatic tool to resolve conflicts, redefine territories, and determine sovereignty. Treaties in Indian history were signed between native rulers, colonial powers, and neighbouring states, often under military pressure. These agreements shaped the subcontinent’s fate by defining alliances and conflicts.

Many treaties, especially during British rule, were forced upon Indian rulers, leading to territorial losses and political interference. Some, however, were strategic and helped Indian rulers consolidate power or temporarily avoid war.

Conclusion

The Treaties in Indian History played an important role in shaping the country's political framework. Each agreement influenced territorial boundaries, colonial control, and power dynamics. By understanding these treaties, one can gain deeper insights into India's evolving history, from medieval conquests to modern colonial struggles.

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