Answer in detail: The strongest Maratha rule in India came to an end.

Answer: In the 18th century the Marathas were the strongest power in India, but their rule ended with the defeat of Peshwa Bajirao II in 1818. The reasons:

• Third Battle of Panipat (1761): the Marathas lost many leaders and soldiers to Ahmadshah Abdali, which weakened them.
• Internal conflicts: after the death of Peshwa Madhavrao I and Narayanrao, quarrels over succession arose; Raghunathrao sought British help (Treaty of Surat), dragging the British into Maratha affairs.
• Loss of able leaders: after Mahadji Shinde and Nana Phadnavis died (1794, 1800) there was no strong leader to keep the confederacy united; Shinde, Holkar, Bhosale and Gaikwad fought among themselves.
• Subsidiary alliance: Bajirao II signed the Treaty of Vasai (1802) with the British and lost his independence.
• Superior British army and diplomacy: the British had a disciplined army, modern weapons and money. In the Anglo-Maratha wars, especially the battles of Khadki and Koregaon (1817–18), the Marathas were defeated; Bajirao II surrendered in 1818 and the Peshwai was abolished.
• Thus the strongest Maratha rule came to an end and the British became the paramount power in India.