Peshwa Bajirao II was the first major Maratha Sardar (chief) to accept the Subsidiary Alliance by signing the Treaty of Bassein in 1802. Following his defeat by Jaswant Rao Holkar, the Peshwa signed the treaty, agreeing to the permanent stationing of a British subsidiary force in his territory and surrendering control over foreign policy. This act, born out of political desperation, was a devastating blow to Maratha independence, as it effectively placed the de jure head of the Confederacy under British control.