Wars between the Maratha peoples of India and troops of the English East India Company. By the late 18th century the Maratha Hindus, divided into over 90 clans, had formed an uneasy confederacy that became a significant force in northern and central India. Rivalries between chiefs were exploited by the British. In the Second War Sir Arthur Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) won the battles of Assaye and Argaon. The Charter of the East India Company was renewed in 1813, when no further British acquisitions were envisaged, but in 1817 Company troops under Lord Hastings invaded Maratha territory to put down Pindari robber bands supported by Maratha princes, and finally made British power dominant within the subcontinent.