THE MARATHAS

Medieval History

The rise of the Marathas is one of the most important developments in 17th–18th century India. At a time when Mughal authority was weakening in the Deccan, the Marathas gradually built a regional power that later expanded into a pan-Indian force. What began as Shivaji’s dream of Swarajya eventually transformed into a large confederacy under the Peshwas, dominating Indian politics until their decline in the early 19th century.

SHIVAJI RAJE BHONSLE (1674–1680)
Shivaji is remembered as the founder of the Maratha Empire and the architect of Swarajya. He was influenced by Jijabai, Dadaji Kondadev, Ramdas, Tukaram and Sufi saints. He captured several strategic forts such as Torna, Kondana, Chakan, Purandar, Rajgarh and Panhala. His conflicts with the Bijapur Sultanate and Mughals shaped his early military reputation.

He defeated Afzal Khan in the Battle of Pratapgarh (1659), won at Kolhapur, and fought bravely at Pavankhind. Against the Mughals, he initially suffered under Shaista Khan but later carried out a daring night raid in Poona (1663). After the Treaty of Purandar (1665), he revived his strength and defeated the Mughals at Salher (1672). He was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad in 1674.

ADMINISTRATION UNDER SHIVAJI
Shivaji’s administration was efficient and disciplined. The Ashtapradhan council consisted of eight ministers handling finance, home affairs, foreign relations, military, justice, religion and correspondence. The kingdom was divided into Prants, Tarfs, Parganas and Mauzas for administrative convenience.

He reformed revenue by measuring land with the kathi and reducing the power of hereditary officials. His military was highly mobile, paid in cash, and excelled in guerrilla warfare. Cavalry was divided into Bargirs and Silahdars. The Marathas collected Chauth (one-fourth revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (10% hereditary claims).

FACTORS FOR MARATHA RISE
The Marathas rose due to declining Mughal power, court factionalism, geographical advantages of the Deccan, a strong fort network, unity fostered by the Bhakti movement and leadership of Shivaji and later Peshwas.

SUCCESSORS OF SHIVAJI
Sambhaji (1680–1689) resisted Mughals bravely but was captured and executed.  
Rajaram (1689–1700) shifted the capital to Jinji and created the post of Pratinidhi.  
Tarabai (1700–1707), a capable ruler, continued resistance.  
Shahu (1707–1749) defeated Tarabai at Khed and under him the Peshwas rose to power and the empire became a confederacy of Scindias, Holkars, Gaekwads, Bhonsales, Pawars and Peshwas.

THE PESHWAS (1640–1818)
Balaji Vishwanath (1713–1719) made the office hereditary, secured Mughal recognition of Maratha rights and intervened in Delhi politics.  
Baji Rao I (1720–1740), the greatest Peshwa, expanded rapidly, mastered cavalry tactics and promoted Hindu-pad-padshahi.  
Balaji Baji Rao (1740–1761) faced the disastrous Third Battle of Panipat.  
Madhav Rao I (1761–1772) revived the empire, defeating Nizam and checking Hyder Ali.  
Later Peshwas became weak and factional fights increased.  
Baji Rao II (1796–1818) signed the Treaty of Bassein (1802) and after defeat in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, lost sovereignty.

ANGLO-MARATHA WARS
First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782): Triggered by Raghunath Rao seeking British help. Ended with Treaty of Salbai.  
Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–05): Followed Treaty of Bassein. Marathas defeated.  
Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–18): Suppression of Pindaris and British victory ended Maratha independence.

CAUSES OF DECLINE
Defeat at Panipat, lack of unity among chiefs, weak revenue system, poor diplomacy, excessive expansion without consolidation, and superior British military strategy led to the fall of the Maratha Empire.

For more related content, explore the links below:


PDF File:

No PDF attached

Subject: Medieval History

← Back
Chat on WhatsApp