Medieval History ( Maratha Empire)

Maratha Empire 

The Maratha Empire was one of the most powerful indigenous empires in Indian history, which rose in the 17th century under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj and became a dominant force in the 18th century. It played a crucial role in ending Mughal supremacy and laid the foundation of Indian resistance to foreign rule.

Origin and Rise of the Marathas

• The Marathas emerged from the Deccan region (modern Maharashtra), where small warrior clans and local chieftains served under the Deccan Sultanates.
• The socio-political background of the Deccan—with the weakening of the Mughal and Bijapur powers—created space for regional assertion.
• The rise of Shivaji Bhonsle (1630–1680) marked the beginning of the Maratha Empire. He united the Maratha chiefs and organized them into a disciplined force.

Shivaji and Foundation of the Empire

• Shivaji Maharaj established Hindavi Swarajya (self-rule) and was formally crowned at Raigad in 1674.
• He adopted the title “Chhatrapati” and created an efficient administrative and military system.
• Administration:
• His administration was based on the Ashta Pradhan (Council of Eight Ministers), including the Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), and Senapati (Commander-in-chief).
• Revenue system was influenced by Malik Ambar’s model, and taxation was rationalized through Chauth (¼ of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (1/10th) levies.
• Military:
• He maintained a strong navy along the Konkan coast and adopted guerrilla warfare tactics (Ganimi Kava).
• Relations with Mughals:
• Shivaji’s conflicts with Aurangzeb and Shaista Khan are well-known.
• His escape from Agra (1666) is legendary and symbolizes Maratha resilience.

After Shivaji: Decline and Revival

• After Shivaji’s death in 1680, the empire weakened due to conflicts between his sons Sambhaji and Rajaram.
• Sambhaji was captured and executed by Aurangzeb in 1689.
• The Mughals occupied most Maratha territories, but the Marathas regrouped under Rajaram and later Tarabai, continuing guerrilla resistance.
• After Aurangzeb’s death (1707), the Marathas reasserted power under the leadership of Balaji Vishwanath, the first powerful Peshwa (Prime Minister).

Peshwa Era (1713–1761): Zenith of Maratha Power

• Balaji Vishwanath (1713–1720): Reorganized the empire, secured recognition from the Mughal emperor, and strengthened the Peshwa’s office.
• Baji Rao I (1720–1740): Expanded Maratha power northward; captured Malwa and Bundelkhand; defeated the Nizam of Hyderabad. His famous quote: “Let the Mughals keep Delhi and we shall keep the rest of India.”
• Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb): Period of political expansion but also internal strain.
• Maratha Confederacy:
• The empire evolved into a confederation under various chiefs—Gaekwads (Baroda), Holkars (Indore), Scindias (Gwalior), Bhonsles (Nagpur), and Peshwas (Pune).
• The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) marked a turning point when Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas, causing immense loss of life and morale.

Revival and Expansion (1761–1818)

• Despite Panipat’s disaster, the Marathas revived under Madhav Rao I (1761–1772), restoring efficiency and expanding territories.
• They became the most powerful political force in India before the rise of the British.
• However, internal divisions and the rise of the British East India Company gradually weakened them.
• Anglo-Maratha Wars:
1. First (1775–1782): Ended with the Treaty of Salbai.
2. Second (1803–1805): British victory under Lord Wellesley.
3. Third (1817–1818): Final defeat of the Marathas; Peshwa Bajirao II surrendered, marking the end of the Maratha Empire.

Administration and Economy

• The Marathas maintained a decentralized administrative system with provincial autonomy.
• They encouraged agriculture, trade, and revenue reforms.
• Their revenue came largely from land tax, customs duties, and Chauth-Sardeshmukhi.

Legacy

• The Marathas upheld the idea of Indian self-rule against foreign domination.
• They played a key role in the decline of the Mughal Empire and delayed British expansion for decades.
• Their military organization, administrative reforms, and political diplomacy were remarkable for the period.
• Leaders like Shivaji, Baji Rao I, and Madhav Rao I remain symbols of courage and statecraft in Indian history.

Conclusion:

The Maratha Empire, rising from a regional power under Shivaji to a pan-Indian force, was a major chapter in Indian history. It represented indigenous assertion, efficient administration, and a vision of political unity that later inspired Indian nationalism.