Maratha Empire (1674-1818)

The Maratha Empire was an Indian Empire that existed from 1674 to 1818 in the Indian history. The capital of the whole empire was Puna (Present Pune), and Raigad Fort was the nodal administration hub of the whole Maratha Empire at the initial stage.

In this article; we will discuss the Maratha Empire in detail.

Maratha Empire (1674 to 1818) - Overview

The Maratha Empire was the most powerful empire in India in the 17th century, founded by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sahu, the last Peshwa of the dynasty was Baji Rao II who was defeated by East India Company. Here is a detailed overview of the Empire.

Maratha Empire Map

Origins of Maratha Empire

The Marathas did not belong to the ruling class in the Deccan. They were the peasants or shepherds of the region. Once upon a time, they also served as an army in the Deccan sultan's forces. These causes led to the growth of Marathas. Though, “Maratha” is not considered a caste identity but refers to a warrior community. According to some historical facts they evolved in the 16th and 17th centuries and ruled India for the next 144 years. The rise of Marathas can be studied in three phases as mentioned below.

First Phase - (1615 to 1664)

Shahji Bhonsle was a prominent Military commander who served the Ahmednagar state. He was granted the Jagir of Pune and nearby areas for his remarkable services. From here the First Phase of Maratha Empire started.

Tactical Switchings:

• Shahji switched his Jagir between Ahmadnagar and Bijapur due to internal disputes and other political influences.
• He supported the Hindus and aligned with Bijapur. Ibrahim Adil Shah was the sultan of Bijapur at that time.

Fall of Peshwa Malik Amber:

• The Ahmadnagar became weak after the fall of Peshwa Malik Amber. It was a great opportunity for both Shahji and Mughals to interfere and capture Ahmadnagar.
• Bijapur captured the Ahmadnagar with the help of Mughals. Mughals recognized the importance and tactical strength of the Marathas.

Initial Relations with Mughals:

• Mughals initially aligned and supported Bijapur to capture Ahmadnagar.
• Shahji defected from Ahmadnagar.
• At this moment the conflict between Shahji and the Mughals started when Shah Jahan became the Samrat.
• Shah Jahan granted new Jagirs to Shahji but he took them back in 1632. From here the real conflict started between them.

Chief Ministership (Peshwa):

• In 1632 the Ahmadnagar and Bijapur forces started a war against the Mughals jointly.
• They started it from the Deccan region. The joint forces of Ahmadnagar and Bijapur were defeated by the Mughals.
• At that moment the area became unstable and went out of the Mughal control. Shahji took the opportunity and he defeated the puppet ruler of Ahmadnagar.
• He declared himself as a Peshwa. Within a year, he gathered around 1000s of the army and started raiding Daulatabad which was under the Mughal dominion.

Defeat:

• Shah Jahan’s forces forced Shahji to retreat.
• The Mughal forces bound them in northern Maharashtra and pushed them back towards the Konkan.
• After a long battle, Shahji surrendered. Ahmadnagar was annexed by the Mughals.

Award of Jagir in Pune:

• Shahji was awarded the Jagir of Pune in 1636.
• However, as per the Mughal-Bijapur Treaty, he was unable to live and rule the region.
• His son Shivaji started to rule the Puna.
• Afterward, he became an independent decision-maker in the region.

Award of Jagir in Bengaluru:

• Shahi was awarded the Jagir of Bengaluru in 1638.
• He helped Bijapur to capture Mysore and nearby regions.
• Later he helped them to defeat so many Nayaka lords and remained in Bengaluru.
• This territory was inherited by his younger son, Vyankoji Bhonsle.

Second Phase - (1656 to 1667)

In the second phase, two important developments took place. In this phase, so many conflicts and wars took place which we will discuss later.

First Development:

• Shahji was released from arrest.
• This incident allowed Shivaji to resume his campaign.
• He formed so many major alliances with Maratha families including “Deshmukhs” who served under the Bijapur sultan.
• Due to his rebellious nature, Shahji was also disappointed with his actions.

Second Development:

• Aurangzeb became the Samrat in 1657.
• He tried to make an alignment with Shivaji.
• He failed because Shivaji's demand was Dabhol and the Adil Shahi Konkan regions. These were the fertile and rich regions that were important for foreign trade.

Third Phase - (1667 to 1680)

In 1665, Shivaji and his son visited Agra. At this time he was imprisoned here due to heated arguments in court of Mughals. Then he managed to escape in 1666. He started the conflict again. From here the third phase of the Maratha Empire started.

• Aurangzeb and his son Muazzam arrested the Maratha agents who were present in his Darbar.
• Mughals attacked the Maratha territories to settle their dues.
• Shivaji attacked many forts of the Mughals during the Treaty of Purandhar (1665).
• Shivaji tried to create a southern alliance with his half-brother Vyankoji and Qutubshahis of Golkonda. They wanted to oppose the Mughals from entering southern Politics.

Maratha Empire During the Peshwa Era

The Peshwa era marks a significant period in the history of the Maratha Empire, characterized by the rise of the Peshwas (prime ministers) as the de facto leaders of the Empire. This era is often seen as a golden age of Maratha power, marked by expansion, administration reforms, and significant battles against the Mughal Empire, the British East India Company, and other regional powers. Here's an overview of the Maratha Empire during the Peshwa era:

Reign of Sambhaji

Sambhaji Bhonsle (1657–1689) was the second ruler of the Maratha Empire after the death of his father, Shivaji, the founder of the Empire. Sambhaji's reign, which lasted from 1681 until his death in 1689, was marked by constant warfare against the Mughal Empire, the Portuguese in Goa, and other neighboring states. Despite facing numerous challenges, including betrayal and internal dissent, Sambhaji's leadership was instrumental in sustaining the Maratha struggle against external invasions during a critical period. Here are key aspects of Sambhaji's reign:

Ascension to the Throne

• Sambhaji ascended to the throne in 1681 after the death of Shivaji. His rise to power was contested by a faction within the Maratha court, leading to initial instability.

Conflicts and Warfare

• Mughal War: One of the defining aspects of Sambhaji's reign was the continuous conflict with the Mughal Empire under Emperor Aurangzeb, who was determined to annex the Maratha territory into his empire. The Mughals launched several campaigns to capture Maratha forts and territories.
• Portuguese and the Siddis: Sambhaji also engaged in conflicts with the Portuguese in Goa and the Siddis of Janjira. He attempted to curb the influence of European colonial powers on the western coast of India.

Balaji Vishwanath (1662–1720)

He was appointed as the Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire in 1713, played a pivotal role in laying the foundations for the expansion and consolidation of the Maratha Empire in the early 18th century. His tenure marked the beginning of the Peshwa era, during which the Peshwas became the de facto leaders of the Maratha Empire. Here's an overview of Balaji Vishwanath's strategic plan and contributions:

Diplomatic Negotiations

• Treaty of Lonavala (1719): One of Balaji Vishwanath's most significant achievements was the negotiation of the Treaty of Lonavala with the Mughal Empire. This treaty recognized Maratha rights to collect Chauth (a tax or tribute) and Sardeshmukhi (an additional levy) from the vast regions of the Deccan, significantly enhancing Maratha revenue and legitimizing their authority in these areas.

Strengthening Maratha Influence

• Balaji Vishwanath focused on strengthening the internal structure of the Maratha Empire, ensuring loyalty among Maratha chieftains (Sardars) and expanding the empire's influence through diplomatic and military means.
• He worked on consolidating Maratha power in the Deccan and beyond, securing the empire's borders and expanding its territory.

Baji Rao I (1700–1740)

He was one of the most significant and celebrated Peshwas (Prime Ministers) in the history of the Maratha Empire. Serving from 1720 until his death in 1740, Baji Rao played a pivotal role in expanding the Maratha Empire beyond the Deccan plateau, laying the foundations for what would become a vast confederacy that dominated much of the Indian subcontinent. His tenure is marked by aggressive expansionism, military strategy, and a vision that sought to establish Maratha supremacy in India.

Early Life and Ascension

• Born in 1700 to Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, Baji Rao was groomed in the arts of warfare and administration from a young age.
• He succeeded his father as Peshwa at the age of 20, displaying remarkable military and leadership skills early in his tenure.

Military Campaigns and Expansion

• Northern Expansion: Baji Rao is best known for his aggressive campaigns into northern India, which were aimed at weakening Mughal control and expanding Maratha influence. His famous quote, "Let us strike at the trunk of the withering tree, the branches will fall of themselves," reflects his strategy of directly targeting Mughal power.
• Malwa and Gujarat: He successfully annexed these regions, significantly increasing the Maratha Empire's revenue and strategic depth.
• Battle of Palkhed (1728): Baji Rao's campaign against the Nizam of Hyderabad is considered a masterpiece of military strategy, leading to the decisive Maratha victory at Palkhed.
• Diplomacy and Warfare: Baji Rao also used diplomacy effectively, forging alliances when beneficial, but his primary tool for expansion was military might.

Notable Rulers of Maratha Empire

The Maratha Empire, which rose to prominence in the 17th century under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj, saw several notable rulers who expanded its territories and influence across India. Below is a table summarizing some of the key rulers and their contributions to the Maratha Empire:

This table highlights the rulers who played pivotal roles in shaping the Maratha Empire through their administrative skills, military strategies, and contributions to the cultural and social fabric of their territories. The empire's decline began in the late 18th century, culminating in its eventual defeat by the British East India Company in the early 19th century.

Wars and Conquests of Maratha Empire

Below is an overview of some of the significant wars and conquests of the Maratha Empire:

Wars Against the Mughal Empire

• Battle of Salher (1672): One of the first significant victories of the Marathas over the Mughals, establishing early Maratha dominance in the region.
• Siege of Purandar (1665): A key battle between Shivaji Maharaj and the Mughals, leading to the Treaty of Purandar where Shivaji agreed to cede some forts to the Mughals but gained recognition of his rule over other territories.
• Battle of Palkhed (1728): Under Baji Rao I, the Marathas decisively defeated the Nizam of Hyderabad, a major Mughal vassal, showcasing Maratha superiority in guerrilla tactics.

Conflicts with the Deccan Sultanates

• Battles of Konkan (1660): Shivaji Maharaj's campaigns against the Adil Shahi and Siddi rulers of the Konkan coast were crucial in securing Maratha access to the Arabian Sea.
• Battle of Kolhapur (1659): Shivaji defeated the Bijapur Sultanate's forces, significantly enhancing his reputation and the strength of the Maratha Empire.

Wars Against European Powers

• Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818): A series of three conflicts against the British East India Company, which ultimately led to the downfall of the Maratha Empire and the establishment of British supremacy in India.
• Maratha-Portuguese Wars: Several engagements throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly under Shivaji and Sambhaji's leadership, aimed at reducing Portuguese influence in the Indian subcontinent.

Internal Conflicts and Expansion Campaigns

• Battle of Panipat (1761): The third battle of Panipat was a catastrophic defeat for the Marathas against the Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Abdali, marking a significant setback in Maratha ambitions in the north.
• Northern Expedition: Under Baji Rao I, the Marathas expanded northwards, conducting raids in Mughal territories, and by the mid-18th century, had established themselves as a dominant power in North India.

Conquests in Rajasthan and Central India

• The Marathas under leaders like Malhar Rao Holkar, Ranoji Scindia, and the Peshwas extended their influence in Rajasthan and Central India, extracting tributes and influencing local politics.

Defense and Recovery

• Maratha Resilience Post-Panipat: Despite the setback at Panipat, leaders like Madhav Rao I worked tirelessly to recover lost territories and restore Maratha power in the Indian subcontinent.

The Maratha Empire's military campaigns were characterized by innovative strategies, including guerrilla warfare, rapid mobility, and strategic alliances, which allowed them to expand their influence and control over vast regions. These wars and conquests not only shaped the geopolitical landscape of India but also left a lasting legacy on its history.

Decline Of Maratha Empire

The British East India Company had taken control over the eastern part of India. After they were trying to capture the northern region of India. These areas were mostly governed by the Marathas. Under General Lake, the English forces beat the Marathas in the “Battle of Delhi” in 1803. Finally, Peshwa Baji Rao II was overthrown by the British EIC during the “Third Anglo-Maratha War”. That's how the Maratha Empire came to an end.

Maratha Empires’ Legacy

The Maratha Empire, which rose to prominence in the 17th century and lasted until the early 19th century, has left an indelible mark on Indian history, culture, and society. Its legacy is multifaceted, encompassing military, political, administrative, and cultural dimensions. Here are some key aspects of the Maratha Empire's legacy:

Military Innovations and Strategies

• The Marathas are credited with pioneering guerrilla warfare tactics in the Indian context, which were effectively used by Shivaji Maharaj and his successors. These tactics enabled the Marathas to combat larger and more conventionally powerful armies, particularly during the empire's early years.
• The empire's expansion and military campaigns across the Indian subcontinent significantly weakened the Mughal Empire and curtailed the influence of European colonial powers for a time.

Administrative and Governance Reforms

• Shivaji Maharaj established a progressive and efficient administrative system, emphasizing merit, loyalty, and service to the state. The Ashta Pradhan council provided a balanced governance structure that facilitated the empire's growth and stability.
• The empire's revenue system, particularly the collection of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi, was an innovative way to assert Maratha influence over conquered territories while also funding the empire's expansion and military campaigns.

Cultural Contributions

• The Maratha Empire played a crucial role in promoting Marathi culture and language, patronizing arts, literature, and architecture, which flourished during this period.
• Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi were popularized and celebrated with great fervor across the empire, a tradition that continues to this day.

Religious and Social Impact

• The Maratha Empire is often associated with the promotion of Hindu culture and religion, particularly in the face of external threats. This period saw the revival and construction of Hindu temples and the patronage of religious practices.
• Leaders like Ahilyabai Holkar are remembered for their contributions to social welfare, including the construction and restoration of temples, ghats, wells, and other public works that benefited the broader society.

Impact on Indian Politics and Society

• The Maratha confederacy's decentralized structure influenced the political landscape of India, promoting regional autonomy and the power of local chieftains, which continued to shape Indian politics and society in the centuries that followed.
• The empire's resistance against the Mughal Empire and European colonial powers laid the groundwork for later resistance movements and played a crucial role in the struggle for Indian independence.

Legacy in Modern India

• The Maratha Empire's legacy is evident in modern Indian politics, culture, and society. It has contributed to the sense of Marathi identity and pride, influencing regional and national politics.
• Monuments, forts, and palaces built during the Maratha Empire continue to be symbols of India's rich historical and cultural heritage, attracting tourists and historians alike.

The Maratha Empire, with its emphasis on efficient administration, military prowess, and cultural revival, significantly influenced the course of Indian history, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated and studied.

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FAQs - Maratha Empire

Who defeated Maratha Empire?

The last Peshwa of the dynasty was Baji Rao II who was defeated by East India Company.

Who was the first ruler of Maratha Empire?

Shivaji Bhosale I or Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sahu was the first ruler of Maratha Empire.

Who won Mughal or Maratha?

The two empires fought many wars over the years. At last the Marathas ultimately own most of India.

Why did Maratha Empire fall?

The last Peshwa of the dynasty was Baji Rao II who was defeated by East India Company.

Who were the seven Marathas?

Prataprao Gujar, Visaji Ballal, Dipoji Rautrao, Vithal Pilaji Atre, Krishnaji Bhaskar, Siddi Hilal and Vithoji were seven Maratha officers.

Who is the greatest Maratha king?

Chhatrapati Shivaji is the greatest Maratha king.

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