Maratha History (1674-1818): Rise, Rule, and Decline
The Maratha Empire, spanning 1674 to 1818, emerged under Shivaji Maharaj, establishing a powerful Hindu kingdom in India. It evolved through various rulers and the influential Peshwa administration, expanding its dominion across significant parts of the subcontinent. Despite its military prowess and administrative innovations, internal conflicts and the devastating Third Battle of Panipat ultimately led to its decline, paving the way for British dominance.
Key Takeaways
Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha Empire, pioneering guerrilla warfare tactics.
The Ashtapradhan council and revenue systems like Chauth were key.
Peshwas became de facto rulers, expanding Maratha influence significantly.
Succession disputes and the Battle of Panipat weakened the empire.
Maratha confederacies emerged, decentralizing power across regions.
Who was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and how did he establish the early Maratha state?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, born in 1630 at Shivneri Fort, was the visionary founder of the Maratha Empire, establishing a sovereign Hindu state in the Deccan region. His formative years were profoundly influenced by his mother Jija Bai, who instilled strong moral and administrative values, and his religious teacher Samarth Ramdas, who guided his spiritual and ethical development. Shivaji rose to prominence through a series of strategic military campaigns, successfully challenging the dominant Bijapur Sultanate and the formidable Mughal Empire. His coronation as Chhatrapati in 1674 at Raigadh solidified his rule and marked the formal beginning of the Maratha state. Shivaji's innovative military tactics, particularly his mastery of guerrilla warfare, laid a robust foundation for a powerful regional force, fundamentally altering the political landscape of 17th-century India.
- Early Life & Influences: Born Shivneri Fort (1630), shaped by father Shahji Bhonsle, mother Jija Bai, and religious teacher Samarth Ramdas.
- Military Campaigns & Conflicts: Achieved victory over Bijapur at Battle of Pratapgarh (1659) using Wagh Nakh; engaged Mughals, including attack on Shaista Khan (1663) and plunder of Surat (1664) and Ahmadnagar.
- Treaty of Purandhar (1665): Ceded 23 forts to Jai Singh; led to Shivaji's visit to Mughal court in Agra.
- Coronation and Legacy: Crowned Chhatrapati at Raigadh (1674), titled Haindava Dharmodharak, pioneered guerrilla warfare.
What administrative structures and succession challenges characterized the Maratha state after Shivaji's reign?
Following the demise of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Maratha state maintained a sophisticated administrative framework, most notably the Ashtapradhan, a council comprising eight ministers. Each minister held direct responsibility to the ruler, ensuring efficient governance across various state functions, distinct from a collective ministry. The state's financial stability was largely sustained by two primary revenue sources: Chauth, a levy of one-fourth of the land revenue collected from conquered territories in exchange for protection against raids, and Sardeshmukhi, an additional 10% tax imposed on lands where Marathas held hereditary rights. However, the period immediately after Shivaji's death was plagued by intense succession conflicts, introducing instability into the nascent empire.
- Administrative System: Featured Ashtapradhan (Eight Ministers) with direct responsibility to the ruler, not a collective ministry.
- Revenue Sources: Included Chauth (1/4th land revenue for protection) and Sardeshmukhi (additional 10% levy on Maratha hereditary lands).
- Sambhaji (1680-1689): Shivaji's elder son, defeated Rajaram in succession war, supported Mirza Akbar, met a gruesome death.
- Rajaram (1689-1700): Younger son, succeeded with ministerial help, moved capital to Satara, created Pratinidhi post.
- Tarabai (1700-1707): Rajaram's wife, continued resistance on behalf of son Shivaji II.
How did the Peshwas consolidate power and lead the Maratha Empire's significant expansion?
The era spanning from 1707 to 1761 marked a pivotal transformation in Maratha governance, as the Peshwas gradually ascended to become the de facto administrative and military leaders of the empire. Shahu, released from Mughal captivity by Emperor Bahadur Shah, successfully consolidated his authority by defeating Tarabai in the Battle of Khed in 1707, thereby stabilizing the Maratha throne. Balaji Vishwanath, appointed as the first Peshwa in 1713, was instrumental in transforming this position into a powerful and hereditary office, earning the title Sena Karte (maker of the army) from Shahu. His son, Baji Rao I, further propelled the empire's expansion through aggressive military campaigns.
- Shahu (1707-1749): Released by Bahadur Shah, defeated Tarabai in Battle of Khed (1707).
- Balaji Vishwanath (1713-1720): First Peshwa, made post powerful and hereditary, titled Sena Karte, influenced Mughal politics.
- Baji Rao I (1720-1740): Defeated 1st Nizam of Hyderabad and Nizam-ul-mulk (Treaty of Doraha Sarai), raided Delhi (1737), oversaw rise of Maratha Confederacies.
- Maratha Confederacy: Comprised Peshwas of Pune, Holkar of Indore, Scindias of Gwalior, Bhosle of Nagpur, and Gaikwads of Baroda.
What was the profound significance and lasting impact of the Third Battle of Panipat on the Maratha Empire?
The Third Battle of Panipat, fought in 1761, represents a catastrophic turning point in the history of the Maratha Empire, occurring during the leadership of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, also known as Nana Saheb. This monumental and brutal conflict pitted the formidable Maratha forces, commanded by Sadashivrao Bhau, against the invading Afghan army led by Ahmad Shah Durrani. The battle culminated in a decisive and devastating Maratha defeat, resulting in an immense loss of life and severely crippling their military strength, political influence, and financial resources. Its aftermath created a significant power vacuum across the Indian subcontinent.
- Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) (1740-1761): Third Battle of Panipat occurred during his tenure.
- Third Battle of Panipat (1761): Marathas vs. Afghans; Maratha Commander Sadashivrao Bhau vs. Afghan Commander Ahmad Shah Durrani.
- Decisive Maratha Defeat: One of the deadliest battles in world history (200,000-500,000 casualties).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Maratha Empire?
Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha Empire, establishing a sovereign Hindu state in the Deccan region and pioneering guerrilla warfare tactics.
What were Chauth and Sardeshmukhi?
Chauth was a 1/4th land revenue levy for protection, while Sardeshmukhi was an additional 10% tax on lands with Maratha hereditary rights, both key revenue sources.
What was the impact of the Third Battle of Panipat?
The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 resulted in a devastating Maratha defeat, severely weakening their power and creating a vacuum that facilitated British expansion in India.
