Maratha History (1674-1818): Shivaji to the Peshwas
The Maratha Empire (1674-1818) was a powerful Indian state founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, known for pioneering guerrilla warfare against the Mughals and Bijapur. The empire transitioned from direct rule by the Chhatrapatis to effective control by the hereditary Peshwas, expanding its influence across the subcontinent until its decline following the devastating Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.
Key Takeaways
Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha state using innovative guerrilla warfare tactics.
The Ashtapradhan system provided a structured administrative framework for the empire.
Revenue was collected via Chauth and Sardeshmukhi levies for protection and rights.
The Peshwas gradually centralized power, making the position hereditary after 1713.
The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 marked a decisive turning point and decline.
How did Chhatrapati Shivaji establish the early Maratha State?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established the foundation of the Maratha state through strategic military campaigns and effective administration, culminating in his coronation in 1674 at Raigadh. Born in 1630, Shivaji utilized his early influences, including his mother Jija Bai and teacher Samarth Ramdas, to develop a strong sense of purpose and a vision for an independent Hindu kingdom. He famously employed guerrilla warfare tactics to challenge the larger forces of the Bijapur Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, securing crucial victories and territory necessary for sovereignty and laying the groundwork for future Maratha expansion.
- Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680): Early life influences included being born at Shivneri Fort, his father Shahji Bhonsle, his mother Jija Bai, and his religious teacher Samarth Ramdas.
- Military Campaigns & Conflicts: Key engagements included the Battle of Pratapgarh (1659) against Bijapur, where he used the Wagh Nakh weapon, and conflicts with the Mughals, including the plunder of Surat (1664) and the Treaty of Purandhar (1665).
- Coronation and Legacy: Crowned Chhatrapati at Raigadh in 1674, earning the title Haindava Dharmodharak (Protector of Hinduism), and pioneering Guerrilla Warfare as a military strategy.
What administrative systems governed the Maratha Empire after Shivaji's death?
Following Shivaji's death, the Maratha state was governed by the Ashtapradhan system, a council of eight ministers designed to manage various aspects of the kingdom, though they reported directly to the ruler, not as a collective body. The state financed its expansion and protection through two primary revenue sources: Chauth and Sardeshmukhi, collected from both Maratha and non-Maratha territories. This period was also marked by significant succession conflicts involving Shivaji's sons, Sambhaji and Rajaram, and later Rajaram's wife, Tarabai, who maintained resistance against the Mughals until Shahu’s eventual return and claim to the throne.
- Administrative System: Featured the Ashtapradhan (Eight Ministers) system, where ministers held direct responsibility to Shivaji, ensuring centralized control rather than operating as a collective ministry.
- Revenue Sources: Included Chauth (one-fourth of land revenue collected for protection from raids) and Sardeshmukhi (an additional 10% levy on lands where Marathas held hereditary rights).
- Succession Conflicts: Involved Sambhaji (1680-1689), who defeated Rajaram in a succession war and supported Aurangzeb's rebellious son, but met a gruesome death; Rajaram (1689-1700), who succeeded with ministerial help and created the Pratinidhi post; and Tarabai (1700-1707), who ruled on behalf of her son, Shivaji II.
How did the Peshwas gain control and expand the Maratha Confederacy?
The shift in power began when Shahu, released by the Mughals in 1707, appointed Balaji Vishwanath as the first Peshwa (Prime Minister) in 1713, making the position powerful and eventually hereditary. Balaji Vishwanath and his son, Baji Rao I, were instrumental in expanding Maratha influence across North India, defeating the Nizam of Hyderabad and even raiding Delhi in 1737. This expansion led to the formation of the Maratha Confederacy, where power was decentralized among powerful regional families under the nominal leadership of the Peshwa in Pune, allowing for widespread territorial control and revenue collection.
- Shahu (1707-1749): Released by Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah; defeated Tarabai in the Battle of Khed (1707) to secure the throne and consolidate Maratha leadership.
- Balaji Vishwanath (1713-1720) - First Peshwa: Started his career as a small revenue official, received the title Sena Karte (maker of the army) from Shahu, and successfully made the Peshwa post powerful and hereditary.
- Baji Rao I (1720-1740): Eldest son of Balaji Vishwanath; successfully defeated the 1st Nizam of Hyderabad (Asaf Jah) and Nizam-ul-mulk, signing the Treaty of Doraha Sarai; his military prowess allowed him to raid Delhi in 1737.
- Maratha Confederacy: Power was distributed among powerful regional families: the Peshwas of Pune (the central authority), the Holkar of Indore, the Scindias of Gwalior, the Bhosle of Nagpur, and the Gaikwads of Baroda.
What was the significance of the Third Battle of Panipat in Maratha history?
The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, fought during the tenure of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb), represented a catastrophic turning point for the Maratha Empire. The Marathas, led by Sadashivrao Bhau, suffered a decisive defeat against the Afghan forces commanded by Ahmad Shah Durrani. This battle resulted in massive casualties, estimated between 200,000 and 500,000, severely weakening the central Maratha authority and halting their northward expansion. The loss created a power vacuum and internal instability, ultimately paving the way for the rise of other regional powers and the eventual dominance of the British East India Company.
- Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) (1740-1761): The Third Battle of Panipat was fought during his tenure as Peshwa, and the devastating loss contributed significantly to his death shortly thereafter.
- Third Battle of Panipat (1761): Fought between the Marathas (Commander Sadashivrao Bhau) and the Afghans (Commander Ahmad Shah Durrani), resulting in a decisive Maratha defeat and being recorded as one of the deadliest battles in world history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680) is recognized as the founder. He was crowned in 1674 at Raigadh and was known for his military strategy, particularly his pioneering use of guerrilla warfare against the Mughals and Bijapur.
What were Chauth and Sardeshmukhi?
These were the primary revenue sources. Chauth was one-fourth of the land revenue collected for protection from raids, while Sardeshmukhi was an additional 10% levy on lands where Marathas held hereditary rights.
What was the Ashtapradhan system?
The Ashtapradhan was Shivaji's council of eight ministers designed to manage the administration. Crucially, ministers were directly responsible to Shivaji, ensuring centralized control rather than operating as a collective ministry.
