The Scindias (also spelled Shindes) were a powerful Maratha dynasty that ruled Gwalior and North India. Originally military commanders under the Peshwas, they later established an independent state in Gwalior. The Scindias played a key role in the Maratha Empire, Anglo-Maratha Wars, and Indian history until 1947.
Basic Information on the Scindias
- Dynasty: Scindia/Shinde Dynasty (Maratha Empire)
- Founder: Ranoji Scindia (1731)
- Capital: Ujjain (initially), later Gwalior
- Major Wars: Third Battle of Panipat (1761), Anglo-Maratha Wars
- Major Rulers: Mahadji Scindia, Daulat Rao Scindia, Jankoji Rao Scindia
- End of Independence: 1803 (Defeated by British, became a princely state)
- Last Ruler: Jivajirao Scindia (ruled until Indian independence in 1947)
Founding of the Scindia Dynasty (1731)
- Ranoji Scindia (a Maratha general) was granted Malwa by Peshwa Baji Rao I in 1731.
- Established Ujjain as his headquarters, later shifted to Gwalior.
- His descendants expanded Maratha influence in North India.
List of Major Scindia Rulers and Their Contributions
| Ruler | Years of Rule | Major Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Ranoji Scindia | 1731–1745 | Founder of the Scindia dynasty, expanded Maratha control in North India. |
| Mahadji Scindia | 1761–1794 | Restored Maratha power in North India after Panipat, controlled Delhi. |
| Daulat Rao Scindia | 1794–1827 | Lost to the British in the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803). |
| Jankoji Rao Scindia | 1827–1843 | Strengthened Gwalior, maintained British relations. |
| Jayajirao Scindia | 1843–1886 | Modernized Gwalior, helped the British in 1857. |
| Jivajirao Scindia | 1925–1947 | Last ruler of Gwalior, merged with India in 1947. |
1. Mahadji Scindia (1761–1794) – The Strongest Scindia Ruler
- Restored Maratha power after the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
- Defeated Jats, Rajputs, and Rohillas to regain North India.
- Controlled the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II (1771), making him a puppet of the Marathas.
- Defeated the British in the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782), Treaty of Salbai (1782).
- Created a strong modern army with the help of European officers.
2. Daulat Rao Scindia (1794–1827) – Defeated by the British
- Ruled during the decline of Maratha power.
- Lost to the British in the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803).
- Forced to sign the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon (1803), losing control of Delhi and North India.
- After 1803, the Scindias remained a British ally as a princely state.
3. Jayajirao Scindia (1843–1886) – British Loyalist
- Helped the British during the Revolt of 1857 against Indian rebels.
- Strengthened Gwalior, modernized administration, and introduced railways.
- Continued British loyalty, ensuring Scindia rule under British India.
4. Jivajirao Scindia (1925–1947) – The Last Scindia Ruler
- Ruled Gwalior until India’s independence in 1947.
- Merged Gwalior into the Indian Union in 1948.
Scindia Administration and Policies
1. Military Strength
- Controlled Maratha armies in North India under Mahadji Scindia.
- Defended Delhi and protected the Mughal Emperor.
- Modernized the army with European training.
2. Control Over North India
- From 1771–1803, the Scindias ruled Delhi and North India on behalf of the Marathas.
- After 1803, lost Delhi to the British and remained in Gwalior.
3. Relations with the British
- Initially fought against the British but later allied with them after 1803.
- Helped the British during the 1857 Revolt.
Anglo-Maratha Wars and Decline of Scindia Power
| War | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|
| First Anglo-Maratha War | 1775–1782 | Maratha Victory (Treaty of Salbai, 1782) |
| Second Anglo-Maratha War | 1803–1805 | British Victory, Scindias lost Delhi |
| Third Anglo-Maratha War | 1817–1818 | British Victory, End of Maratha rule |
- After the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon (1803), the Scindias became a British princely state.
- Continued to rule Gwalior under British supervision until 1947.
Comparison: Scindias vs. Holkars
| Feature | Scindias (Gwalior) | Holkars (Indore) |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Ranoji Scindia | Malhar Rao Holkar |
| Capital | Gwalior (Initially Ujjain) | Indore |
| Major Ruler | Mahadji Scindia | Ahilyabai Holkar |
| Role in Anglo-Maratha Wars | Lost to the British (1803) | Fought against the British |
| End of Independence | 1803 (Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon) | 1818 (Treaty of Mandsaur) |
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Scindias ruled Gwalior and North India from 1731 to 1947.
- Founder = Ranoji Scindia (1731), appointed by Peshwa Baji Rao I.
- Mahadji Scindia (1761–1794) restored Maratha power in North India.
- Controlled Delhi and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II from 1771–1803.
- Lost to the British in the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803), became a British ally.
- Last ruler = Jivajirao Scindia (ruled until 1947, merged with India in 1948).
MCQs on Scindias
1. Who was the founder of the Scindia dynasty?
A) Mahadji Scindia
B) Ranoji Scindia
C) Daulat Rao Scindia
D) Malhar Rao Holkar
✅ Answer: B) Ranoji Scindia
2. Which Scindia ruler restored Maratha power after Panipat?
A) Mahadji Scindia
B) Daulat Rao Scindia
C) Jankoji Rao Scindia
D) Baji Rao II
✅ Answer: A) Mahadji Scindia
3. In which war did the Scindias lose Delhi to the British?
A) First Anglo-Maratha War
B) Second Anglo-Maratha War
C) Third Anglo-Maratha War
D) Battle of Panipat
✅ Answer: B) Second Anglo-Maratha War
4. Which Scindia ruler helped the British in the Revolt of 1857?
A) Mahadji Scindia
B) Daulat Rao Scindia
C) Jayajirao Scindia
D) Malhar Rao Holkar
✅ Answer: C) Jayajirao Scindia
5. When did the Scindias merge with India?
A) 1803
B) 1818
C) 1857
D) 1947
✅ Answer: D) 1947
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Mahadji Scindia, and what were his achievements?
- What was the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon (1803)?
- Describe the role of the Scindias in the Anglo-Maratha Wars.
- How did the Scindias lose control over Delhi?
- When and how did the Scindias merge with India?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the contributions of Mahadji Scindia in restoring Maratha power.
- Explain the role of the Scindias in North India.
- How did the Scindias fight the British, and why did they lose?
- What led to the decline of Scindia power after 1803?
- Compare the Scindias and the Holkars in Maratha history.
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