The Marathas were a powerful force in Indian history. They emerged as a dominant political power in the 17th and 18th centuries. They played a crucial role in resisting Mughal rule. They expanded their empire across India. They influenced the decline of the Mughals.
1. Rise of the Marathas
✔ Founder: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630–1680).
✔ Geographical Base: Western India (Maharashtra) – rugged terrain helped guerrilla warfare.
✔ Enemies: Mughals, Adil Shahi of Bijapur, Qutb Shahi of Golconda.
2. Shivaji Maharaj & His Achievements
✔ Coronation in 1674 at Raigad, declared himself Chhatrapati.
✔ Developed a strong navy to protect the Konkan coast.
✔ Raided Mughal territories, including Surat (1664 & 1670).
✔ Treaty of Purandar (1665) – signed with Raja Jai Singh (Mughal general).
✔ Promoted Marathi language and administration over Persian.
✔ Introduced Ashta Pradhan (Council of Eight Ministers) for governance.
3. Maratha Administration
✔ Ashta Pradhan (Council of Ministers):
- Peshwa (Prime Minister) – head of administration.
- Amatya (Finance Minister).
- Senapati (Commander-in-Chief).
- Sumant (Foreign Minister).
- Nyayadhish (Chief Justice).
- Panditrao (Head of Religious Affairs).
- Sachiv (Secretary).
- Mantri (Internal Security).
✔ Revenue System:
- Chauth – 25% tax from neighboring states for protection.
- Sardeshmukhi – 10% additional tax as hereditary rights.
✔ Military:
- Guerrilla warfare (Ganimi Kava) – used fast-moving attacks and terrain advantage.
- Strong cavalry and fortresses (Rajgad, Pratapgad, Sinhagad, Raigad).
4. Maratha Empire After Shivaji
(A) Sambhaji (1681–1689)
✔ Shivaji’s eldest son, fought against Aurangzeb.
✔ Captured & executed by Mughals in 1689.
(B) Rajaram & Tarabai (1689–1707)
✔ Shifted capital to Gingee (Tamil Nadu) to escape Mughals.
✔ Tarabai (Shivaji’s daughter-in-law) continued the struggle.
(C) Peshwa Rule (1713–1818)
✔ Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath (1713–1720) – strengthened Maratha influence in Delhi.
✔ Peshwa Baji Rao I (1720–1740) – expanded Maratha rule to North India.
✔ Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) (1740–1761) – led Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761).
5. Third Battle of Panipat (1761)
✔ Fought between: Marathas & Ahmad Shah Abdali (Afghanistan).
✔ Result: Marathas were defeated due to lack of unity and strategy.
✔ Impact: Weakening of Maratha power in North India.
6. Maratha Confederacy (1761–1818)
✔ Divided into five major states under different leaders:
- Peshwas (Pune).
- Holkars (Indore).
- Scindias (Gwalior).
- Gaekwads (Baroda).
- Bhonsles (Nagpur).
✔ Fought against the British in the Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775–1818).
7. Anglo-Maratha Wars & British Defeat
First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782)
✔ Ended with the Treaty of Salbai (1782) – British recognized Peshwa’s authority.
Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805)
✔ British defeated Scindias & Bhonsles.
Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818)
✔ Marathas were completely defeated.
✔ British abolished the Peshwa system, ending the Maratha Empire.
8. Contribution of the Marathas
✔ Ended Mughal rule in most parts of India.
✔ Developed an efficient administration & taxation system.
✔ Encouraged local language (Marathi) over Persian.
✔ Built strong forts & naval bases for defense.
✔ Fought bravely against Mughals & British, influencing later freedom struggles.
9. MCQs on Marathas
- Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire?
- (a) Sambhaji
- (b) Shivaji Maharaj
- (c) Baji Rao I
- (d) Tarabai
- Answer: (b) Shivaji Maharaj
- Which treaty was signed between Shivaji and Raja Jai Singh?
- (a) Treaty of Salbai
- (b) Treaty of Bassein
- (c) Treaty of Purandar
- (d) Treaty of Panipat
- Answer: (c) Treaty of Purandar
- Which Maratha leader was defeated in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761)?
- (a) Baji Rao I
- (b) Balaji Baji Rao
- (c) Peshwa Vishwanath
- (d) Malhar Rao Holkar
- Answer: (b) Balaji Baji Rao
- Which tax was collected by the Marathas as 25% of revenue for protection?
- (a) Sardeshmukhi
- (b) Chauth
- (c) Zabt
- (d) Iqta
- Answer: (b) Chauth
- In which year did the British defeat the Marathas completely?
- (a) 1761
- (b) 1818
- (c) 1857
- (d) 1803
- Answer: (b) 1818
10. Subjective Questions on the Marathas
- Describe Shivaji Maharaj’s administration and military strategies.
- Discuss the causes and consequences of the Third Battle of Panipat.
- Explain the role of Peshwas in expanding the Maratha Empire.
- How did the Marathas challenge Mughal supremacy in India?
- Write about the Anglo-Maratha wars and their impact.
- What were the contributions of the Marathas to Indian administration and society?
- Discuss the decline of the Maratha Empire and the rise of British rule in India.
- Explain the revenue system of the Marathas and its effectiveness.
The Marathas played a crucial role in Indian history, acting as a bridge between the Mughals and British rule. Their legacy of administration, military strategies, and regional governance is important for UPSC, SSC, State PSC, and other competitive exams.
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