RISE OF THE MARATHAS & FOUNDATION OF SWARAJ BY SHIVAJI
Background
- Marathas were a warrior peasant caste in western India.
- Benefitted from the decline of central Mughal authority in the Deccan.
- Inspired by Hindu traditions, local governance, and opposition to foreign rule.
Shivaji (1630–1680)
- Born to Shahji Bhonsle, a Maratha noble in the service of the Bijapur Sultanate.
- Trained in military and administration in the Maval region near Pune.
Foundation of Swaraj:
- “Swarajya” = self-rule for Hindus, free from foreign (Muslim) domination.
- Early conquests: Torna Fort (1646), Raigarh, Chakan, Panhala, etc.
- Killed Afzal Khan (Bijapur general) in 1659, a turning point.
Administration:
- Set up an efficient system: Ashtapradhan Council (Eight ministers).
- Promoted Hindu traditions, local revenue systems, and fort-based defense.
- Used guerrilla warfare (Ganimi Kava) effectively.
Coronation:
- Declared king in 1674 at Raigad, assumed title Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Created a sovereign Hindu Maratha state.
EXPANSION UNDER THE PESHWAS (1713–1761)
Rise of the Peshwas:
- After Shivaji’s death, son Sambhaji and grandson Shahu ruled.
- Shahu appointed Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa (chief minister) in 1713.
- Later Peshwas turned hereditary and de facto rulers of the Maratha Empire.
Key Peshwas and Achievements:
1. Balaji Vishwanath (1713–1720)
- Secured Shahu’s claim to the throne.
- Reconciled with Mughals – got Chauth and Sardeshmukhi rights in Deccan.
- Laid foundation of Maratha diplomacy.
2. Baji Rao I (1720–1740)
- Brilliant military leader – never lost a battle.
- Extended Maratha influence to Malwa, Gujarat, Bundelkhand.
- Helped Chhatrasal of Bundelkhand, married his daughter Mastani.
- Captured Delhi in 1737; showed Maratha dominance.
3. Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) (1740–1761)
- Empire at territorial zenith – Punjab to Karnataka.
- Revenue collection (chauth) across most of North India.
- Third Battle of Panipat (1761) led to massive setback.
MUGHAL–MARATHA RELATIONS
Initial Conflict
- Shivaji fought Aurangzeb; initially clashed with Shaista Khan, Afzal Khan, and Jai Singh.
- 1665: Treaty of Purandar with Mughals (Shivaji gave up 23 forts but retained 12).
Aurangzeb’s Deccan Campaign
- After Shivaji’s death, Aurangzeb invaded Deccan (1681–1707).
- Prolonged warfare exhausted Mughal treasury and military.
- Marathas adopted guerrilla tactics, resisted and outlasted Mughals.
MARATHA CONFEDERACY (Post-Panipat to 1818)
Structure:
- After 1761, Maratha power was divided among semi-independent chiefs, forming a confederacy:
- Peshwa (Pune) – nominal head
- Holkars (Indore)
- Scindias (Gwalior)
- Gaekwads (Baroda)
- Bhonsles (Nagpur)
Revival:
- Under Madhav Rao I (1761–1772): restored stability, defeated Nizam and Mysore.
British Confrontation:
- Three Anglo-Maratha Wars:
- 1st (1775–82): British defeated
- 2nd (1803–05): Defeat of Scindia and Bhonsle
- 3rd (1817–18): Peshwa Baji Rao II defeated; Maratha power ended
CAUSES OF MARATHA DECLINE
1. Lack of Unity
- Confederacy lacked central authority; internal rivalries among chiefs.
2. Absence of Long-term Vision
- No focus on nation-building or institutions.
- Focused on revenue collection rather than administration.
3. Over-extension of Territory
- Rapid expansion without stable administration created vulnerabilities.
4. Defeat at Panipat (1761)
- Death of thousands of elite soldiers and leaders.
- Psychological blow to Maratha prestige.
5. Conflict with British
- Underestimated British diplomacy and military.
- Fragmented response during Anglo-Maratha wars.
6. Weak Leadership after Madhav Rao I
- Later Peshwas were inefficient and dependent on factional support.
Conclusion
The Marathas emerged as a strong indigenous power post-Mughal decline, aiming to establish Swaraj under Shivaji. Under the Peshwas, they built a pan-Indian empire but failed to sustain it due to internal fragmentation, lack of institutional structures, and British military superiority. Their fall marked the last major resistance to British hegemony in India.
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