Maratha Empire [1674–1818] | Study Material for UPSC State PSC

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Introduction: Maratha Empire

The Maratha Empire was one of the most significant powers in the Indian subcontinent during the 17th and 18th centuries. It emerged from the Deccan region of India, primarily in Maharashtra. It grew to become one of the most significant powers in India in the wake of the decline of the Mughal Empire.

The Marathas rose to prominence under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji, who established the Maratha Empire in 1674. Shivaji’s strategic vision and guerrilla warfare tactics enabled the Marathas to challenge the dominance of the Mughals and establish an independent empire in western India.

Under the leadership of subsequent Maratha rulers, notably the Peshwas, the empire experienced a period of unprecedented expansion and consolidation.

The decisive defeat at the hands of the British East India Company in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818) marked the end of Maratha hegemony and paved the way for British colonial dominance in India.

Important Points: Maratha Empire

The Marathas were a Marathi-speaking warrior group mainly from the modern-day state of Maharashtra.
The Marathas became prominent in the mid-17th century under the leadership of Shivaji, who carved out a kingdom with Raigad as his capital from the Adil Shahis and the Mughals.
The Maratha Empire ruled much of the Indian subcontinent in the 18th century.
Maratha rule officially ended in 1818 with the defeat of Peshwa Bajirao II at the hands of the British East India Company in the Third Anglo-Maratha War.

Chhatrapati of Maratha Empire

Shivaji

Shivaji (19 February 1630 – 3 April 1680) was the founder of the Maratha empire.
Shivaji was born in the hill fort of Shivneri, located near Junnar in Pune. This Fort of Shivneri was given to his paternal grandfather Maloji for his family’s residence (1590).
He carved out his own independent kingdom from the Bijapur Sultanate.
In 1674, he was formally crowned the Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort. He took the title “Chhatrapati–Gobrahman-Prajapalaka“.
He promoted the usage of the Marathi and Sanskrit languages, replacing Persian in court and administration.
Shivaji’s father Shahaji Bhonsle was a general who served the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, the Bijapur Sultanate, and the Mughal Empire at various points in his career.

His mother, Jijabai, was the daughter of Lakhuji Jadhavrao (a Maratha chief).
His paternal grandfather Maloji (1552–1597) was a general in Ahmadnagar Sultanate’s army under Malik Ambar.
The Government of Maharashtra lists 19 February as a holiday commemorating Shivaji’s birth (Shivaji Jayanti).
Shivaji was succeeded by his youngest son Sambhaji.

Treaty of Purandar (1665)

Aurangzeb sent Jaisingh to the Deccan to subdue Shivaji. Shivaji was defeated by the Mughal forces and the Treaty of Purandhar was signed according to which –

Shivaji had to surrender 23 of his 36 forts to the Mughals.
Shivaji agreed to help the Mughals against Bijapur.

Sambhaji

Sambhaji was the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire.
Because of his misbehavior and addiction to sensual pleasures, Shivaji was compelled to keep him imprisoned in the Panhala fort.
After the war of succession between him and Rajaram, he ascended the throne on 20th July 1680.
Attempts were made to place his younger brother Rajaram on the throne. Conspiracy continued even after he acceded to the throne.
As Sambhaji had no faith in the old Maratha leaders of the state, he appointed a Brahmin from Kannauj as a trusted adviser. Sambhaji gave him the title of “Kavi Kalash“. He accompanied Sambhaji Maharaj in many of his campaigns.
Aurangzeb’s rebellious son Akbar took refuge in Sambhaji in 1681.
In 1689, Sambhaji and Kavikalash were captured by Mughal forces. They were brutally tortured and killed.

Rajaram I

After the execution of Sambhaji by the Mughals the Maratha ministers appointed Rajaram (second son of Shivaji Maharaj) to the throne, as Sambhaji’s son Shahu was a boy of seven and too young to lead an expedition against the Mughals.
Expecting a Mughal attack, Rajaram left Raigarh and escaped to Gingee (in modern-day Tamil Nadu).
The fort of Gingee was the center of his activity against the Mughals.

Shivaji II

After the death of Rajaram, his wife Tarabai’s son Shivaji II was installed on the throne.
Tarabai‘ became the de facto ruler of the Maratha state.

Administration of Maratha Empire

The Ashtapradhan, meaning “Council of Eight Ministers,” was a administrative body in the Maratha Empire. Established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Ashtapradhan served as his council of ministers and advisors.
The Ashtapradhan comprised 8 ministers, each responsible for a specific portfolio:
Peshwa: The Prime Minister and the most powerful minister, responsible for overall administration and military affairs.
Amatya: The Finance Minister, responsible for revenue administration, taxation, and financial matters.
Sachiv: The Secretary, responsible for correspondence and communication between the king and other officials.
Mantri: The Interior Minister, responsible for domestic affairs, justice, and law enforcement.
Senapati: The Commander-in-Chief, responsible for the military and defense strategies.
Sumant: The Foreign Minister, responsible for diplomatic relations and foreign affairs.
Nyayadhish: The Chief Justice.
Panditrao: The Religious Minister, responsible for religious matters and patronage of temples and religious institutions.

Related Article: Peshwas of the Maratha Empire

Maratha Confederacy

The Confederacy in the Maratha Empire refers to a period of decentralized governance characterized by the collaboration of various Maratha chiefs, known as Sardars, under the leadership of the Peshwa.
Peshwa Madhavrao gave semi-autonomy to these Maratha Chiefs.
The confederacy era spanned from the latter part of the 18th century to the early 19th century.
These Sardars enjoyed considerable autonomy in managing their regions, including collecting taxes, administering justice, and maintaining local law and order.
The Confederacy era eventually came to an end with the decline of Maratha power following the defeat in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818) and the subsequent annexation of Maratha territories by the British East India Company. This marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India and the end of the Maratha Empire as an independent political entity.