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THE RISE OF MARATHAS (1674-1818)

PWOnlyIAS July 22, 2023 03:16 16787 0

THE RISE OF MARATHAS (1674-1818)

INTRODUCTION

The rise of the Marathas, a warrior community hailing from the western Deccan Plateau, holds great significance in Indian history. Speaking the Marathi language, they emerged as a powerful force by establishing the concept of Hindavi Swarajya, which advocated for self-rule for Hindus. Led by Shivaji, the Marathas rebelled against the Adil Shahi dynasty and later challenged the mighty Mughal Empire. Their relentless struggles ultimately resulted in the establishment of a kingdom in the 17th century, with Raigad as its capital. This marked the remarkable rise of the Marathas and their unwavering quest for independence and sovereignty.

THE RISE OF THE MARATHAS

The Marathas rose to prominence through the establishment of Hindavi Swarajya, which sought self-rule for Hindus. Their rise was fueled by their identity as Marathi-speaking warriors from the Deccan Plateau (modern-day Maharashtra). Their rise to power was a result of a series of strategic and political developments that shaped the course of their history. Here is a comprehensive note on the rise of the Marathas:

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  • Origins and Early History: The Marathas originated as a small kingdom in western India, with their roots tracing back to the medieval period. Initially, they were a group of warriors serving under various local rulers. Their emergence as a significant force began with the rise of their legendary leader, Shivaji Maharaj.
  • The leadership of Shivaji Maharaj: Shivaji Maharaj, the most famous Maratha chief, played a crucial role in establishing the Maratha Empire. He led the Marathas in a series of military campaigns against the Adil Shahi Dynasty, which ruled the Sultanate of Bijapur. Through his strategic vision and military prowess, Shivaji successfully carved out a kingdom, which he called “Hindavi Swarajya,” where the Hindus could rule themselves.
  • Coronation as Chatrapati: In 1674, Shivaji Maharaj took the title of Chhatrapati, or Sovereign, thereby elevating the status of his rule to that of a royal and independent kingdom. This coronation ceremony marked a significant milestone in the establishment of the Maratha Empire and symbolized Shivaji’s authority as a legitimate ruler.
  • Challenges and Succession: After Shivaji’s death in 1680, his son, Sambhaji, ascended to the throne. However, Sambhaji faced immense challenges from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who sought to bring the Maratha Kingdom under his control. Sambhaji was eventually captured and executed by Aurangzeb’s forces, creating a succession crisis.
  • Shahu’s Liberation and the Maratha Revival: During the reign of Aurangzeb’s successor, Bahadur Shah I, Shahu, the son of Sambhaji, was released from captivity in 1707. With Shahu’s liberation, the Marathas quickly re-established themselves as a formidable force.

INTERNAL STRUGGLE AND RESOLUTION

After the death of Aurangzeb, the Marathas remained a force that needed to be subdued by the Mughals. However, the Maratha Empire faced internal conflicts that further weakened its position. One of the major conflicts arose between Shahu, the ruler of Satara, and his aunt Tara Bai, who controlled Kolhapur. This power struggle had been ongoing since 1700, fought under the pretext of Tara Bai’s son Shivaji II.

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  • The Treaty of Warna (1713): To resolve the internal conflict within the Maratha Empire, the Treaty of Warna was signed. This treaty granted Shivaji II the state of Kolhapur, effectively settling the dispute with Tara Bai’s faction. The resolution of this conflict helped to stabilize the Maratha Empire and allowed them to focus their efforts against external threats.
  • Recognition of Shahu’s Rights: Balaji Viswanath, a Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire, played a pivotal role in securing recognition of Shahu’s rights. By assisting the Sayyid brothers in establishing a puppet emperor in Delhi, Balaji Viswanath obtained a Mughal sanad (imperial order) in 1719. This sanad recognized Shahu’s right to Chauth (one-fourth of government revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (one-tenth of government revenue) in six Mughal provinces of the Deccan.
  • Expanding Influence: With the resolution of internal conflicts and the recognition of Shahu’s rights, the Marathas solidified their authority and expanded their influence. They established control over territories such as Malwa and Gujarat, where they collected Chauth. Maharashtra, under the leadership of Shahu and the Peshwas, enjoyed an independent status within the larger Maratha Empire.
  • Transfer of Authority: As the Maratha Civil War came to an end and the Maratha Empire stabilized, the authority over the state gradually passed from the direct line of Shivaji to that of the Peshwa. The Peshwas, including Balaji Viswanath and his descendants, played a significant role in governing the empire and shaping its destiny.
  • Political Succession (Peshwa): Baji Rao succeeded his father Balaji as Peshwa, expanding Maratha control over Mughal territories. Balaji Bajirao (Nana Saheb) became the next Peshwa after Bajirao’s death, known for his administrative expertise. Nana Saheb assumed the highest position in the Maratha polity after Shahu’s death, marking the peak of the Maratha Empire’s power and influence.
  • Expanding the Empire: Through a series of military campaigns and strategic alliances, the Maratha Empire expanded its territories beyond the Deccan region. They gained control over vast regions, including Tamil Nadu in the south, Peshawar in the north, and Bengal in the east, establishing their dominance over a substantial portion of the Indian subcontinent.

Peshwa Bajirao 1 (1700-1740)

  • The phrase “Attock to Cuttack” often refers to the Maratha Kingdom that Baji Rao-I imagined and wanted to raise the Saffron Flag above the ramparts of Attock.
  • Despite fighting in 41 wars, Baji Rao-I never lost. This astute Maratha Prime Minister was successful in forming a confederacy out of the Marathas who had split up following Shivaji’s death.
  • He moved the Marathas’ administrative centre from Satara to Pune.

 

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ADMINISTRATION

The Maratha State replaced Persian with Marathi as the official language and recruited Hindus to top positions. They developed their own statecraft dictionary and had three areas of study: central administration, revenue administration, and military administration.

  • Political Administration: Shivaji established a sound administrative structure based on Deccan practices. The King was supported by the Ashtapradhan, a group of eight ministers. However, the Maratha state’s unique organizational structure hindered its ability to compete with the Mughal empire. Chiefs or Sardars, like the Bhonsles, Gaikwads, Holkars, and Sindhias, shared authority in the confederacy.
  • Military Administration: Shivaji built an efficient and disciplined army consisting of infantry, cavalry, and navy. The army served as a tool for enforcing laws, emphasizing speed of movement. Pindaries were allowed to follow the army and collect a portion of the spoils of battle.
  • Revenue Administration: Shivaji modified the roles of revenue officials and replaced the Jagirdari System with the Ryotwari System. The Kathi system of Malik Amber, which involved measuring land plots, served as the foundation for the revenue system. Chauth and Sardeshmukhi served as additional revenue sources.

FALL OF MARATHAS

The Fall of the Marathas signalled the end of an era and the emergence of British colonial dominance in India, signalling the decline of a once-powerful empire.

  • Third Battle of Panipat (1761): Ahmed Shah Abdali routed the Maratha forces led by Sadasiv Rao Bhao in the pivotal Third Battle of Panipat, which signalled the start of the Maratha Empire’s decline.
  • Internal Conflict: Perhaps only the Maratha state could replace the Mughals as a new pan-Indian empire, but due to the Maratha polity’s inherent characteristics, that possibility was never completely realised.
  • Lack of Cohesion: The Maratha Sardars lacked cohesion and the viewpoint and plan required to establish an all-Indian Empire, so they were unable to succeed the Mughals.

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Causes for Maratha’s defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761)

  • Those of Abdali outnumbered the Maratha soldiers.
  • The Maratha camp was close to famine because the road to Delhi was blocked.
  • Both Muslim and Hindu powers, such as the Jats and Rajputs, are hostile to the Maratha policy.
  • Mutual resentment for the Maratha commanders significantly damaged their cause.
  • Both in terms of organisation and equipment, Abdali’s soldiers were superior.
  • The Maratha army was decimated by the employment of swivel weapons mounted atop camels.

CONCLUSION

The rise of the Marathas in the 17th century, led by Shivaji and his supporters, marked a significant shift in Indian history. Under Shivaji’s leadership, the Marathas established a strong and independent state that challenged the authority of the Mughal Empire. Shivaji’s vision, military prowess, and administrative skills were instrumental in the Marathas’ success. Their rise reshaped the political landscape of early modern India and left a lasting impact on its history. The Marathas’ rise stands as a compelling chapter in Indian history, highlighting the power of their empire, the Maratha Confederacy.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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