Kingdom (17 th – 18th CENTURY)
(RISE OF SHIVAJI AND MARATHA EMPIRE,ADMINISTRATION AND MILITARY ORGANIXATION,DECLINE OF MUGHAL EMPIRE AND EMERGENCE OF REGIONAL POWERS)
Introduction
In India, the Maratha Empire ruled from the 17th century to the beginning of the 19th. Under the direction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who established the framework for an independent Maratha state, it became a powerful force. The empire became an important political force in Indian history after playing a vital role in opposing Mughal domination.
Rise of the Marathas
1. Shivaji Maharaj: The Architect of the Maratha Empire
- Early Life and Inspiration: Shivaji was inspired by the idea of Swarajya (self-rule) and aimed to establish an independent Hindu kingdom.
- Military Tactics: He utilized guerrilla warfare, known as Ganimi Kava, to combat the larger Mughal and Adilshahi forces.
- Administration: Shivaji introduced an efficient administrative system with Ashta Pradhan Mandal (Council of Eight Ministers), revenue reforms, and a naval force.
2. Expansion under the Peshwas (1713-1818)
- The Peshwas (Prime Ministers) played a key role in transforming the Maratha state into an empire.
- Baji Rao I (1720-1740): Expanded the empire from the Deccan to North India, defeating the Mughals and occupying Delhi briefly.
- Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) (1740-1761): Led the empire to its zenith but suffered a significant loss in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) against the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali.
- Madhav Rao I (1761-1772): Revived the empire post-Panipat and consolidated Maratha control over various regions.
Military Strategies and Governance
1. Military System
- Guerrilla Warfare: Used in mountainous terrain to surprise enemy forces.
- Fortification System: Marathas built and controlled forts like Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad to maintain strategic dominance.
- Cavalry Strength: The Maratha cavalry was one of the finest in India, known for rapid mobility and offensive tactics.
2. Administrative System
- Ashta Pradhan Mandal: A council of eight ministers managing different state functions.
- Revenue System (Chauth and Sardeshmukhi):
- Chauth: A 25% tax levied on lands outside Maratha territory in exchange for protection.
- Sardeshmukhi: An additional 10% tax collected as hereditary rights.
The Anglo-Maratha Wars and Decline
The British East India Company and the Maratha Empire fought each other three times during the Anglo-Maratha Wars, which finally resulted in the collapse of Maratha authority and the establishment of British control in India. Each of these conflicts, which raged from 1775 until 1818, represented a dramatic change in the distribution of power.
1. First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782)
The First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782) began due to internal disputes within the Maratha Empire after the death of Peshwa Madhavrao I in 1772. His uncle Raghunathrao (Raghoba) and the reigning Maratha council, known as the Barbhai Council, were at odds over succession after his younger brother, Narayanrao, became Peshwa but was slain shortly after. In 1775, Raghunathrao requested British assistance, which led to the Treaty of Surat, when the British promised to help him in return for territory. War resulted from the governing Maratha faction’s opposition to this plan. After several conflicts, the dispute ended in 1782 with the Treaty of Salbai, which allowed the British to keep possession of Salsette while acknowledging Madhavrao II as the rightful Peshwa. The Marathas, despite their internal conflicts, successfully maintained their independence, ensuring temporary peace with the British.
2. Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805)
The Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805) resulted from continued infighting among Maratha chieftains after the death of Madhavrao II in 1796. The growing British influence, along with the Maratha chiefs’ inability to present a united front, led to conflict. Under Lord Wellesley’s aggressive expansion policy, the British intervened militarily, defeating the Maratha forces in significant battles such as Assaye, Delhi, Laswari, and Argaon. Led by Arthur Wellesley, the British gained control over key regions, including Delhi and Agra, significantly weakening the Marathas. Despite their defeat, some factions, especially the Holkars, continued to resist British rule.
3. Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818)
The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818) was the final and decisive confrontation between the Marathas and the British. By this time, the Maratha Empire was a shadow of its former strength, with Peshwa Baji Rao II attempting to regain authority. His resistance against British dominance led to battles at Koregaon, Khadki, and Satara, where the British, under Governor-General Lord Hastings, decisively defeated the Marathas. The war concluded with the annexation of the Maratha territories, the exile of Baji Rao II to Bithoor near Kanpur, and the dissolution of the Maratha Confederacy. The British placed surviving Maratha princely states such as Gwalior, Indore, and Nagpur under their control, marking the complete end of the Maratha Empire.
