The Maratha Empire: A Historical Overview

Rise of the Maratha Empire

Preceding Empire: Dominated by the Mughal Empire, Persianized Central Asian Turko-Mongols who converted to Islam.
Mughal Rule: Initially tolerant, became discriminatory towards the Hindu majority.
- Exclusion of Hindus from high positions.
- Imposition of Jizya infidel tax.
Bhakti Movement: Influenced Hindu devotion and inspired the need for a strong, independent Hindu nation.
Shahaji and Sivaji: Maratha warrior class origins, established by Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaj in 1674.
- Started with 4 forts and 2,000 warriors.
- Expanded to over 300 forts and 100,000 men.

Aurangzeb's Campaign: Waged a 26-year war against the Marathas.
- Utilized massive encampment with over half a million soldiers.
- Marathas used guerrilla tactics and light cavalry.
Aftermath: War led to massive casualties due to drought, famine, and plague.
- Mughal Empire weakened and internal rebellions arose post-Aurangzeb.

Release and Civil War: Mughals released Shahu to destabilize Marathas.
- Resulted in civil war, won by Shahu.
Empire Growth: Merit-based promotions under Shahu.

Victories under Peshwa Bajirao: Defeated Mughals and allies at Delhi and Bhopal.
- Sacked Mughal capital, weakening the empire.
Later Developments:
- Sacking of Delhi by Nader Shah's Afsharid dynasty.
- Marathas gained control of Delhi, Mughal emperor became a puppet.
Decentralization: More power to local rulers, termed as Maratha Confederacy.

Third Battle of Panipat: Fought against Afghan Durrani Empire.
- Heavy losses for both sides, Afghans ultimately retreated from India.
Anglo-Maratha Wars:
- British East India Company sought control, led to a series of wars.
- Empire disestablished in 1818 after final defeat.

Social Mobility and Religious Tolerance:
- Promoted unity and did not strictly adhere to the caste system.
- High positions occupied by people from various castes.
Religious Policies:
- Religious tolerance, largely personal affair though Hindu in character.