Maratha Empire
Overview
| Maratha Empire Overview | Formidable challenge to Mughal Empire in 17th century, representing resurgence of regional power in Deccan. Founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji, characterized by innovative military strategies, council of ministers (Ashtapradhan), and fiscal system (Chauth and Sardeshmukhi). Executive power later shifted to Peshwas heading Maratha Confederacy. |
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji (1627–80 AD)
| Background & Mentors | Born at Shivneri Fort to Shahji Bhonsle and Jija Bai. Mentored by Dadaji Kondadev (Guardian) and Bhakti saint Samarth Ramdas (Spiritual guide). |
| Military Battles (1659 & 1663) | Killed Afzal Khan (Bijapur general) at Pratapgad (1659). Executed night raid on Mughal governor Shaista Khan in Poona (1663). |
| Treaty of Purandar (1665) | Signed with Raja Jai Singh; surrendered 23 forts to Mughals and agreed to visit Aurangzeb's court in Agra. |
| Coronation (1674) | Formally crowned at Raigarh in 1674 by scholar Gaga Bhatt; assumed titles Chhatrapati and Haindava Dharmoddharak. |
2. Shivaji's Administration: The Ashtapradhan
| Peshwa & Amatya | Peshwa (Mukhya Pradhan): Prime Minister (general administration). Amatya (Majumdar): Finance Minister (audited accounts). |
| Mantri & Sachiv | Mantri (Waqenavis): Home Minister (intelligence & records). Sachiv (Surnavis): Royal Correspondence Minister. |
| Sumant & Senapati | Sumant (Dabir): Foreign Minister. Senapati (Sar-i-Naubat): Military Commander. |
| Pandit Rao & Nyayadhish | Pandit Rao: High Priest (religious grants). Nyayadhish: Chief Justice (civil & criminal justice). |
3. Fiscal & Military Systems
| Chauth Levy | Tax amounting to 1/4th (25%) of land revenue, levied on non-Maratha territories in exchange for protection from raids. |
| Sardeshmukhi Levy | Additional 10% levy on lands where Shivaji claimed hereditary rights as supreme head (Sardeshmukh). |
| Guerrilla Warfare (Ganimi Kawa) | Utilized rugged Western Ghats terrain for ambush and rapid mobility. |
| Bargirs vs Shiledars | Bargirs: Regular state-supported cavalry with state-provided horses/arms. Shiledars: Irregular cavalry providing own horses/arms. |
| Naval Power | Established strong navy with bases at Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg. |
4. Era of the Peshwas & Confederacy
| Balaji Vishwanath & Baji Rao I | Balaji Vishwanath: "Second Founder". Baji Rao I (1720–40): Exponent of guerrilla tactics, championed Hindu Pad Padshahi, defeated Nizam at Battle of Palkhed (1728). |
| Balaji Baji Rao & Panipat III (1761) | Maratha expansion reached peak (Cuttack to Attock). Defeated at Third Battle of Panipat (1761) by Ahmad Shah Abdali under Sadashiv Rao Bhau. |
| Five Ruling Houses of Confederacy | Peshwas (Pune), Scindias (Gwalior), Holkars (Indore), Gaekwads (Baroda), Bhonsles (Nagpur). |
5. Modern Recognition & Legacy
| UNESCO Recognition (2024) | "Maratha Military Landscapes of India" inscribed as 44th World Heritage Site (Raigad, Pratapgad, Sindhudurg). |
| Indian Navy Ensign | Indian Navy's new ensign (2022) inspired by royal seal (Rajmudra) of Chhatrapati Shivaji. |
UPSC High-Yield Recall & PYQ Targets
| Ashtapradhan Nature | Council of 8 ministers establishing administrative division under Shivaji. |
| Chauth and Sardeshmukhi | Chauth = 25%; Sardeshmukhi = 10% additional levy. |
| Purandar Treaty Signatories | Signed between Shivaji and Raja Jai Singh (1665). |
| Bargirs vs Shiledars | Bargirs = state-provided cavalry; Shiledars = self-provided cavalry. |
Supplemental Asset Directory
- Maratha Lineage:
- Maratha Ashtapradhan:
- Maratha Revenue System:
- Maratha Confederacy:
