MARATHA EMPIRE

by

Rise of Maratha Empire

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Shivaji Shahaji Bhosale) was the founder of strong Maratha Empire in the west part of India in 17th Century.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Shivaji Shahaji Bhosale) was born in the fort of Shivneri, near from city Junner (Pune District), in the year 1630 (19th February’ 1630). His mother Jijabai Bhosale named him Shivaji in the honor of goddess Shivai Devi. Chhatrapati Shivaji was devoted to his mother Jijabai Bhosale, who was extreme religious. This kind of Environment had put deep impact on Shivaji maharaj.

Expansion of Empire and Battles of Shivaji

  • In the 1659 Adilshah sent Afzalkhan with the army of 75000 soldiers to destroy Shivaji with his empire. Chhatrapati Shivaji killed Afzal Khan with full diplomatically. He signaled his troops to start the great assault on the Adilshahi Sultanate.
  • Shivaji defeated Kaltalf Khan, a sardar of Shahista Khan in the Battle of Umberkhind with few soldiers (Mavale).
  • Aurangjeb sent his maternal uncle Shahista Khan with powerful army over 1,50,000 on request of Badibegum Sahiba, Adishahi sultanate. In the April 1663Chhatrapati Shivaji personally made surprise attack on Shahista Khan in the LalMahal Pune.
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji sacked surat ,the wealthy city of Mughal Empire in 1664. Surat was the financial capital of mughal& trading centre.
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji agreed to give 23 forts and Rs. 4,00,000/- hone, to let his son Sambhaji become Mughal Sardar and ready to meet with Aurangjeb in the treaty of Purander between Chhatrapati Shivaji and Mirza Raje Jaisingh on behalf of Mughal.
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji gained lot of province till jinji in Karnataka after coronation in the period of 1677-1678.
  • Aurangjeb invited Chhatrapati Shivaji to Agra on occasion of his 50th birth anniversary. However, in the court on 1666 Aurangjeb made in stand behind military commanders of his court.Shivaji got angry and he refused gift which offered by Aurangjeb and stormed out of the court. He was house arrested by Aurangjeb .Chhatrapati Shivaji made supreme plan and succeed to escape from Agra.

Ashtpradhans of Shivaji

It was dministrative and advisory council set up by the Indian Shivaji which contributed to his successful military attacks on the Muslim Mughal Empire and to the good government of the territory over which he established his rule.

  • Peshwa- Prime Minister
  • Amatya- Finance Department
  • Sachiv- Home Secretary
  • Sumant- Foreign Secretary
  • Nyayadheesh- Judicial Magistarate
  • Senapati- Commander In chief
  • Panditrao- relifious matters
  • Mantri- Day to day activities

Revenue Administration

T he assessment of revenue was made after a careful survey and Classification of the lands according to their quality and yield. The share of the state was fixed at two-fifths of the gross produce. The cultivator was given the option of paying either in cash or kind.

Besides the land revenue, Shivaji had other sources of income, of which the most important were the chauth and sardeshmukhi. The chauth amounted to one-fourth of the standard revenue assessment of the place, while the sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of 10 per cent de­manded from areas outside his kingdom because he claimed to be the hereditary sardeshmukh (chief headman) of the entire Maratha country. These taxes were levied on those living outside Maratha kingdom as a safeguard (a kind of protection Money) against Shivaji’s forces plundering or raiding their territory.

Marathas Consolidation and Northward Expansion

 ,

The Maratha Empire was an Indian empire that ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was founded by Shivaji Maharaj in 1674, and reached its peak under the rule of Bajirao I in the early 18th century. The Maratha Empire was a Hindu empire, and its rulers were known for their military prowess and their commitment to Hindu revivalism. The Maratha Empire was eventually defeated by the British East India Company in the early 19th century, but its legacy continues to be felt in India today.

Shivaji Maharaj was born in 1627 in Shivneri Fort, near Pune, Maharashtra. He was the son of Shahaji Bhosale, a general in the Mughal army, and Jijabai, a Rajput princess. Shivaji Maharaj was educated in both Hindu and Muslim traditions, and he developed a strong sense of Marathi identity. He was also a devout Hindu, and he was determined to free the Maratha people from Mughal rule.

In 1645, Shivaji Maharaj began to wage a guerrilla war against the Mughals. He captured several forts from the Mughals, and he established his own kingdom in the Deccan region. In 1674, he was crowned king of the Maratha Empire.

Shivaji Maharaj was a brilliant military strategist, and he was able to defeat the Mughals on several occasions. He was also a skilled diplomat, and he was able to forge alliances with other Hindu kingdoms. Under his Leadership, the Maratha Empire became a major power in India.

After Shivaji Maharaj’s death in 1680, the Maratha Empire was ruled by his son, Sambhaji Maharaj. Sambhaji Maharaj was a capable ruler, but he was killed by the Mughals in 1689. After Sambhaji Maharaj’s death, the Maratha Empire was ruled by a series of Peshwas, or prime ministers. The Peshwas were able to maintain the power of the Maratha Empire, and they expanded its territory.

The Maratha Empire reached its peak under the rule of Bajirao I, who was the Peshwa from 1720 to 1740. Bajirao I was a brilliant military strategist, and he led the Maratha army to victory in several battles against the Mughals. He also expanded the Maratha Empire into Gujarat, Malwa, and Bundelkhand.

After Bajirao I’s death in 1740, the Maratha Empire began to decline. The Peshwas were unable to maintain the empire’s power, and it was eventually defeated by the British East India Company in the early 19th century.

The Maratha Empire was a major power in India for over a century. It was founded by Shivaji Maharaj, who was a brilliant military strategist and a devout Hindu. The Maratha Empire reached its peak under the rule of Bajirao I, who was a brilliant military strategist and a powerful ruler. The Maratha Empire eventually declined and was defeated by the British East India Company in the early 19th century. However, the Maratha Empire left a lasting legacy on India, and its influence can still be seen in the country today.

The Maratha Empire was a Hindu empire, and its rulers were known for their commitment to Hindu revivalism. They built many temples and schools, and they promoted the study of Sanskrit and Hindu literature. The Maratha Empire also played a major role in the Hindu revivalist movement of the 19th century.

The Maratha Empire was a major power in India for over a century, and it left a lasting legacy on the country. Its rulers were known for their military prowess, their commitment to Hindu revivalism, and their contributions to Indian culture. The Maratha Empire is still remembered today as one of the most powerful empires in Indian history.

  1. When was the Maratha Empire founded?
    The Maratha Empire was founded in 1674 by Shivaji Maharaj.

  2. Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire?
    The founder of the Maratha Empire was Shivaji Maharaj.

  3. What was the capital of the Maratha Empire?
    The capital of the Maratha Empire was Pune.

  4. What was the religion of the Maratha Empire?
    The religion of the Maratha Empire was Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism.

  5. What was the language of the Maratha Empire?
    The language of the Maratha Empire was Marathi.

  6. What was the currency of the Maratha Empire?
    The currency of the Maratha Empire was the hon.

  7. What was the flag of the Maratha Empire?
    The flag of the Maratha Empire was a saffron flag with a crescent moon and a star.

  8. What was the army of the Maratha Empire like?
    The army of the Maratha Empire was a large and powerful force that was known for its discipline and its use of guerrilla warfare.

  9. What were the achievements of the Maratha Empire?
    The Maratha Empire was a major power in India for over a century and it played a significant role in the decline of the Mughal Empire.

  10. What were the causes of the decline of the Maratha Empire?
    The Maratha Empire declined in the late 18th century due to a number of factors, including internal conflict, external threats, and economic problems.

  11. What was the legacy of the Maratha Empire?
    The Maratha Empire left a lasting legacy on Indian history, and its culture and traditions continue to be influential today.

  12. What are some interesting facts about the Maratha Empire?
    The Maratha Empire was one of the largest empires in Indian history, and it was also one of the most powerful. The Maratha army was known for its discipline and its use of guerrilla warfare, and the empire played a significant role in the decline of the Mughal Empire.

  13. What are some common misconceptions about the Maratha Empire?
    One common misconception about the Maratha Empire is that it was a Hindu empire. In reality, the Maratha Empire was a multi-religious empire that included Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. Another common misconception is that the Maratha Empire was a short-lived empire. In reality, the Maratha Empire was a major power in India for over a century.

  14. What are some Resources for Learning more about the Maratha Empire?
    There are many resources available for learning more about the Maratha Empire. Some of these resources include books, articles, websites, and documentaries.

  15. What are some ways to celebrate the legacy of the Maratha Empire?
    There are many ways to celebrate the legacy of the Maratha Empire. Some of these ways include visiting historical sites associated with the empire, learning about the history of the empire, and participating in cultural events that celebrate the empire’s heritage.

  1. The Maratha Empire was founded by:
    (A) Shivaji Maharaj
    (B) Aurangzeb
    (C) Akbar
    (D) Babur

  2. The Maratha Empire was a Hindu empire that ruled over much of India in the 17th and 18th centuries.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  3. The Maratha Empire was founded in 1674 by Shivaji Maharaj.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  4. The Maratha Empire reached its peak under the rule of Bajirao I.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  5. The Maratha Empire was finally defeated by the British in the 18th century.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  6. The Maratha Empire was a major power in India for over 100 years.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  7. The Maratha Empire was a major force in the decline of the Mughal Empire.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  8. The Maratha Empire was a major force in the unification of India.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  9. The Maratha Empire was a major force in the spread of Hinduism in India.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  10. The Maratha Empire was a major force in the development of Indian culture.
    (A) True
    (B) False