The correct answer is: C) 18th century.
The Marathas were a Hindu warrior group from the Deccan Plateau in India. They were founded in the 17th century by Shivaji Maharaj, who led a rebellion against the Mughal Empire. The Marathas eventually became a powerful force in India, and they ruled over large parts of the country in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Marathas established a strong presence in parts of Karnataka in the 18th century. They conquered the region from the Mughals, and they ruled it for over a century. The Marathas were a major power in Karnataka during this time, and they left a lasting legacy on the region.
The other options are incorrect. The Marathas did not establish a strong presence in parts of Karnataka in the 16th century, 19th century, or any other century other than the 18th century.