- Maratha Empire emerged as a dominant power in India during the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Shivaji Maharaj (1627–1680) was the founder of the Maratha Empire.
- Shivaji established a well-organized and disciplined administration based on the principles of justice and welfare.
- The Coronation of Shivaji in 1674 at Raigad marked the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire.
- Shivaji created a powerful navy to protect the western coastline from foreign invasions.
- He introduced Ashta Pradhan Mandal, an eight-minister council for efficient administration.
- The Marathas were known for their innovative guerrilla warfare tactics, called Ganimi Kava.
- After Shivaji’s death, the empire was expanded under his successors, including Sambhaji and Rajaram.
- The Maratha Confederacy was formed under the leadership of the Peshwas.
- Balaji Vishwanath, the first prominent Peshwa, consolidated Maratha power and influence.
- Baji Rao I (1720–1740), one of the greatest Peshwas, expanded the empire beyond the Deccan region.
- Marathas controlled significant territories in Mughal-dominated North India, including Malwa, Gujarat, and Bundelkhand.
- Panipat Battle (1761) was a turning point; the Marathas faced a severe defeat against Ahmad Shah Abdali.
- Despite setbacks, they maintained influence in regions like Mysore and Hyderabad.
- Marathas established efficient tax systems like Chauth (25% of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (10% additional tax).
- The Maratha Navy under commanders like Kanhoji Angre secured coastal areas and challenged European powers.
- The rise of the Marathas marked the decline of the Mughal Empire.
- Marathas played a significant role in defending India from foreign invasions, including Nadir Shah and Abdali.
- They were instrumental in shaping modern Indian resistance against colonial powers.
- Shahu Maharaj’s reign marked the consolidation of the Maratha Empire.
- The rivalry between Nana Phadnavis and other leaders led to political instability.
- The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818) marked the end of the Maratha Empire.
- The empire officially dissolved after the British annexed territories under the Doctrine of Lapse.
- Marathas significantly influenced the social and political structures of medieval India.
- Their legacy includes contributions to art, architecture, and administration.
- Major forts like Sinhagad, Pratapgad, and Raigad stand as symbols of Maratha valor.
- Marathas formed alliances with various regional powers to counter foreign aggression.
- Key treaties, such as the Treaty of Purandar (1665) and Treaty of Salbai (1782), defined their relations with other powers.
- Their focus on regional autonomy and decentralized governance shaped future Indian politics.
- Maratha rulers emphasized religious tolerance and patronage of various faiths.
- Their leadership inspired subsequent movements for Indian independence.
Maratha Empire
Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire?
Which fort was the first capital of Shivaji Maharaj?
The treaty of Purandar (1665) was signed between Shivaji Maharaj and which Mughal official?
What was the title adopted by Shivaji Maharaj during his coronation in 1674?
Who was the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire?
The Maratha Navy was significantly developed under which ruler?
Who succeeded Shivaji Maharaj as the ruler of the Maratha Empire?
In which battle did the Marathas suffer a major defeat in 1761?
Who was the Mughal Emperor during Shivaji Maharaj's rise?
What was the name of the Ashta Pradhan (Council of Eight Ministers) in Shivaji’s administration?
Which Maratha general is associated with the expansion of the empire in northern India?
What was the primary revenue system introduced by the Marathas?
Who captured and executed Sambhaji Maharaj?
What was the main cause of the Third Battle of Panipat?
Which treaty ended the First Anglo-Maratha War?
Who was the leader of the Maratha Confederacy during the Third Battle of Panipat?
In which year was the Maratha Empire officially established?
Who is known as the “Second Shivaji” in Maratha history?
What was the capital of the Maratha Empire during Shahu Maharaj’s reign?
Which Maratha leader signed the Treaty of Bassein (1802) with the British?
Which system was used by the Marathas to collect revenue from other states?
Who was the first ruler of the Kolhapur branch of the Maratha Empire?
The Maratha Confederacy consisted of how many prominent families?
Who was the architect of the Maratha resurgence after the Third Battle of Panipat?
What is the term for the Maratha practice of demanding a share of revenue from neighboring states?
In which year did Shivaji Maharaj escape from Agra?
Who was the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire?
What was the official language of the Maratha Empire?
Which European power was defeated by the Marathas in 1739 at Bassein?
The Battle of Pratapgad (1659) was fought between Shivaji and which adversary?