The Maratha Empire was a Hindu-dominated empire in India that existed from the 17th to the 18th century. It was founded by Shivaji in 1674 and expanded by his successors, including his son Sambhaji and grandson Shahu. The empire controlled much of present-day India, including the regions of Maharashtra, northern Karnataka, and parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. The Marathas were known for their strong army and skilled warrior-king Shivaji. They challenged the Mughal Empire for control of India, and at the height of their power, controlled a territory that extended from the modern-day border of Pakistan to the southern tip of India. The empire began to decline in the 18th century, and eventually the British East India Company took control of much of the Maratha Empire’s territory.

Origin & Timelines

The Maratha Empire was founded by Shivaji in the 17th century. Shivaji was born in 1630 in the hill-fortress of Shivneri, near the city of Junnar in present-day Maharashtra. He was the son of Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who served as a vassal of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur and the Mughals. Shivaji was brought up in a militarized household and received a good education in military tactics, administration and politics.

Shivaji began his military career by raiding the nearby towns and villages and building a small kingdom around Pune. He also built a powerful navy and established a system of forts to protect his kingdom. In 1659, he declared himself the “Chhatrapati” (King) of the Maratha Kingdom.

Shivaji’s kingdom faced threats from the neighboring kingdoms as well as the powerful Mughal Empire. Shivaji was able to defeat these threats and expand his kingdom through a combination of military tactics, diplomacy, and alliances with other kingdoms. He also implemented progressive policies such as religious tolerance, the building of new forts and irrigation systems, and the establishment of a strong centralized administration.

Shivaji’s legacy was continued by his successors, including his son Sambhaji and grandson Shahu. They continued to expand the kingdom and by the early 18th century, the Maratha Empire controlled much of present-day India, including the regions of Maharashtra, northern Karnataka, and parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. The Marathas also established a strong navy, which controlled the western coast of India and had a strong influence on the politics of the region.

In summary, The Maratha Empire started as a small kingdom built by Shivaji in the 17th century, through a combination of military tactics, diplomacy, and alliances with other kingdoms he expanded his kingdom and declared himself as King. His successors continued to expand the empire, and by the early 18th century, the Maratha Empire controlled much of present-day India.

Timelines :

The Maratha Empire had a long and complex history, with several important events and figures that shaped its development. Here is a general timeline of the key events in the history of the Maratha Empire:

1630-1680: Shivaji Bhonsle is born and starts his military career, he establishes a small kingdom around Pune, building a navy and a system of forts. He declares himself the “Chhatrapati” (King) of the Maratha Kingdom in 1659.

1680-1707: Shivaji’s son Sambhaji becomes the king after his father’s death, he continues the expansion of the kingdom and faces threats from neighboring kingdoms and the Mughals.

1707-1749: Rajaram, the brother of Sambhaji, becomes the king and continues to expand the kingdom, he faces several invasions by the Mughals, but manages to hold on to the kingdom.

1749-1777: Shivaji II, the grandson of Shivaji, becomes the king, he faces invasions from the Nizam of Hyderabad and the British East India Company.

1777-1818: The Maratha Empire reaches its greatest extent under the leadership of the Peshwas, a group of hereditary ministers who effectively controlled the kingdom. The empire controls much of present-day India, including the regions of Maharashtra, northern Karnataka, and parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.

1818-1818: The Maratha Empire begins to decline, the British East India Company takes control of much of the Maratha Empire’s territory and the last Peshwa, Baji Rao II, is exiled.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680) was the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. He is considered one of the greatest leaders in Indian history and is revered as a folk hero in Maharashtra.

Shivaji was born in the hill-fort of Shivneri, near the city of Junnar in what is now the state of Maharashtra. He was the son of Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha nobleman who served as a general in the service of the Sultan of Bijapur. Shivaji was trained in military tactics and administration from a young age, and he began his career as a commander of a small band of soldiers.

In 1657, Shivaji launched his first major military campaign against the Sultanate of Bijapur, capturing several forts and towns in the region. He then turned his attention to the Adilshahi Sultanate of Bijapur and the Mughal Empire, expanding his territory and building a powerful navy.

Shivaji was known for his military tactics and his ability to adapt to the terrain and climate of western India. He also implemented a number of administrative and social reforms, such as the establishment of a new legal code and the creation of a land-survey system. He also promoted the use of Marathi language and literature.

Shivaji was also known for his religious tolerance, and he had a good relationship with the Muslim community in his empire. He also had a great interest in promoting the arts and culture, and he patronized many poets and artists.

In 1674, Shivaji crowned himself as the “Chhatrapati” (Emperor) of the Maratha Empire, and he established a capital at Raigad. He ruled the empire until his death in 1680, and he was succeeded by his son Sambhaji.

Shivaji’s legacy lives on in India, where he is celebrated as a national hero and a symbol of Maratha pride. His forts, monuments, and temples continue to be important tourist destinations in Maharashtra. He is also remembered for his military tactics and his ability to unite and lead the people, as well as for his administrative and social reforms, which laid the foundation for the growth and development of the Maratha Empire.

Administration of the Maratha Empire

The Maratha Empire had a complex hierarchical structure, with several important roles and positions that were filled by individuals from different backgrounds. Here is a general overview of the main positions and their responsibilities in the hierarchy of the Maratha Empire:

1. Chhatrapati: The Chhatrapati was the king and the highest authority in the Maratha Empire. He was responsible for leading the kingdom and making important decisions related to military, political and administrative matters.
2. Mantri: The Mantri was the chief secretary and was responsible for maintaining the records of the kingdom and assisting the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa in their duties.
3. Peshwa: The Peshwa was the chief minister and the second-highest authority in the Maratha Empire. He was responsible for the day-to-day administration of the kingdom and acted as the chief advisor to the Chhatrapati. The office of the Peshwa was hereditary and passed down through generations.
4. Sardars: The Sardars were the leaders of the Maratha army and were responsible for leading the troops in battle. They were appointed by the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa and were often rewarded with land and titles for their service.
5. Deshmukh: The Deshmukh were the local administrators and were responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining law and order in their respective regions. They were appointed by the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa.
6. Sardar Senapati: The Sardar Senapati was the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army. He was responsible for organizing and leading the troops in battle, under the authority of the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa.
7. Pant Sachiv: The Pant Sachiv was the chief accountant and was responsible for maintaining the financial records of the kingdom. He was appointed by the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa.
8. Deshpande: The Deshpande was the head of the village administration and was responsible for maintaining law and order in the village, collecting taxes and managing the village’s resources.

Various levels of administration

1. Centralized Administration: The Maratha Empire had a centralized administration system, with the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa at the top, and a hierarchy of officials and officers responsible for different aspects of the administration. The Chhatrapati and the Peshwa were the highest authorities in the empire, and the other officials and officers were appointed by them.
2. Revenue Administration: The Maratha Empire had a well-organized revenue administration system, with officials responsible for collecting taxes from the various regions of the empire. The main sources of revenue were land taxes, customs duties, and tolls on trade.
3. Military Administration: The Maratha Empire had a strong military, which was organized into several divisions, with different officials and officers responsible for different aspects of the military administration. The Sardars were the leaders of the Maratha army and were responsible for leading the troops in battle. The Sardar Senapati was the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army.
4. Judicial Administration: The Maratha Empire had a system of courts and officials responsible for the administration of justice. The Chhatrapati and the Peshwa were the highest authorities in the judicial system, and the other officials and officers were appointed by them.
5. Local Administration: The Maratha Empire had a system of local administration, with the Deshmukh as the local administrators, responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining law and order in their respective regions. They were appointed by the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa. The Deshpande was the head of the village administration and was responsible for maintaining law and order in the village, collecting taxes and managing the village’s resources.
6. Communication system: The Maratha Empire had a well-developed communication system, which was essential for the efficient functioning of the administration. The empire had a system of couriers, messengers, and a network of roads, which were used to transmit orders and messages from the capital to the various regions of the empire.

Judicial Administration

The Maratha Empire had a complex judicial administration system that was responsible for maintaining law and order and dispensing justice in the empire. Here is a general overview of the main aspects of the judicial administration of the Maratha Empire:

1. Centralized System: The judicial administration of the Maratha Empire was centralized, with the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa at the top, and a hierarchy of officials and officers responsible for different aspects of the administration. The Chhatrapati and the Peshwa were the highest authorities in the judicial system, and the other officials and officers were appointed by them.
2. District and Village Courts: The Maratha Empire had a system of district and village courts, which were responsible for dispensing justice in their respective regions. The district courts were headed by a judge and dealt with criminal and civil cases, while the village courts were headed by a Deshpande, and dealt with minor disputes and crimes.
3. Use of Traditional Laws: The Maratha Empire’s judicial system was based on traditional laws, such as the shastras, which were considered to be the authoritative source of law. The shastras were a collection of texts that dealt with various aspects of law, such as property rights, contracts, and criminal law.
4. Appointment of Judges: The judges were appointed by the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa, and were usually drawn from the local population. They were expected to be knowledgeable in the traditional laws and were held accountable for the decisions they made.
5. Punishments: Punishments for crimes varied according to the nature of the crime and the social status of the offender. Punishments for minor crimes included fines, imprisonment, and corporal punishment, while more serious crimes such as murder, treason, or rebellion were punishable by death.
6. Appeal System: The Maratha Empire had a system of appeal, where the decisions of the lower courts could be appealed to higher courts. The highest court of appeal was the court of the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa, where the final decision was made.

Military Administration

The Maratha Empire had a strong military that played a crucial role in its expansion and defense. Here is a general overview of the main aspects of the military administration of the Maratha Empire:

1. Centralized Command: The military administration of the Maratha Empire was centralized, with the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa at the top, and a hierarchy of officials and officers responsible for different aspects of the military. The Chhatrapati and the Peshwa were the highest authorities in the military, and the other officials and officers were appointed by them.
2. Army Structure: The Maratha army was divided into several divisions, such as the cavalry, infantry, and artillery. The cavalry was the most elite and powerful division, and was composed of horsemen who were trained in the use of firearms. The infantry was composed of foot soldiers who were trained in hand-to-hand combat. The artillery was composed of skilled gunners who were responsible for operating the cannons.
3. Recruitment: The Maratha army was primarily composed of soldiers from the Maratha community, who were recruited through a system of levies and volunteers. The soldiers were known as “Sowars” and were trained in the use of weapons and tactics. The army also had a system of conscription, where able-bodied men were required to serve in the army for a certain period of time.
4. Training: The soldiers of the Maratha army were trained in the use of various weapons, such as swords, spears, and muskets. They were also trained in the use of tactics, such as guerrilla warfare, which was a specialty of the Maratha army.
5. Organization and Logistics: The Maratha army was organized into several divisions, with different officials and officers responsible for different aspects of the military administration. The Sardar Senapati was the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army, and was responsible for organizing and leading the troops in battle. The army also had a well-organized logistics system, which was responsible for providing supplies and support to the troops.
6. Strategic alliances: The Maratha Empire formed strategic alliances with other kingdoms and leaders, which helped them in their military campaigns. They formed alliances with other Hindu kings, and also with the European powers such as the Dutch, French, and the British

Economy of Maratha Empire

The Maratha Empire had a complex economy that was characterized by a mix of agriculture, trade, and industry. Here is a general overview of the main aspects of the economy of the Maratha Empire:

1. Agriculture: Agriculture was the mainstay of the Maratha economy. The empire had a well-developed system of irrigation, which made it possible to cultivate a wide range of crops, such as rice, wheat, and sugarcane. The empire also had a system of land revenue, where the land was divided into two categories: “inam” lands, which were granted to the soldiers and officials, and “ryotwari” lands, which were cultivated by the common people.
2. Trade: The Maratha Empire had a well-developed trade system, which was primarily centered around the major cities and ports. The empire had a strong navy, which controlled the western coast of India and had a strong influence on the politics of the region. The empire traded in a wide range of goods, such as textiles, spices, and precious stones, and also had trade relations with other countries, such as the Dutch, French, and British.
3. Industry: The Maratha Empire had a well-developed industry, which was primarily centered around the major cities and towns. The empire had a wide range of industries, such as textile production, shipbuilding, and metalworking. The empire also had a system of cottage industries, where people produced goods in their homes and sold them in the local markets.
4. Currency: The Maratha Empire had its own currency, which was primarily composed of gold and silver coins. The empire also had a system of paper money, which was issued by the government and was backed by gold and silver.
5. Taxation: The Maratha Empire had a system of taxation, which was primarily based on land revenue. The empire also collected taxes on trade and industry, and had a system of tolls on goods passing through the empire. The taxes were collected by the officials appointed by the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa, and were used to support the military, the administration and the public works.

Taxation on Agriculture

During the Maratha Empire, which existed in India in the 17th and 18th centuries, agriculture was the main source of revenue for the state, and as such, it was heavily taxed. The Maratha rulers implemented a system of land revenue known as the “chauth and sardeshmukhi” system.

Under the chauth system, the Maratha state collected one-fourth of the agricultural produce as revenue. This tax was collected by the state’s representatives, known as the “chauthdars,” who were appointed by the Maratha leaders.

The sardeshmukhi system was an additional 10% tax on the revenue collected by the chauthdars, which was collected by the central government. The sardeshmukhi tax was intended to fund the expenses of the central government, such as the maintenance of the army and administration.

The Maratha Empire also had a system of land assessment known as the “bharavahi” system. Under this system, the land was assessed based on its productivity and classified into different categories, such as wet, dry, and waste land. The tax on each category of land was different, with the tax on wet land being higher than the tax on dry land.

In addition to these taxes, the Maratha Empire also imposed taxes on other agricultural activities, such as the sale of agricultural produce and the use of irrigation facilities. The Maratha leaders also had the power to waive or reduce taxes in times of hardship, such as drought or famine.

Art & Agriculture

During the Maratha Empire, which existed in India in the 17th and 18th centuries, art and architecture were closely linked to agriculture and the natural landscape. The Maratha art and architecture were heavily influenced by the culture and traditions of the region, as well as by the religious and political beliefs of the Maratha leaders.

In terms of art, the Maratha Empire produced a wide range of styles and forms, including painting, sculpture, and textiles. Maratha paintings were known for their vibrant colors and intricate details, and often depicted religious and mythological themes. Many of these paintings were created on a commission basis by the Maratha leaders and the wealthy merchant class, and were often displayed in temples, palaces, and other public buildings.

Sculpture was also an important art form during the Maratha Empire, and many sculptures were created to decorate temples and other religious buildings. These sculptures often depicted Hindu deities and were made from a variety of materials, including stone, bronze, and wood.

Textiles were also an important aspect of Maratha art, and many textiles were produced in the empire’s weaving centers. These textiles were often used to create clothing and other decorative items, and were known for their intricate designs and high quality.

In terms of architecture, the Maratha Empire produced a wide range of styles and forms, including forts, palaces, and temples. Many of these structures were built using local materials and techniques, and were heavily influenced by the natural landscape. For example, many forts were built on hilltops or other strategic locations, and were designed to make use of the surrounding terrain for defensive purposes.

Palaces were also an important aspect of Maratha architecture, and many palaces were built by the Maratha leaders as symbols of their power and wealth. These palaces were often grand and elaborate, and featured a variety of architectural styles, including traditional Indian, Mughal, and European.

Temples also played an important role in Maratha architecture, and many temples were built by the Maratha leaders as a way to demonstrate their devotion to Hinduism. These temples were often grand and elaborate, and featured a variety of architectural styles, including traditional Indian, Mughal, and European.It also showcases the close relationship between the art and architecture with agriculture and the natural landscape.

Literary Works

The Maratha Empire, which existed in India in the 17th and 18th centuries, produced a rich body of literature in the Marathi language. One of the most notable literary works from this period is the Bhavartha Dipika, also known as the “Commentary on the True Meaning,” a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita written by the Maratha king Shivaji. Other notable works include the Sivabharata, a retelling of the Hindu epic the Mahabharata from Shivaji’s perspective, and the Raja Shivachhatrapati, a biography of Shivaji written by his court poet, Kavi Kalash.

The Maratha Empire also produced a number of notable poets and playwrights, such as Ramdas, Moropant, and Raghunath Pandit. Ramdas, who was also a spiritual advisor to Shivaji, wrote the Dasbodh, a spiritual treatise that remains popular to this day. Moropant was a poet and courtier who wrote several plays and poems, including the play Rajsambhav, which tells the story of Shivaji’s childhood. Raghunath Pandit was a poet and courtier who wrote several plays, including the play Sivaraja, which tells the story of Shivaji’s rise to power.

In addition to Marathi literature, the Maratha Empire also produced literature in other languages, such as Persian and Hindi. The court of the Maratha king Sambhaji, for example, had several poets who wrote in Persian, and the Maratha king Rajaram patronized several Hindi poets.

Fall of the Maratha Empire

The fall of the Maratha Empire, which existed in India in the 17th and 18th centuries, was a gradual process that occurred over several decades. The empire began to decline in the late 18th century as a result of a combination of internal and external factors.

One major factor in the decline of the Maratha Empire was the lack of strong central leadership. After the death of the last powerful Maratha leader, the empire was ruled by a series of weak and ineffective leaders who were unable to maintain control over the various regions of the empire. This led to the emergence of regional leaders who began to assert their independence from the central government.

Another important factor was the rise of the British East India Company, which had been expanding its influence in India since the late 17th century. The Marathas were initially able to resist the British, but over time the British gained the upper hand and were able to defeat the Marathas in a series of wars. The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818) was the final and decisive conflict, after which the British East India Company established its rule over most of India and the Maratha Empire came to an end.

Another factor that contributed to the fall of the Maratha Empire was the lack of economic resources. The Marathas had relied heavily on revenue from agriculture, but as the population of India grew, the land became overworked and less productive. This, combined with the increasing costs of maintaining a large military and administrative apparatus, led to a decline in the empire’s finances. Internal conflicts, lack of unity among the Maratha leaders, and the rise of other regional powers also contributed to the fall of the Maratha Empire.

Overall, the fall of the Maratha Empire was a complex process that was the result of a combination of internal and external factors, including a lack of strong central leadership, the rise of the British East India Company, and economic and political challenges.