Maratha State & Maratha Confederacy (17th – 18th Century)

Origin and Rise of the Maratha State

• Founder: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1627–1680), who established an independent Maratha kingdom.
• Coronation: Shivaji was crowned in 1674 at Raigad Fort.
• Administration: Developed a strong administrative system with ministers called Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers).
• Military: Known for guerrilla warfare tactics, navy development, and forts construction.
• Relations with Mughals: Shivaji challenged Mughal rule and laid the foundation for Maratha dominance.

Expansion and Confederacy

• After Shivaji’s death, Maratha power expanded under leaders like Sambhaji, Rajaram, and later Peshwas.
• Maratha Confederacy: A decentralized political entity where several Maratha chiefs (Peshwas, Scindias, Holkars, Gaekwads, Bhonsles) controlled different regions.
• The Peshwa, based in Pune, became the de facto leader of the confederacy.
• Marathas controlled large parts of central and northern India by early 18th century.

Administration and Revenue

• Efficient revenue collection systems, including Chauth (25% tax) and Sardeshmukhi (additional 10%).
• Decentralized administration under local chiefs.
• Promotion of trade and agriculture in their territories.

Military and Warfare

• Guerrilla warfare was a hallmark of early Maratha military strategy.
• Strong forts like Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sinhagad were crucial.
• Large cavalry forces and mobile armies allowed rapid strikes.
• Marathas often clashed with Mughals, Nizam, and later the British.

Decline and Legacy

• The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) against Ahmad Shah Abdali was a major setback.
• Gradual loss of power to the British East India Company in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
• Legacy of Maratha nationalism and military prowess remains influential.

Previous Year Questions

• SSC CGL 2019: Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire?
• → Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
• RRB NTPC 2020: What was the role of the Peshwa in the Maratha Confederacy?
• → The Peshwa was the prime minister and de facto leader of the confederacy.
• HSSC 2018: Define the terms 'Chauth' and 'Sardeshmukhi'.
• → Chauth was a 25% tax, and Sardeshmukhi was an additional 10% tax collected by Marathas.
• SSC CHSL 2017: Name two important forts associated with Shivaji.
• → Raigad and Pratapgad
• UPSC 2016: Which battle marked a major defeat for the Marathas?
• → The Third Battle of Panipat (1761)

Conclusion

The Maratha State and Confederacy played a crucial role in Indian history by challenging Mughal dominance, pioneering effective governance and military tactics, and laying the groundwork for later resistance against colonial powers.