The Rise of the Marathas

Overview

The Marathas rose to power in western India during the 17th century under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji. From the hilly Deccan they built a strong kingdom and later an empire that challenged Mughal authority across much of India.

Key points

• Shivaji (born 1630) founded the Maratha kingdom and was crowned Chhatrapati in 1674.
• He used guerrilla warfare (ganimi kava) suited to the hilly Deccan terrain.
• Shivaji built a strong navy and many hill forts to defend his territory.
• His administration relied on a council of ministers called the Ashtapradhan (eight ministers).
• After Shivaji, the Peshwas (prime ministers) expanded Maratha power across India.
• The Maratha advance was checked at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.

Important terms / dates

• 1674: Shivaji crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad.
• 1761: Third Battle of Panipat.
• Ashtapradhan: Shivaji's council of eight ministers.
• Peshwa: the prime minister, who later led the Maratha confederacy.

Important questions

1. Who was Chhatrapati Shivaji and why is he important?
2. What was guerrilla warfare and how did Shivaji use it?
3. Describe the Ashtapradhan system of administration.
4. What role did the Peshwas play in expanding Maratha power?

Quick revision

Founded by Shivaji and crowned in 1674, the Maratha state used forts, a navy and guerrilla tactics to grow. Under the Peshwas it became a major power until checked at Panipat in 1761.