✨ The Maratha Empire – “From Swarajya to Empire 🇮🇳🔥”

👉 Introduction: In the 17th century, when India was under the shadow of Mughal rule, a brave warrior emerged on the soil of Maharashtra – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ⚔️. He not only organized Maratha power but laid the foundation of Hindavi Swarajya — a government by the people, for the people. This is the story of his courage, administration, and the struggles of his successors 📜✨.

1️⃣ Rise of Shivaji Maharaj 🇮🇳🗡

Birth: 1630, Shivneri Fort
Father: Shahaji Bhosale
Mother: Jijabai
Guru: Samarth Ramdas

🔹 Background / Causes

Opportunity arose from Mughal and Bijapur Sultanate conflicts.
Growth of local governance and religious protection sentiment among people.

🔹 Key Events

1660: Aurangzeb sent Shaista Khan to the south.
1665: Jai Singh of Amber attacked Shivaji.
1674: Coronation at Raigad, title Chhatrapati and Protector of Hindu Dharma.

🔹 Administration

Established Ashta Pradhan (Council of Eight Ministers).
Two main taxes:
Chauth: 25% tax on neighboring territories
Sardeshmukhi: 10% additional tax on Maharashtra lands

🔹 Results / Impact

Foundation of an organized Maratha state laid.
Maratha dominance established in South India.

📍 Important Dates / Places:

1630 – Birth (Shivneri Fort)
1674 – Coronation (Raigad)

⭐️ Why Important? Shivaji’s rule was the first successful experiment in Indian Swarajya — balancing loyalty, policy, and administration.

2️⃣ Successors of Shivaji ⚔️

🔹 Sambhaji (1680–1689)

Gave refuge to Aurangzeb’s rebel son Akbar II.
Defeated his brother Rajarambut.
Captured by Mughals in 1689 and executed.

🔹 Rajaram (1689–1700)

Took throne at Raigad with ministerial support.
Created new post called Pratinidhi.
Died in 1700 at Satara.

🔹 Tarabai (1700–1707)

Rajaram’s wife, ruled in the name of son Shivaji II.
Led Marathas against the Mughals.

🔹 Shahuji (1707–1749)

Released by Bahadur Shah.
Defeated Tarabai in Khed Battle.
Era of the Peshwas began under Shahuji.

⭐️ Why Important? They preserved Shivaji’s Swarajya and transformed the Maratha state into a confederacy.

3️⃣ Peshwas and Maratha Confederacy ⚖️

🔹 Balaji Vishwanath (1713–1720)

First Peshwa (Prime Minister).
Awarded title Sena-Karta.
Made Peshwa post hereditary.
Helped place Sayyad brothers on throne (1719).

🔹 Baji Rao I (1720–1740)

Son of Balaji Vishwanath.
1737: Raided Delhi.
Defeated Nizam-ul-Mulk, signed Double Sarai Treaty.

🔹 Balaji Baji Rao (1740–1761)

Also known as Nana Saheb.
Marathas defeated in Third Battle of Panipat (1761) by Afghans.

🔹 Major Maratha Houses

Peshwa – Pune
Gaekwad – Baroda
Bhonsale – Nagpur
Holkar – Indore
Scindia – Gwalior

⭐️ Why Important? During Peshwa era, Marathas controlled large parts of India, challenging British power.

4️⃣ Anglo-Maratha Wars ⚔️🇬🇧

🏹 First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782)

Triggered by Maratha internal conflicts.
Nana Phadnavis defeated the British.
Signed Treaty of Wadgaon, then Treaty of Salbai (1782).

🛡️ Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805)

Baji Rao II lost.
Treaty of Bassein (1802) – British Subsidiary Alliance.
Deogaon Treaty (Bhonsale), Rajghat Treaty (Holkar).

⚔️ Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818)

Also called Pindari War.
Baji Rao II captured and sent to Bithur.

⭐️ Why Important? Marked the end of Maratha Empire and consolidation of British power in India.

🏁 Conclusion

The Maratha history is full of bravery, administrative skill, and dreams of Swarajya. From Shivaji to the Peshwas, they kept the spirit of Indian independence alive. 📜 Evolution Line: Shivaji’s Swarajya → Peshwas’ Expansion → Anglo-Maratha Wars → Rise of British Power → Background for 1857 Revolt

4. The Maratha Empire