How did the Marathas Rise to Power?

By Balaji

Updated on: February 17th, 2023

The rise of the Marathas occurred due to the efforts of Shivaji to foster the Maratha kingdom, and the decline of the Mughal empire occurred, which provided power to the Marathas. On the battlefield, their light cavalry made them fearsome, and their decentralised structure allowed for efficient government.

Table of content

1. Rise of the Marathas Power
2. How did the Marathas Rise to Power?

Rise of the Marathas Power

In the 17th century, the Maratha Empire ruled over a sizable portion of the Indian subcontinent. The empire formerly existed from 1674 with the coronation of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It ended in 1818 with the defeat of Peshwa Bajirao II at the hands of the British East India Company.

The people collectively known as the Marathas comprised the Rathis, Rashtriks, and Rathiks.
The Maratha Empire ended the chaos that endured in the Deccan Plateau.
Usually, the Marathas were called those peasant warriors who spoke Marathi. It was located in the western Deccan Plateau region.
The Deccan Sultanate was divided into five Sultanates as follows-
- Ahmednagar
- Berar
- Bidar
- Bijapur
- Golkonda
They were excellent horsemen, and their natural environment made them industrious, courageous, and purposeful.
The idea of pilgrimage across the country was also encouraged by these saints, leading to the growth of a unified vision of the Maratha kingdom in the face of greater Muslim political dominance.
Many important Muslim states disappeared during the 17th century. But two very important Muslim states – Bijapur and Golkunda still existed. But they were also in a state of anarchy.
Administrative decline and internal strife were important factors in Shivaji’s regional rise.

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