Maratha Power in Indian History

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Questions and Answers

Who was the key figure in the rise of Maratha power?

  • Shivaji Bhonsle (correct)
  • Sambhaji
  • Bajirao I
  • Balaji Vishwanath

What was the central element of the Maratha administrative system?

  • Local self-governance by local chieftains (correct)
  • Direct administration from Delhi
  • An absolute monarchy under Shivaji
  • Centralized control by Mughal officials

What type of military strategy was notably utilized by the Marathas?

  • Conventional infantry formations
  • Naval blockades
  • Siege warfare techniques
  • Guerrilla warfare (correct)

Which Maratha leader significantly expanded the influence of the empire into northern territories?

<p>Bajirao I (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the relationship between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire?

<p>Continuous conflict and resistance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Peshwas in the Maratha Confederacy?

<p>De facto leaders managing the empire (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What area is regarded as the homeland of the Maratha power?

<p>Deccan plateau (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature characterized the Maratha military forces?

<p>Use of mobile cavalry and guerrilla tactics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main consequence of the Third Battle of Panipat for the Marathas?

<p>They faced a massive defeat that temporarily halted their expansion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factors contributed to the decline of Maratha power in the late 18th century?

<p>Internal strife and rise of regional powers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant outcomes of the Anglo-Maratha Wars?

<p>The establishment of British paramountcy in India. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Treaty of Bassein signify for the Maratha Confederacy?

<p>Weakened ties leading to its disintegration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Marathas influence the socio-political landscape of 18th-century India?

<p>Through their military strategies and administrative systems. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Marathas play in the decline of the Mughal Empire?

<p>They effectively divided and weakened Mughal forces. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Origins and Rise

  • Emerged in the late 17th century, centered in the Deccan plateau.
  • Shivaji Bhonsle (1630-1680) founded the Maratha Empire.
  • Key strategies included military tactics, administrative reforms, and local self-governance.
  • Captured key forts and established a revenue collection system.

Expansion under Successors

  • Shivaji's successors: Sambhaji and grandson Shahu, continued expansion after his death.
  • The Peshwas transitioned from prime ministers to de facto rulers of the Maratha Confederacy.
  • Notable Peshwas like Balaji Vishwanath and Bajirao I extended influence into central India and approached Delhi.

Administration and Military Prowess

  • Empire categorized into swaraj (controlled territories) and a larger confederacy.
  • Decentralized administration with local chieftains (sardars) holding substantial power.
  • Military tactics emphasized guerrilla warfare, rapid cavalry movements, and agile armies.

Conflicts and Diplomacy

  • Continuous conflicts with the Mughal Empire, Nizam of Hyderabad, and British East India Company.
  • The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) marked a significant defeat against Ahmad Shah Abdali, temporarily stalling Maratha expansion.

Decline

  • Decline began in the late 18th century due to internal conflicts, regional power growth, and British influence.
  • Series of Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775-1818) led to Maratha defeats and British supremacy.
  • The Treaty of Bassein (1802) contributed to the weakening of the Maratha Confederacy.

Legacy

  • Marathas played a crucial role in the decline of the Mughal Empire.
  • Their administrative and military systems influenced future Indian rulers.
  • Established foundations for regional resistance against British colonialism.
  • Legacy marked by contributions to governance, military strategy, and socio-political transformation in 18th-century India.

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