The first Maratha ruler to get legal recognition from the Mughals was Shahu.

Background:
- The Marathas were a warrior community that emerged in the 17th century in the Deccan region of India, primarily under the leadership of Shivaji.
- Shivaji established the Maratha Empire and laid the foundation for an independent Maratha state.
- However, during the reign of Shivaji, the Mughal Empire was at its peak and had a strong hold over large parts of India, including the Deccan.

Shahu's Reign and Legal Recognition:
- Shahu, also known as Shahuji or Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, was the grandson of Shivaji.
- After the death of Shivaji, the Maratha Empire faced internal conflicts and external threats from the Mughals.
- During this time, Shahu was captured by the Mughals and was kept as a prisoner for several years.
- However, Shahu managed to escape from captivity and started rebuilding the Maratha Empire.

Legal Recognition from the Mughals:
- In 1714, Shahu signed the Treaty of Warna with the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar.
- This treaty granted Shahu the legal recognition as the ruler of the Maratha Empire and allowed him to collect Chauth (a form of tax) from the Deccan region.
- The treaty also recognized Shahu's control over several territories and fortresses in the Deccan, ensuring the Marathas' political and military autonomy.

Significance:
- The legal recognition of Shahu by the Mughals marked a significant milestone for the Marathas.
- It gave legitimacy to the Maratha Empire and established Shahu as a sovereign ruler.
- This recognition also allowed the Marathas to assert their independence from Mughal control and pursue their own political and military objectives.
- It laid the foundation for the Marathas to expand their influence and become a major regional power in India.

In conclusion, Shahu was the first Maratha ruler to receive legal recognition from the Mughals through the Treaty of Warna. This recognition marked a turning point in Maratha history and paved the way for their rise as a powerful empire in the Deccan.