TN History Textbook: The Marathas | Old & New NCERTs for IAS Preparation (Must Read) - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


249
The Rise of the Marathas
Various factors contributed to the rise of Marathas in the
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The physical environment of
the Maratha country shaped certain peculiar qualities among the
Marathas. The mountainous region and dense forests made them
brave soldiers and adopt guerilla tactics. They built a number of
forts on the mountains. The spread of the Bhakti movement in
Maharashtra inculcated a spirit of religious unity among them. The
spiritual leaders like Tukkaram, Ramdas, Vaman Pandit and Eknath
fostered social unity. The political unity was conferred by Shivaji.
The Marathas held important positions in the administrative and
military systems of Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur and Ahmadnagar.
There were a number of influential Maratha families such as the
Mores and Nimbalkers. But the credit of establishing a powerful
Maratha state goes to Shahji Bhonsle and his son Shivaji.
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The rise of the Marathas.
2. Life and achievements of Shivaji.
3. Shivaji’s administration.
4. Rise of the Peshwas.
LESSON 22
THE MARATHAS
Page 2


249
The Rise of the Marathas
Various factors contributed to the rise of Marathas in the
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The physical environment of
the Maratha country shaped certain peculiar qualities among the
Marathas. The mountainous region and dense forests made them
brave soldiers and adopt guerilla tactics. They built a number of
forts on the mountains. The spread of the Bhakti movement in
Maharashtra inculcated a spirit of religious unity among them. The
spiritual leaders like Tukkaram, Ramdas, Vaman Pandit and Eknath
fostered social unity. The political unity was conferred by Shivaji.
The Marathas held important positions in the administrative and
military systems of Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur and Ahmadnagar.
There were a number of influential Maratha families such as the
Mores and Nimbalkers. But the credit of establishing a powerful
Maratha state goes to Shahji Bhonsle and his son Shivaji.
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The rise of the Marathas.
2. Life and achievements of Shivaji.
3. Shivaji’s administration.
4. Rise of the Peshwas.
LESSON 22
THE MARATHAS
251 250
of Purander was signed in 1665. According to the treaty, Shivaji
had to surrender 23 forts to the Mughals out of 35 forts held by
him. The remaining 12 forts were to be left to Shivaji on condition
of service and loyalty to Mughal empire. On the other hand, the
Mughals recognized the right of Shivaji to hold certain parts of the
Bijapur kingdom. As Shivaji asked to exempt him from personal
service to the Mughals, his minor son Shambaji was granted a
mansab of 5000.
Shivaji visited Agra in 1666 but he was imprisoned there.
But, he managed to escape from prison and made military
preparations for another four years. Then he renewed his wars
against the Mughals. Surat was plundered by him for the second
time in 1670. He also captured all his lost territories by his conquests.
In 1674 Shivaji crowned himself at Raigarh and assumed the title
Chatrapathi. Then he led an expedition into the Carnatic region and
captured Ginjee and Vellore. After his return from this expedition,
Shivaji died in 1680.
Shivaji’s Administration
Shivaji was also a great administrator. He laid the foundations
of a sound system of administration. The king was the pivot of the
government. He was assisted by a council of ministers called
Ashtapradhan. However, each minister was directly responsible to
Shivaji.
1. Peshwa – Finance and general administration. Later he became
the prime minister.
2. Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati – Military commander, a honorary
post.
3. Amatya – Accountant General.
Shivaji (1627-1680): His Life and Conquests
Shivaji was born at Shivner in 1627. His father was Shahji
Bhonsle and mother Jija Bai. He inherited the jagir of Poona from
his father in 1637. After the death of his
guardian, Dadaji Kondadev in 1647, Shivaji
assumed full charge of his jagir. Even before
that he conquered Raigarh, Kondana and
Torna from the ruler of Bijapur.
He captured Javli from a Maratha
chief, Chanda Rao More. This made him the
master of Mavala region. In 1657, he
attacked the Bijapur kingdom and captured
a number of hill forts in the Konkan region. The Sultan of Bijapur
sent Afzal Khan against Shivaji. But Afzal Khan was murdered by
Shivaji in 1659 in a daring manner.
Shivaji’s military conquests made him a legendary figure in
the Maratha region. Many came forward to join his army. The
Mughal emperor Aurangazeb was anxiously watching the rise of
Maratha power under Shivaji. He sent the Mughal governor of the
Deccan, Shaista Khan against Shivaji. Shivaji suffered a defeat at
the hands of the Mughal forces and lost Poona. But Shivaji once
again made a bold attack on Shaista Khan’s military camp at Poona
in 1663, killed his son and wounded Khan. This daring attack
affected the prestige of Khan and he was recalled by Aurangazeb.
In 1664, Shivaji attacked Surat, the chief port of the Mughals and
plundered it.
This time Aurangazeb sent Raja Jai Singh of Amber to fight
against Shivaji. He made elaborate preparations and succeeded in
besieging the Purander fort where Shivaji lodged his family and
treasure. Shivaji opened negotiations with Jai Singh and the Treaty
SHIVAJI 
Page 3


249
The Rise of the Marathas
Various factors contributed to the rise of Marathas in the
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The physical environment of
the Maratha country shaped certain peculiar qualities among the
Marathas. The mountainous region and dense forests made them
brave soldiers and adopt guerilla tactics. They built a number of
forts on the mountains. The spread of the Bhakti movement in
Maharashtra inculcated a spirit of religious unity among them. The
spiritual leaders like Tukkaram, Ramdas, Vaman Pandit and Eknath
fostered social unity. The political unity was conferred by Shivaji.
The Marathas held important positions in the administrative and
military systems of Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur and Ahmadnagar.
There were a number of influential Maratha families such as the
Mores and Nimbalkers. But the credit of establishing a powerful
Maratha state goes to Shahji Bhonsle and his son Shivaji.
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The rise of the Marathas.
2. Life and achievements of Shivaji.
3. Shivaji’s administration.
4. Rise of the Peshwas.
LESSON 22
THE MARATHAS
251 250
of Purander was signed in 1665. According to the treaty, Shivaji
had to surrender 23 forts to the Mughals out of 35 forts held by
him. The remaining 12 forts were to be left to Shivaji on condition
of service and loyalty to Mughal empire. On the other hand, the
Mughals recognized the right of Shivaji to hold certain parts of the
Bijapur kingdom. As Shivaji asked to exempt him from personal
service to the Mughals, his minor son Shambaji was granted a
mansab of 5000.
Shivaji visited Agra in 1666 but he was imprisoned there.
But, he managed to escape from prison and made military
preparations for another four years. Then he renewed his wars
against the Mughals. Surat was plundered by him for the second
time in 1670. He also captured all his lost territories by his conquests.
In 1674 Shivaji crowned himself at Raigarh and assumed the title
Chatrapathi. Then he led an expedition into the Carnatic region and
captured Ginjee and Vellore. After his return from this expedition,
Shivaji died in 1680.
Shivaji’s Administration
Shivaji was also a great administrator. He laid the foundations
of a sound system of administration. The king was the pivot of the
government. He was assisted by a council of ministers called
Ashtapradhan. However, each minister was directly responsible to
Shivaji.
1. Peshwa – Finance and general administration. Later he became
the prime minister.
2. Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati – Military commander, a honorary
post.
3. Amatya – Accountant General.
Shivaji (1627-1680): His Life and Conquests
Shivaji was born at Shivner in 1627. His father was Shahji
Bhonsle and mother Jija Bai. He inherited the jagir of Poona from
his father in 1637. After the death of his
guardian, Dadaji Kondadev in 1647, Shivaji
assumed full charge of his jagir. Even before
that he conquered Raigarh, Kondana and
Torna from the ruler of Bijapur.
He captured Javli from a Maratha
chief, Chanda Rao More. This made him the
master of Mavala region. In 1657, he
attacked the Bijapur kingdom and captured
a number of hill forts in the Konkan region. The Sultan of Bijapur
sent Afzal Khan against Shivaji. But Afzal Khan was murdered by
Shivaji in 1659 in a daring manner.
Shivaji’s military conquests made him a legendary figure in
the Maratha region. Many came forward to join his army. The
Mughal emperor Aurangazeb was anxiously watching the rise of
Maratha power under Shivaji. He sent the Mughal governor of the
Deccan, Shaista Khan against Shivaji. Shivaji suffered a defeat at
the hands of the Mughal forces and lost Poona. But Shivaji once
again made a bold attack on Shaista Khan’s military camp at Poona
in 1663, killed his son and wounded Khan. This daring attack
affected the prestige of Khan and he was recalled by Aurangazeb.
In 1664, Shivaji attacked Surat, the chief port of the Mughals and
plundered it.
This time Aurangazeb sent Raja Jai Singh of Amber to fight
against Shivaji. He made elaborate preparations and succeeded in
besieging the Purander fort where Shivaji lodged his family and
treasure. Shivaji opened negotiations with Jai Singh and the Treaty
SHIVAJI 
253 252
The forts played an important role in the military operations
of the Marathas. By the end of his reign, Shivaji had about 240
forts. Each fort was put under the charge of three officers of equal
rank as a precaution against treachery.
Shivaji was really a constructive genius and nation-builder.
His rise from jagirdar to Chatrapathi was spectacular. He unified
the Marathas and remained a great enemy of the Mughal empire.
He was a daring soldier and a brilliant administrator.
Successors of Shivaji
There ensued a war of succession after the death of Shivaji
between his sons, Shambaji and Rajaram. Shambaji emerged
victorious but later he was captured and executed by the Mughals.
Rajaram succeeded the throne but the Mughals made him to flee to
the Ginjee fort. He died at Satara. He was succeeded by his minor
son Shivaji II with his mother Tara Bai as regent. The next ruler was
Shahu in whose reign the Peshwas rose to power.
The Peshwas (1713-1818)
Balaji Viswanath (1713-1720)
Balaji Viswanath began his career as a small revenue official
and became Peshwa in 1713. As Peshwa, he made his position the
most important and powerful as well as hereditary. He played a
crucial role in the civil war and finally made Shahu as the Maratha
ruler. He sought the support of all Maratha leaders for Shahu. In
1719, Balaji Viswanath got certain rights from the then Mughal
emperor, Farukh Siyar. First, the Mughal emperor recognized Shahu
as the Maratha king. Second, he allowed Shahu to collect Chauth
and Sardeshmukhi from the six Mughal provinces of the Deccan
including the Carnatic and Mysore.
4. Waqenavis – Intelligence, posts and household affairs.
5. Sachiv – Correspondence.
6. Sumanta – Master of ceremonies.
7. Nyayadish – Justice.
8. Panditarao – Charities and religious administration.
Most of the administrative reforms of Shivaji were based on
the practices of the Deccan sultanates. For example, Peshwa was
the Persian title.
The revenue system of Shivaji was based on that of Malik
Amber of Ahmadnagar. Lands were measured by using the measuring
rod called kathi. Lands were also classified into three categories –
paddy fields, garden lands and hilly tracks. He reduced the powers
of the existing deshmuks and kulkarnis. He appointed his own
revenue officials called karkuns.
Chauth and sardeshmukhi were the taxes collected not in the
Maratha kingdom but in the neighbouring territories of the Mughal
empire or Deccan sultanates. Chauth was one fourth of the land
revenue paid to the Marathas in order to avoid the Maratha raids.
Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of ten percent on those lands
which the Marathas claimed hereditary rights.
Shivaji was a man of military genius and his army was well
organized. The regular army consisted of about 30000 to 40000
cavalry supervised by havaildars. They were given fixed salaries.
There were two divisions in the Maratha cavalry – 1. bargirs,
equipped and paid by the state; and 2. silahdars, maintained by the
nobles. In the infantry, the Mavli foot soldiers played an important
role. Shivaji also maintained a navy.
Page 4


249
The Rise of the Marathas
Various factors contributed to the rise of Marathas in the
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The physical environment of
the Maratha country shaped certain peculiar qualities among the
Marathas. The mountainous region and dense forests made them
brave soldiers and adopt guerilla tactics. They built a number of
forts on the mountains. The spread of the Bhakti movement in
Maharashtra inculcated a spirit of religious unity among them. The
spiritual leaders like Tukkaram, Ramdas, Vaman Pandit and Eknath
fostered social unity. The political unity was conferred by Shivaji.
The Marathas held important positions in the administrative and
military systems of Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur and Ahmadnagar.
There were a number of influential Maratha families such as the
Mores and Nimbalkers. But the credit of establishing a powerful
Maratha state goes to Shahji Bhonsle and his son Shivaji.
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The rise of the Marathas.
2. Life and achievements of Shivaji.
3. Shivaji’s administration.
4. Rise of the Peshwas.
LESSON 22
THE MARATHAS
251 250
of Purander was signed in 1665. According to the treaty, Shivaji
had to surrender 23 forts to the Mughals out of 35 forts held by
him. The remaining 12 forts were to be left to Shivaji on condition
of service and loyalty to Mughal empire. On the other hand, the
Mughals recognized the right of Shivaji to hold certain parts of the
Bijapur kingdom. As Shivaji asked to exempt him from personal
service to the Mughals, his minor son Shambaji was granted a
mansab of 5000.
Shivaji visited Agra in 1666 but he was imprisoned there.
But, he managed to escape from prison and made military
preparations for another four years. Then he renewed his wars
against the Mughals. Surat was plundered by him for the second
time in 1670. He also captured all his lost territories by his conquests.
In 1674 Shivaji crowned himself at Raigarh and assumed the title
Chatrapathi. Then he led an expedition into the Carnatic region and
captured Ginjee and Vellore. After his return from this expedition,
Shivaji died in 1680.
Shivaji’s Administration
Shivaji was also a great administrator. He laid the foundations
of a sound system of administration. The king was the pivot of the
government. He was assisted by a council of ministers called
Ashtapradhan. However, each minister was directly responsible to
Shivaji.
1. Peshwa – Finance and general administration. Later he became
the prime minister.
2. Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati – Military commander, a honorary
post.
3. Amatya – Accountant General.
Shivaji (1627-1680): His Life and Conquests
Shivaji was born at Shivner in 1627. His father was Shahji
Bhonsle and mother Jija Bai. He inherited the jagir of Poona from
his father in 1637. After the death of his
guardian, Dadaji Kondadev in 1647, Shivaji
assumed full charge of his jagir. Even before
that he conquered Raigarh, Kondana and
Torna from the ruler of Bijapur.
He captured Javli from a Maratha
chief, Chanda Rao More. This made him the
master of Mavala region. In 1657, he
attacked the Bijapur kingdom and captured
a number of hill forts in the Konkan region. The Sultan of Bijapur
sent Afzal Khan against Shivaji. But Afzal Khan was murdered by
Shivaji in 1659 in a daring manner.
Shivaji’s military conquests made him a legendary figure in
the Maratha region. Many came forward to join his army. The
Mughal emperor Aurangazeb was anxiously watching the rise of
Maratha power under Shivaji. He sent the Mughal governor of the
Deccan, Shaista Khan against Shivaji. Shivaji suffered a defeat at
the hands of the Mughal forces and lost Poona. But Shivaji once
again made a bold attack on Shaista Khan’s military camp at Poona
in 1663, killed his son and wounded Khan. This daring attack
affected the prestige of Khan and he was recalled by Aurangazeb.
In 1664, Shivaji attacked Surat, the chief port of the Mughals and
plundered it.
This time Aurangazeb sent Raja Jai Singh of Amber to fight
against Shivaji. He made elaborate preparations and succeeded in
besieging the Purander fort where Shivaji lodged his family and
treasure. Shivaji opened negotiations with Jai Singh and the Treaty
SHIVAJI 
253 252
The forts played an important role in the military operations
of the Marathas. By the end of his reign, Shivaji had about 240
forts. Each fort was put under the charge of three officers of equal
rank as a precaution against treachery.
Shivaji was really a constructive genius and nation-builder.
His rise from jagirdar to Chatrapathi was spectacular. He unified
the Marathas and remained a great enemy of the Mughal empire.
He was a daring soldier and a brilliant administrator.
Successors of Shivaji
There ensued a war of succession after the death of Shivaji
between his sons, Shambaji and Rajaram. Shambaji emerged
victorious but later he was captured and executed by the Mughals.
Rajaram succeeded the throne but the Mughals made him to flee to
the Ginjee fort. He died at Satara. He was succeeded by his minor
son Shivaji II with his mother Tara Bai as regent. The next ruler was
Shahu in whose reign the Peshwas rose to power.
The Peshwas (1713-1818)
Balaji Viswanath (1713-1720)
Balaji Viswanath began his career as a small revenue official
and became Peshwa in 1713. As Peshwa, he made his position the
most important and powerful as well as hereditary. He played a
crucial role in the civil war and finally made Shahu as the Maratha
ruler. He sought the support of all Maratha leaders for Shahu. In
1719, Balaji Viswanath got certain rights from the then Mughal
emperor, Farukh Siyar. First, the Mughal emperor recognized Shahu
as the Maratha king. Second, he allowed Shahu to collect Chauth
and Sardeshmukhi from the six Mughal provinces of the Deccan
including the Carnatic and Mysore.
4. Waqenavis – Intelligence, posts and household affairs.
5. Sachiv – Correspondence.
6. Sumanta – Master of ceremonies.
7. Nyayadish – Justice.
8. Panditarao – Charities and religious administration.
Most of the administrative reforms of Shivaji were based on
the practices of the Deccan sultanates. For example, Peshwa was
the Persian title.
The revenue system of Shivaji was based on that of Malik
Amber of Ahmadnagar. Lands were measured by using the measuring
rod called kathi. Lands were also classified into three categories –
paddy fields, garden lands and hilly tracks. He reduced the powers
of the existing deshmuks and kulkarnis. He appointed his own
revenue officials called karkuns.
Chauth and sardeshmukhi were the taxes collected not in the
Maratha kingdom but in the neighbouring territories of the Mughal
empire or Deccan sultanates. Chauth was one fourth of the land
revenue paid to the Marathas in order to avoid the Maratha raids.
Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of ten percent on those lands
which the Marathas claimed hereditary rights.
Shivaji was a man of military genius and his army was well
organized. The regular army consisted of about 30000 to 40000
cavalry supervised by havaildars. They were given fixed salaries.
There were two divisions in the Maratha cavalry – 1. bargirs,
equipped and paid by the state; and 2. silahdars, maintained by the
nobles. In the infantry, the Mavli foot soldiers played an important
role. Shivaji also maintained a navy.
255 254
After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Marathas emerged
a great power in India but they could not succeed in preventing the
establishment of British power in India. The important causes for
the downfall were that there was lack of unity among the Maratha
chiefs like Holkar, Scindia and Bhonsle. Also, the superiority of the
British army and fighting methods ultimately won.
Learning Outcome
Students will understand
After learning this lesson the students will be able to explain
1. Causes for the rise of the Marathas.
2. Early career and military achievements of Shivaji.
3. Salient features of the Maratha administration under
Shivaji.
4. The rise of Peshwas and the significance of the Third
Battle of Panipat.
Baji Rao I (1720-1740)
Baji Rao was the eldest son of Balaji Viswanath. He
succeeded his father as Peshwa at the age young age of twenty.
The Maratha power reached its zenith under him. He initiated the
system of confederacy among the Maratha chiefs. Under this system,
each Maratha chief was assigned a territory which could be
administered autonomously. As a result, many Maratha families
became prominent and established their authority in different parts
of India. They were the Gaekwad at Baroda, the Bhonsle at Nagpur,
the Holkars at Indore, the Scindias at Gwalior, and the Peshwas at
Poona.
Balaji Baji Rao (1740-1761)
Balaji Baji Rao succeeded his father as Peshwa at the young
age of nineteen. The Maratha king Shahu died in 1749 without issue.
His nominated successor Ramraja was imprisoned by the Peshwa
Balaji Baji Rao at Satara. The full control of the Maratha kingdom
came under the Peshwa.
Peshwa entered into an agreement with the Mughal Emperor
in 1752. According to it the Peshwa gave assurance to the Mughal
Emperor that he would protect the Mughal Empire from internal
and external enemies for which the Chauth of the northwest provinces
and the total revenue of the Agra and Ajmer provinces would be
collected by the Marathas.
Thus when Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded India, it became the
responsibility of the Marathas to protect India. The Marathas fought
very bravely against Ahmad Shah Abdali in the Third Battle of
Panipat in 1761. But they got defeated. Many Maratha leaders and
thousands of soldiers died in this battle. Balaji Baji Rao also died
on hearing the sad end of this battle. Also, this battle gave a death
blow to the Maratha power. Thereafter, the Maratha confederacy
weakened due to internal conflicts among the Maratha chiefs.
Page 5


249
The Rise of the Marathas
Various factors contributed to the rise of Marathas in the
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The physical environment of
the Maratha country shaped certain peculiar qualities among the
Marathas. The mountainous region and dense forests made them
brave soldiers and adopt guerilla tactics. They built a number of
forts on the mountains. The spread of the Bhakti movement in
Maharashtra inculcated a spirit of religious unity among them. The
spiritual leaders like Tukkaram, Ramdas, Vaman Pandit and Eknath
fostered social unity. The political unity was conferred by Shivaji.
The Marathas held important positions in the administrative and
military systems of Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur and Ahmadnagar.
There were a number of influential Maratha families such as the
Mores and Nimbalkers. But the credit of establishing a powerful
Maratha state goes to Shahji Bhonsle and his son Shivaji.
Learning Objectives
Students will acquire knowledge about
1. The rise of the Marathas.
2. Life and achievements of Shivaji.
3. Shivaji’s administration.
4. Rise of the Peshwas.
LESSON 22
THE MARATHAS
251 250
of Purander was signed in 1665. According to the treaty, Shivaji
had to surrender 23 forts to the Mughals out of 35 forts held by
him. The remaining 12 forts were to be left to Shivaji on condition
of service and loyalty to Mughal empire. On the other hand, the
Mughals recognized the right of Shivaji to hold certain parts of the
Bijapur kingdom. As Shivaji asked to exempt him from personal
service to the Mughals, his minor son Shambaji was granted a
mansab of 5000.
Shivaji visited Agra in 1666 but he was imprisoned there.
But, he managed to escape from prison and made military
preparations for another four years. Then he renewed his wars
against the Mughals. Surat was plundered by him for the second
time in 1670. He also captured all his lost territories by his conquests.
In 1674 Shivaji crowned himself at Raigarh and assumed the title
Chatrapathi. Then he led an expedition into the Carnatic region and
captured Ginjee and Vellore. After his return from this expedition,
Shivaji died in 1680.
Shivaji’s Administration
Shivaji was also a great administrator. He laid the foundations
of a sound system of administration. The king was the pivot of the
government. He was assisted by a council of ministers called
Ashtapradhan. However, each minister was directly responsible to
Shivaji.
1. Peshwa – Finance and general administration. Later he became
the prime minister.
2. Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati – Military commander, a honorary
post.
3. Amatya – Accountant General.
Shivaji (1627-1680): His Life and Conquests
Shivaji was born at Shivner in 1627. His father was Shahji
Bhonsle and mother Jija Bai. He inherited the jagir of Poona from
his father in 1637. After the death of his
guardian, Dadaji Kondadev in 1647, Shivaji
assumed full charge of his jagir. Even before
that he conquered Raigarh, Kondana and
Torna from the ruler of Bijapur.
He captured Javli from a Maratha
chief, Chanda Rao More. This made him the
master of Mavala region. In 1657, he
attacked the Bijapur kingdom and captured
a number of hill forts in the Konkan region. The Sultan of Bijapur
sent Afzal Khan against Shivaji. But Afzal Khan was murdered by
Shivaji in 1659 in a daring manner.
Shivaji’s military conquests made him a legendary figure in
the Maratha region. Many came forward to join his army. The
Mughal emperor Aurangazeb was anxiously watching the rise of
Maratha power under Shivaji. He sent the Mughal governor of the
Deccan, Shaista Khan against Shivaji. Shivaji suffered a defeat at
the hands of the Mughal forces and lost Poona. But Shivaji once
again made a bold attack on Shaista Khan’s military camp at Poona
in 1663, killed his son and wounded Khan. This daring attack
affected the prestige of Khan and he was recalled by Aurangazeb.
In 1664, Shivaji attacked Surat, the chief port of the Mughals and
plundered it.
This time Aurangazeb sent Raja Jai Singh of Amber to fight
against Shivaji. He made elaborate preparations and succeeded in
besieging the Purander fort where Shivaji lodged his family and
treasure. Shivaji opened negotiations with Jai Singh and the Treaty
SHIVAJI 
253 252
The forts played an important role in the military operations
of the Marathas. By the end of his reign, Shivaji had about 240
forts. Each fort was put under the charge of three officers of equal
rank as a precaution against treachery.
Shivaji was really a constructive genius and nation-builder.
His rise from jagirdar to Chatrapathi was spectacular. He unified
the Marathas and remained a great enemy of the Mughal empire.
He was a daring soldier and a brilliant administrator.
Successors of Shivaji
There ensued a war of succession after the death of Shivaji
between his sons, Shambaji and Rajaram. Shambaji emerged
victorious but later he was captured and executed by the Mughals.
Rajaram succeeded the throne but the Mughals made him to flee to
the Ginjee fort. He died at Satara. He was succeeded by his minor
son Shivaji II with his mother Tara Bai as regent. The next ruler was
Shahu in whose reign the Peshwas rose to power.
The Peshwas (1713-1818)
Balaji Viswanath (1713-1720)
Balaji Viswanath began his career as a small revenue official
and became Peshwa in 1713. As Peshwa, he made his position the
most important and powerful as well as hereditary. He played a
crucial role in the civil war and finally made Shahu as the Maratha
ruler. He sought the support of all Maratha leaders for Shahu. In
1719, Balaji Viswanath got certain rights from the then Mughal
emperor, Farukh Siyar. First, the Mughal emperor recognized Shahu
as the Maratha king. Second, he allowed Shahu to collect Chauth
and Sardeshmukhi from the six Mughal provinces of the Deccan
including the Carnatic and Mysore.
4. Waqenavis – Intelligence, posts and household affairs.
5. Sachiv – Correspondence.
6. Sumanta – Master of ceremonies.
7. Nyayadish – Justice.
8. Panditarao – Charities and religious administration.
Most of the administrative reforms of Shivaji were based on
the practices of the Deccan sultanates. For example, Peshwa was
the Persian title.
The revenue system of Shivaji was based on that of Malik
Amber of Ahmadnagar. Lands were measured by using the measuring
rod called kathi. Lands were also classified into three categories –
paddy fields, garden lands and hilly tracks. He reduced the powers
of the existing deshmuks and kulkarnis. He appointed his own
revenue officials called karkuns.
Chauth and sardeshmukhi were the taxes collected not in the
Maratha kingdom but in the neighbouring territories of the Mughal
empire or Deccan sultanates. Chauth was one fourth of the land
revenue paid to the Marathas in order to avoid the Maratha raids.
Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of ten percent on those lands
which the Marathas claimed hereditary rights.
Shivaji was a man of military genius and his army was well
organized. The regular army consisted of about 30000 to 40000
cavalry supervised by havaildars. They were given fixed salaries.
There were two divisions in the Maratha cavalry – 1. bargirs,
equipped and paid by the state; and 2. silahdars, maintained by the
nobles. In the infantry, the Mavli foot soldiers played an important
role. Shivaji also maintained a navy.
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After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Marathas emerged
a great power in India but they could not succeed in preventing the
establishment of British power in India. The important causes for
the downfall were that there was lack of unity among the Maratha
chiefs like Holkar, Scindia and Bhonsle. Also, the superiority of the
British army and fighting methods ultimately won.
Learning Outcome
Students will understand
After learning this lesson the students will be able to explain
1. Causes for the rise of the Marathas.
2. Early career and military achievements of Shivaji.
3. Salient features of the Maratha administration under
Shivaji.
4. The rise of Peshwas and the significance of the Third
Battle of Panipat.
Baji Rao I (1720-1740)
Baji Rao was the eldest son of Balaji Viswanath. He
succeeded his father as Peshwa at the age young age of twenty.
The Maratha power reached its zenith under him. He initiated the
system of confederacy among the Maratha chiefs. Under this system,
each Maratha chief was assigned a territory which could be
administered autonomously. As a result, many Maratha families
became prominent and established their authority in different parts
of India. They were the Gaekwad at Baroda, the Bhonsle at Nagpur,
the Holkars at Indore, the Scindias at Gwalior, and the Peshwas at
Poona.
Balaji Baji Rao (1740-1761)
Balaji Baji Rao succeeded his father as Peshwa at the young
age of nineteen. The Maratha king Shahu died in 1749 without issue.
His nominated successor Ramraja was imprisoned by the Peshwa
Balaji Baji Rao at Satara. The full control of the Maratha kingdom
came under the Peshwa.
Peshwa entered into an agreement with the Mughal Emperor
in 1752. According to it the Peshwa gave assurance to the Mughal
Emperor that he would protect the Mughal Empire from internal
and external enemies for which the Chauth of the northwest provinces
and the total revenue of the Agra and Ajmer provinces would be
collected by the Marathas.
Thus when Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded India, it became the
responsibility of the Marathas to protect India. The Marathas fought
very bravely against Ahmad Shah Abdali in the Third Battle of
Panipat in 1761. But they got defeated. Many Maratha leaders and
thousands of soldiers died in this battle. Balaji Baji Rao also died
on hearing the sad end of this battle. Also, this battle gave a death
blow to the Maratha power. Thereafter, the Maratha confederacy
weakened due to internal conflicts among the Maratha chiefs.
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d) Shivaji increased the powers of the existing revenue officials.
V. State whether the following statements are True or
False.
1. When Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded the Mughal Emperor faced
him.
2. In the Third Battle of Panipat Nadir Shah defeated the
Maratha forces.
3. Mores and Nimbalkers belonged to Maratha family.
VI. Write short notes (Any three points).
1. Treaty of Purander.
2. Ashtapradhan.
3. Third Battle of Panipat.
VII. Answer briefly (100 words).
1. Trace the causes for the rise of Marathas.
2. Write a note on Balaji Viswanath.
VIII. Answer in detail (200 words).
1. Give an account of the life and achievements of Shivaji.
2. Mention the salient features of the administration of Shivaji.
3. Examine the rise of the Peshwas and their achievements.
MODEL QUESTIONS
I. Choose the correct answer.
1. Shivaji was born at
(a) Satara (b) Poona
(c) Shivner (d) Bijapur
2. The Treaty of Purander was concluded in
(a) 1660 (b) 1665
(c) 1670 (d) 1675
II. Fill in the blanks.
1. The guardian of Shivaji was …..
2. The immediate successor of Shivaji was ….
3. The Third Battle of Panipat took place in the year …. between
……and ……
III. Match the following.
1. Peshwa a) Gwalior
2. Scindia b) Poona
3. Holkar c) Indore
4. Bhonsle d) Nagpur
IV. Find out the correct statement. One statement alone is
right.
a) The revenue system of Shivaji was based on that of Cholas.
b) Lands were measured by using the measuring rod called kathi.
c) Lands were classified into four categories as under the
Marathas.