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The Maratha Empire | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

Introduction 

The ascendancy of the Marathas during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries was influenced by various factors. The geographical characteristics of the Maratha region played a significant role in shaping distinct qualities among the Marathas. The rugged terrain and dense forests cultivated their courage as soldiers and led them to embrace guerrilla tactics. The construction of formidable forts on mountainous terrain became a hallmark of their military strategy. 

The Maratha Empire | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year

  • Additionally, the propagation of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra fostered a sense of religious unity among the Marathas.
  • The Marathas held significant roles in the administrative and military structures of the Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur and Ahmadnagar. However, the establishment of a formidable Maratha state is credited to Shahji Bhonsle and his son Shivaji, who provided political cohesion. 
  • Shivaji Maharaj, born in 1627 at Shivner to Shahji Bhonsle and Jija Bai, inherited the Poona jagir from his father in 1637, marking the beginning of his influential leadership.

The Rise of the Marathas Under Shivaji


In the early 17th century, the Marathas began their ascent in the Deccan region, spearheaded by the dynamic leadership of Shivaji. Shivaji strategically carved out his territories from Bijapur, Ahmednagar, and Golkonda.
The Maratha Empire | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year
  • Shahji's Service and Shivaji's Inheritance Shahji, Shivaji's father, entered the services of Bijapur as a Zamindar in 1636, securing Poona as a grant. Shivaji, born in 1627 at Shivneri (Poona), inherited the Poona jagir in 1637 under the guardianship of Dadaji Kondadev.
  • Shivaji's Early Leadership Taking full charge in 1647 after Dadaji Kondadev's demise, Shivaji embarked on military campaigns at a remarkably young age. He successfully captured forts such as Raigarh, Kondana, and Torana from the Bijapur kingdom between 1645-47.
  • Strategic Fort Control In 1646, Shivaji strategically took control of the Purandhar fort, establishing an impregnable defense for the Marathas in the times ahead.
  • Battle of Pratapgarh (1659) A significant turning point occurred in the Battle of Pratapgarh in 1659 when the Sultan of Bijapur dispatched his general, Afzal Khan, against Shivaji. In a remarkable feat, Shivaji killed Afzal Khan, solidifying the Marathas' growing influence in the region.

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What geographical factors influenced the military strategy of the Marathas?
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First Phase: 1615-1664

  • Jahangir's Reign and Maratha Recognition:
    • The Mughals acknowledged the significance of Maratha chieftains in Deccan politics during Jahangir's reign.
  • Shah Jahan's Diplomacy:
    • Shah Jahan sought to enlist the support of the Marathas.
    • After Shahji's defection, he opted to form an alliance with the Bijapur kingdom against the Marathas.
  • Aurangzeb's Unsuccessful Attempts:
    • Aurangzeb tried to align with Shivaji in 1657, but negotiations failed.
    • Shivaji's demands included Dabhol and the Adil Shahi Konkan, crucial for foreign trade.
  • Mughal Invasion in 1660:
    • In 1660, Aurangzeb dispatched Shaista Khan, the Mughal governor of Deccan, to invade Maratha territories.
    • Poona and north Konkan were captured from the Marathas.
  • Shivaji's Defiance and Mughal Setback:
    • In 1663, Shivaji inflicted a severe wound on Shaista Khan in a night raid, significantly denting Mughal prestige.
    • This event was succeeded by the Marathas' raid on the Mughal port of Surat in 1664.

Second Phase: 1664-1667

  • Aurangzeb's Appointment:
    • Aurangzeb appointed Mirza Raja Jai Singh as the viceroy of Deccan.
  • Defeat of Shivaji (1665):
    • Jai Singh succeeded in defeating Shivaji at Purandar in 1665.
  • Proposal of Alliance:
    • Jai Singh proposed a Mughal-Maratha alliance.
  • Treaty of Purandhar (1665):
    • The resultant Treaty of Purandhar (1665) saw Shivaji surrendering 23 out of 35 forts.
    • The Mughals, in turn, recognized the Marathas' rights to retain certain territories in Bijapur.
  • Mughal Recognition and Enlistment:
    • Shivaji's son was enlisted as a mansabdar of 5000 zat in the Mughal army.
  • Visit to Agra and Imprisonment (1665-1666):
    • In 1665, Shivaji and his son visited Agra.
    • Due to heated arguments in court, Shivaji was imprisoned, but he managed to escape in 1666.

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Which Mughal emperor sought to form an alliance with the Marathas after Shahji's defection?
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Third Phase: 1667-1680

  • Post-Escape Strategy:
    • Following his escape from Agra, Shivaji initially avoided immediate conflict with the Mughals.
  • Aurangzeb's Provocation:
    • Aurangzeb, displeased by his son Muazzam's friendship with Shivaji, instructed Muazzam to arrest Maratha agents and attacked Maratha territories to settle dues.
  • Maratha Response (Post-1665):
    • Alarmed, Shivaji initiated attacks on many forts ceded to the Mughals in the Treaty of Purandhar (1665).
  • Battle of Sinhagadh (Kondhana) - 1670:
    • In the Battle of Sinhagadh in 1670, the Marathas emerged victorious, but Tanhaji, Shivaji’s aide, sacrificed his life.
  • Surat Port Raid (1670):
    • Exploiting internal conflicts in the Mughal army, Shivaji sacked the Surat port again in 1670.
  • Fort Recovery and Battle of Salher (1672):
    • Over the next four years, Shivaji successfully regained most of his forts.
    • In the Battle of Salher (1672), a notable engagement on an open battlefield, the Marathas, known for guerrilla warfare, defeated the Mughals.
  • Coronation and Title Assumption:
    • On June 6, 1674, at Raigarh, Shivaji crowned himself as king and assumed the title of Chhatrapati.
  • Shivaji's Death and Legacy (1680):
    • In 1680, Shivaji passed away, leaving behind the foundation of a robust empire that exerted dominance over Deccan and north India for over a century.

Central Administration

The Maratha Empire | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year

  • Monarchial Structure:
    • Influence: The Maratha administration was influenced by both the Deccan Sultanate and the Mughal system, resulting in the formation of a centralized monarchy.
  • King's Objective:
    • Focus: The primary focus of the king was the happiness and prosperity of his subjects, guided by the principle of "Raja Kalsya Karanam."
  • Ashtapradhan Council:
    • Composition: The king was assisted by the Ashtapradhan council of ministers, consisting of eight key positions.
      • Peshwa (Prime Minister): Head of the council and chief executive officer.
      • Amatya/Mazumdar (Auditor): Responsible for financial matters and auditing.
      • Waqe Navis (Intelligence): In charge of intelligence and information gathering.
      • Dabir/Sumanta (Foreign Secretary): Dealing with foreign affairs.
      • Shurnavis/Sachiv (Superintendent): Responsible for administration and coordination.
      • Pandit Rao (Ecclesiastical Head): Handling religious and cultural affairs.
      • Senapati (Commander-in-Chief): Head of the military.
      • Nyayadhish (Chief Justice): Responsible for dispensing justice.
  • Ashtapradhan System:
    • Hereditary Peshwa Offices: Initially not hereditary under Shivaji, the Peshwa offices became permanent and hereditary under the rule of the Peshwas.
    • Financial Structure: Ministers received direct payment from the exchequer without being granted jagirs (land grants).
    • Eight Assistants: Each of the Ashtapradhan ministers had eight assistants, supporting and assisting them in their respective duties.

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What was the primary focus of the Maratha king in terms of administration?
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This structure reflects a well-organized and hierarchical system within the Maratha administration, with clear divisions of responsibilities among the Ashtapradhan council, ultimately contributing to the governance and stability of the Maratha kingdom.

Provincial Administration

Administrative Units

  • Shivaji reorganized administrative units, adopting them from the Deccan Sultanate and renaming them.

Judiciary

The absence of a formalized judicial department in the Maratha administration is an interesting aspect of their governance. Here are the key points related to the judiciary in the Maratha system:

  • Lack of Formalized Judiciary:
    • The Marathas did not establish a structured and centralized judicial department.
  • Handling of Civil Cases:
    • Civil cases at the village level were managed by village elders, often organized in a panchayat system.
    • The Patil’s office or village temple was the venue for dealing with civil matters.
  • Criminal Cases:
    • The responsibility for deciding criminal cases rested with the Patil, demonstrating a localized approach to justice.
  • Hazir Majlis:
    • The Hazir Majlis served as the highest court for both civil and criminal cases.
    • This suggests a centralized forum for addressing legal matters at a higher level, providing a mechanism for resolving disputes that couldn't be settled at the village level.

The decentralized approach to justice, with village elders and local officials handling civil and criminal cases at the grassroots level, reflects a system that integrated traditional, community-based methods of dispute resolution. The establishment of the Hazir Majlis as the highest court indicates an attempt to have a centralized body for more complex or significant legal issues, ensuring a level of consistency and order in the dispensation of justice across the Maratha territories.

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How were civil cases handled in the Maratha administration?
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Revenue Administration


The revenue model of the Maratha administration, influenced by Malik Ambar's model, involved significant reforms. Here are the key features of the Maratha revenue system:

  • Malik Ambar's Model Influence:
    • The Marathas drew inspiration from the revenue administration model implemented by Malik Ambar, a prominent administrator and military strategist during the Deccan Sultanate period.
  • Abolition of Jagirdari System:
    • The Marathas abolished the Jagirdari system in many areas. The Jagirdari system involved the granting of land (jagirs) in exchange for military service. Its abolition marked a departure from the traditional land revenue model.
  • Introduction of Ryotwari System:
    • In place of the Jagirdari system, the Marathas introduced the Ryotwari system. This system involved the direct collection of revenue from individual cultivators or peasants (ryots).

The Maratha Empire | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year

  • Taxes Introduced:
    • Chauth:
      • Chauth was a tax amounting to one-fourth of the land revenue.
      • It was imposed to prevent Maratha raids. Paying Chauth provided protection from Maratha incursions, and failure to pay could lead to military action.
    • Sardeshmukhi:
      • Sardeshmukhi was an additional levy of 10% based on claimed hereditary rights.
      • This tax was imposed on territories where the Marathas asserted historical or hereditary rights.

The revenue model reflects a shift towards direct taxation on agricultural produce and away from the traditional grant of jagirs for military service. The Chauth and Sardeshmukhi taxes were instrumental in financing the Maratha military and administration, and they also played a role in shaping the economic structure of the Maratha territories during this period.

Fortification and Officers

  • Importance of Forts in Shivaji's Military Strategy:
    • Forts played a pivotal role in Shivaji's military strategy, serving as key defensive positions.
    • They provided strategic advantages, such as control over territories, surveillance, and a secure base for operations.
    • Forts helped Shivaji resist external invasions and consolidate his kingdom.
  • Distribution of Forts:
    • A series of forts covered each Taluka or Pargana (administrative divisions), indicating a well-distributed defensive network across the region.
  • Equal-Rank Officers for Forts:
    • No single officer was solely responsible for a fort, emphasizing a shared responsibility and collaborative approach.
    • Three officers of equal rank and status were assigned to each fort:
      • Havaldar: Responsible for the overall administration and security of the fort.
      • Sabnis: Handled accounts and record-keeping.
      • Sarnobat: Led the military operations and defense.
  • Caste Neutrality:
    • Officers were prohibited from forming caste groups, and specific caste assignments were not allowed. This policy likely aimed to promote unity, prevent discrimination, and ensure efficiency in the administration of the forts.
  • Infantry Structure:
    • The smallest infantry unit was the Naik, leading a group of nine men.
    • Hierarchy:
      • Naik: Led a group of nine men.
      • Havaldar: Head of five Naiks.
      • Jumledar: Head of 2-3 Havaldars.
      • Hazari: Head of ten Jumledars.
      • Sarnobat: Head of seven Hazaris.

This structured hierarchy in the infantry allowed for efficient command and control, ensuring effective coordination and communication within the military units. The decentralization of authority for fort management and the caste-neutral approach contributed to the success of Shivaji's military strategies and the administration of his expanding kingdom.

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What was the main reason for the Marathas abolishing the Jagirdari system?
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Military Organization Changes

Under Shivaji:

  • Feudal Levies: Shivaji relied less on feudal levies, emphasizing a system of swift mobilization and strict discipline in his military.
  • Prohibitions: He prohibited female slaves and dancing girls from accompanying the army, reflecting a focus on maintaining military discipline and efficiency.
  • Recruitment Preferences: Shivaji preferred recruiting from his own race, with Muslims often enlisted in the navy.
  • Discipline: Strict discipline was maintained, and female accompaniment was avoided in the army.

Under Peshwas:

  • Division of Country: The entire country was divided into military tenures under the Peshwas.
  • Two Armies: There were two main armies - the Army of the Peshwa and the Army of Maratha Sardars.
  • Pindaris: The armies were often accompanied by Pindaris, who were essentially robbers, and they received a share of the war booty (Palpatti).
  • Military Payment: The military was paid directly by the exchequer, marking a shift from Shivaji's reliance on swift mobilization.
  • Feudal Levies: There was a shift towards feudal levies, and military personnel were often compensated with jagirs (saranjams), indicating a change in the compensation structure.
  • Discipline and Battalions: The Peshwas' armies saw a decline in discipline, prompting efforts to establish European-style disciplined battalions known as Kampus.
  • Cavalry Changes: While Shivaji had Bargirs (state-supplied) and Siledars (brought their own horses and arms) in his cavalry, the Peshwas introduced elite cavalry units, known as Khasgi paga.
  • Artillery Department: The Peshwas established a separate artillery department with its own factories for the production of cannons, indicating a focus on modernizing military technology.
  • Recruitment Preferences: Specific details about recruitment preferences under the Peshwas are not mentioned, but the shift in military structure suggests changes in recruitment strategies.

These shifts under the Peshwas reflect changes in military organization, financing, and recruitment strategies compared to the policies implemented by Shivaji. The move towards feudal levies and changes in cavalry and artillery demonstrate an evolving military structure during this period.



The Maratha Empire | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year 

Marathas After Shivaji: A Succession Tale

  • War of Succession:
    • Conflict emerged between Shivaji's sons, Sambhaji and Rajaram, leading to a war of succession.
    • Sambhaji emerged victorious in this succession struggle.
  • Sambhaji's Fate:
    • Sambhaji sheltered Akbar, the rebellious son of Aurangzeb, which led to hostilities with the Mughals.
    • He was defeated by the Mughals at Sangameshwar in 1689.
    • Sambhaji was executed, leaving his widow and son Sahu as captives.
  • Rajaram's Rule and Escape:
    • Rajaram succeeded Sambhaji but was forced to flee from the pursuing Mughals.
    • He died in Satara, leaving his minor son, Shivaji II, with Tara Bai as the regent.
  • Civil War After Aurangzeb:
    • After Aurangzeb's death, Mughal king Bahadur Shah released Sahuji, leading to a civil war among the Marathas.
  • Battle of Khed (1707):
    • Sahuji defeated Queen Regent Tarabai at Khed with the assistance of Balaji Vishwanath.
  • Establishment of Rival Branch:
    • Tarabai moved to Kolhapur, establishing a rival branch of the Marathas.
  • Treaty of Warna (1731):
    • In the Treaty of Warna, both branches, Satara and Kolhapur, were formally recognized.
    • Tarabai's Kolhapur branch and the Satara branch coexisted as distinct entities.

The War of Succession and its aftermath marked a complex period in Maratha history, with internal conflicts, external pressures from the Mughals, and the establishment of rival branches. The Treaty of Warna formalized the recognition of these branches, allowing for a coexistence that persisted for some time. This era highlights the challenges and dynamics within the Maratha leadership and their interactions with the broader political landscape in India.

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What was the significance of forts in Shivaji's military strategy?
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The Marathas Under Peshwas: Shaping an Empire


The Maratha Empire | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year

  • Balaji Vishwanath Bhatt (1713–1719):
    • Background and Emergence: Balaji Vishwanath Bhatt, a Chitpavan Brahman from Konkan, rose to prominence during the Maratha civil war.
    • Support for Sahuji: He aligned himself with Sahuji and played a pivotal role in enhancing the significance of the Peshwa within the Maratha administration.
    • Hereditary Peshwa Position: Balaji Vishwanath made the post of Peshwa hereditary and wielded significant influence, consolidating power in the Peshwa's office.
    • Diplomatic Role: He assisted the Sayyid brothers in removing Farrukhsiyar from the Mughal throne, gaining Chauth and Sardeshmukhi rights for the Marathas.
  • Baji Rao I (1720–1740):
    • Youthful Leadership: Baji Rao I assumed leadership at the age of 20 and achieved the remarkable feat of never losing a battle throughout his life.
    • Military Victories: His military successes included defeating Nizam-ul-Mulk in battles at Palkhed and Bhopal, showcasing his strategic acumen.
    • Territorial Expansion: Baji Rao I expanded Maratha territories by conquering Salsette and Bassein from the Portuguese in 1722.
    • Administrative Reforms: He transferred the administrative capital to Pune and introduced the Maratha confederacy system, streamlining tax collection under the authority of the king.
  • Balaji Baji Rao I/Nana Sahib I (1740–1761):
    • Supremacy of the Peshwa: After Sahuji's death in 1749, Balaji Baji Rao I, also known as Nana Sahib I, further solidified the supremacy of the Peshwa position.
    • Territorial Expansion: Under his leadership, the Maratha Empire expanded its borders significantly, reaching regions such as Peshawar, Srirangapattanam, and Medinipore.
    • Third Battle of Panipat: Balaji Baji Rao I led the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, a pivotal conflict that resulted in defeat for the Marathas and marked the beginning of the fragmentation of their empire.
These three figures played crucial roles in different phases of Maratha history, contributing to the political, military, and administrative development of the Maratha Empire during the 18th century.

The Third Battle of Panipat: Unraveling the Catastrophe

Third Battle of PanipatThird Battle of Panipat

  • Prelude to the War:
    • Exploitation of Mughal Decline: Marathas took advantage of the weakening Mughal Empire, gaining territories like Gujarat and Malwa.
    • Baji Rao's Victories (1737): Baji Rao successfully defeated the Mughals in 1737, extending Maratha control south of Agra.
    • Confrontation with Ahmad Shah Durrani (1757): Marathas faced Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali) after attacking Punjab in 1757.
    • Abdali's Allies: Abdali formed alliances with Pashtuns, Balochs, and Rohillas, commanding Afghan forces.
    • Leadership of Sadashivrao Bhau: Shadashivrao Bhau led the Marathas and sought support from Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula.
  • Outcome:
    • Maratha Defeat: The Marathas suffered a significant defeat, losing 40,000 soldiers, including Sadashivrao Bhau, in the battle.
    • Abdali's Initial Success: Both sides incurred heavy casualties, prompting Abdali to seek peace after initial successes.
    • Refuge by Jats: Jats under Surajmal offered refuge to the retreating Marathas.
    • Impact: The Maratha setback halted their northern expansion. However, they later experienced a revival under Madhavrao.
  • Aftermath and Impact:
    • Failure of Afghan Benefit: The Afghans failed to benefit significantly from their victory, losing control of Punjab.
    • Consolidation by East India Company: While the battle didn't determine India's ruler, it aided the East India Company's consolidation in South India and Bengal.
  • Causes of Maratha Defeat:
    • Numerical and Qualitative Afghan Advantages: The Afghans held numerical and qualitative advantages, including better supplies.
    • Regional Animosity: Marathas faced regional animosity; Rajputs, Sikhs, and Jats remained aloof.
    • Internal Rivalry: Internal rivalry within the Marathas weakened their position, with some preferring guerrilla warfare over pitched battles.

Question for The Maratha Empire
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What were some of the key factors that led to the decline of the Maratha Empire?
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The Third Battle of Panipat was a significant event in Indian history, marking a setback for the Marathas and influencing the geopolitical landscape in the subcontinent. The internal and external factors contributing to the defeat illustrate the complexity of the political and military dynamics during this period.


Maratha Chiefs (Sardars): Navigating Power and Decline


  • Origins and Semi-Autonomous Status:
    • The origin of the Maratha Confederacy can be traced back to Jagir grants by Rajaram.
    • It attained semi-autonomous status during Madhav Rao's Peshwahship, indicating a degree of independence within the confederacy.
    • The semi-autonomous status allowed the constituent regions to have a certain level of self-governance.
  • Private Armies and Clashes:
    • The presence of private armies among the chiefs within the Maratha Confederacy led to internal clashes, contributing to the decline of the empire.
    • Lack of unity among the Sardars (chiefs) became a significant factor in the overall decline of the Maratha power.
  • Notable Sardars in Maratha Confederacy: Several prominent Sardars played crucial roles within the Maratha Confederacy, including:
    • Peshwa of Poona.
    • Bhonsle of Berar.
    • Gaekwad of Baroda.
    • Holkar of Indore.
    • Scindhia of Gwalior.
  • Administration under Peshwas:
    • Central Ministry: The central administration was headquartered at the Huzur office in Poona.
    • Provincial Structure: Provinces within the Maratha Confederacy varied in size, with larger ones being under Sar-subadars, indicating a hierarchical administrative structure.
    • District Representation: District representation was maintained by officials such as Mamlatdar and Kamavistar.
    • Account Officers: Deshmukh and Deshpande served as account officers within the administrative system.
    • Chief City Officer: The chief city officer was known as the Kotwal.
    • Chief Village Officer: The chief village officer was called the Patel, often assisted hereditarily by the Kulkarni.
    • Compulsory Labor and Tax Farming: The administration introduced practices like compulsory labor (Begar) and tax farming, showcasing the various mechanisms employed to generate revenue.
The administrative structure outlined the organization of the Maratha Confederacy, reflecting a blend of central authority and regional autonomy. However, internal conflicts and lack of unity among the Sardars played a significant role in the decline of the confederacy.

Critical Evaluation of the Maratha Empire

  • Geographical Limitations:
    • Resource Dependency: The Marathas faced geographical limitations, leading to dependence on Chauth and Sardeshmukhi as sources of revenue due to resource deficiencies in their territories.
    • Harsh Tax Imposition: Limited resources forced the imposition of harsh taxes, impacting the economic conditions of the regions under Maratha control.
  • Limitations of Political System:
    • Despotic Military State: The Marathas operated as a despotic military state with powerful feudal lords, contributing to internal power struggles and political instability.
    • Internal Divisions: Internal divisions weakened the Marathas, making them more vulnerable to external challenges and threats.
  • Revenue System Limitations:
    • Post-Shivaji Exploitation: After Shivaji's death, the revenue system faced exploitation by intermediaries, affecting the equitable distribution of resources.
    • Limited Resources: The limited availability of resources hindered the Marathas' ability to maintain a robust army and efficient administration.
  • Confederacy System Limitations:
    • Internal Differences: The confederacy system within the Marathas suffered from internal differences and conspiracies among commanders, preventing a unified and cohesive front.
    • Focus on Expansion without Consolidation: The emphasis on expansion without proper consolidation weakened the empire, making it susceptible to internal strife and external pressures.
  • Strategic Blunders:
    • Antagonizing Regional Players: The Marathas antagonized regional players like the Rajputs, Sikhs, and Jats, leading to strained relationships and conflicts.
    • Geographic Isolation: Geographic isolation hindered the Marathas' ability to forge close alliances, limiting their strategic depth and support during times of need.

The geographical, political, and administrative limitations, along with strategic blunders, played crucial roles in the decline of the Maratha Empire. These factors highlight the complexities and challenges faced by the Marathas in managing and sustaining their vast territories during a period of political and social upheaval in India.

Conclusion

  • Marathas, pioneers of Hindavi Swarajya, aimed at establishing a Hindu state.
  • Strategic failure against the English Company contributed to the empire's downfall.
  • Despite cultural identity, internal strife and geopolitical missteps doomed the Maratha Empire's fate.
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FAQs on The Maratha Empire - SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year

1. What was the central administration like during the rise of the Marathas under Shivaji?
Ans. The central administration during the rise of the Marathas under Shivaji was characterized by a strong and efficient system. Shivaji established a council of ministers called the Ashtapradhan, which included positions such as the Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), and Sachiva (Secretary). This council helped in the smooth functioning of the empire and the implementation of policies.
2. How was the revenue administration managed during the Maratha Empire?
Ans. The revenue administration in the Maratha Empire was managed through a system known as the Chauth and Sardeshmukhi. Chauth was a tax levied at the rate of one-fourth of the revenue collected from territories not under direct Maratha control. Sardeshmukhi was a tax levied at the rate of ten percent on the revenue of territories directly under Maratha control. These taxes were collected by Maratha officers and played a significant role in the empire's financial stability.
3. How did the Marathas fortify their empire and manage their officers?
Ans. The Marathas were known for their expertise in fortification. They built and strengthened forts across their empire to ensure defense and control over territories. These forts were managed by experienced officers known as the Sardars. The Sardars were responsible for the administration and defense of the forts. They also played a crucial role in maintaining law and order in their respective territories.
4. What happened to the Marathas after Shivaji's reign?
Ans. After Shivaji's reign, the Marathas faced a succession crisis. Shivaji's sons and successors were not able to maintain the same level of leadership and unity. This led to internal conflicts and weakened the empire. However, the Marathas were able to regroup under the leadership of the Peshwas and continue their expansion.
5. How did the Marathas fare in the Third Battle of Panipat?
Ans. The Marathas suffered a major defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat. The battle took place in 1761 between the Marathas and the combined forces of the Afghan king Ahmed Shah Durrani and his Indian allies. The Marathas were outnumbered and their army was decimated. This battle is considered a turning point in Indian history as it marked the decline of Maratha power and paved the way for British colonial rule.
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Document Description: The Maratha Empire for SSC CGL 2024 is part of SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year preparation. The notes and questions for The Maratha Empire have been prepared according to the SSC CGL exam syllabus. Information about The Maratha Empire covers topics like Introduction , The Rise of the Marathas Under Shivaji, Central Administration, Provincial Administration, Revenue Administration, Fortification and Officers, Marathas After Shivaji: A Succession Tale, The Marathas Under Peshwas: Shaping an Empire, The Third Battle of Panipat: Unraveling the Catastrophe, Maratha Chiefs (Sardars): Navigating Power and Decline, Critical Evaluation of the Maratha Empire and The Maratha Empire Example, for SSC CGL 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The Maratha Empire.
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The Maratha Empire | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material

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Additional Information about The Maratha Empire for SSC CGL Preparation

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