The War of Independence (1680–1707)
After Shivaji’s death in 1680, the Marathas faced the full might of Aurangzeb.
- Chhatrapati Sambhaji: Fought bravely but was captured, tortured, and executed by Aurangzeb.
- Chhatrapati Rajaram: Fled to Gingee (Tamil Nadu) to continue the fight from the south.
- Maharani Tarabai: After Rajaram’s death, his widow Tarabai led the resistance. She organized counter-invasions into Mughal territory (Malwa/Gujarat).
Result: Aurangzeb spent 25 years in the Deccan trying to crush the Marathas but failed. He died in 1707, leaving a bankrupt and fractured Mughal empire.
The Era of the Peshwas
Under Chhatrapati Shahu (Sambhaji’s son), the administrative power shifted to the Peshwas (Prime Ministers), based in Pune.
- Key Peshwas: Balaji Vishwanath, Bajirao I, and Nanasaheb.
- Structure: The empire became a confederacy. Regional chiefs (Gaekwads, Holkars, Scindias, Bhonsles) ruled semi-autonomously but acknowledged the Peshwa’s authority.
Pan-Indian Expansion
- North: Controlled Delhi, Lahore, and Peshawar (modern Pakistan).
- East/South: Expanded into Odisha, Bengal, and Karnataka.
- Role: They became the protectors of the Mughal throne, often dictating politics in Delhi.
The Third Battle of Panipat (1761)
- Conflict: Marathas vs. Ahmad Shah Abdali (Afghan ruler).
- Outcome: A disastrous defeat for the Marathas. A generation of leaders was lost.
- Recovery: Under Peshwa Madhavrao and generals like Mahadji Shinde, the Marathas quickly recovered and recaptured Delhi in 1771.
The End of Maratha Power
The British identified the Marathas as their main rivals.
- Anglo-Maratha Wars: Three wars were fought between 1775 and 1818.
- Causes of Defeat: Internal disunity among Maratha chiefs and superior British organization/technology.
- 1818: The Peshwa rule ended, and the British took control of India.