A Glimpse Of Maratha Empire During The Peshwa Era.

Marathas were one of the most important forces for the downfall of the Mughals and many other rulers in our country. The Marathas mainly belong to the Western Deccan parts of the Indian subcontinent. They were a group of active agricultural workers who mostly held administrative positions in Ahmednagar and Bijapur. Shivaji Bhonsle, son of Shahji Bhonsle, led the rise of the Maratha Empire. He was crowned with the title of Chhatrapati in the year 1674. The formation of the empire officially began in the year 1647 when Shivaji was passed on his father’s jagir after the death of his guardian. Thus, his reign began.

Even before his reign began, he had captured many hill forts in the Toma, Poona, Raigarh, and Kon dana areas. There were conflicts and negotiations by him between the Adil Shahis and the Mughals. He defeated the Sultans of Ahmednagar and Golconda. He raided many areas, which brought him great returns and resources for trade and agriculture. He even raided one of the most important seaports of the Mughals, Surat port, in the year 1664. Until his death in 1680, he continued his expeditions from Thanjavur in the southeast region to Berar and Khandesh in the northern region. The Marathas enjoyed great power and control in the 18th century under the rule of Shivaji. After the death of Shivaji, under the influence of Peshwas, the Maratha Empire During The Peshwa Era again rose to great powers.

Shahuji, the grandson of Shivaji, was imprisoned by Aurangzeb. After the death of Aurangzeb, he was released. He succeeded Rajaram, Shivaji’s successor and son, in 1708. The Marathas were then controlled by Brahman ministers. They had the authority over the state, and the Bhonsles were mere figureheads. Balaji Vishvanath helped Shahuji in rising to power again and became an important figure in history. Impressed, Shahuji gave an important position and title of Peshwas or Chief minister. He was very loyal and an excellent diplomat who brought many Maratha Sardars under his influence. He was successful at suppressing the enemy armies.

 He was succeeded by his son Baji Rao I, like the next Peshwa, who aided Shahu Ji in restoring the territories that belonged to Shivaji. He even managed to collect Sardeshmukhi and Chauth of some major provinces in the Deccan. he fought more than 40 battles in his lifetime and never lost even one. The Maratha Empire During The Peshwa Era flourished and became as powerful as it was during the reign of Shivaji. The Marathas were undefeatable during the reign of Baji Rao I. they fought not only the Mughals but also the Portuguese army during this period. Baji Rao’s death in April 1740 was saddening to the entire kingdom. He had won many areas like Gujarat, Malwa, some parts of Bundelkhand, and parts of Deccan. he brought together many strong Maratha families like Sindhia, Gaekwad, Bhonsle, and Holkar. Balaji Baji Rao, son of Baji Rao, I became the next Peshwa. He was as able as his father and extended the Maratha empire in direction and height. They managed to win other minor wars like in Bengal, Hyderabad, and Mysore. An alliance among the forces in the north led to the third battle of Panipat, where the Marathas didn’t get much support and were defeated.

By then, the Peshwas had become the official head of the administration when Shahu Ji died and left the management in the hands of Peshwa. The history of Peshwas is full of glory and courage. Then came other Peshwas who fought courageously in many battles. The Maratha Empire During The Peshwa Era rose to its peak in terms of power. They had strong military power both on land and sea. They had an effective administration as well.

Conclusion

Shivaji strengthened the administration by abolishing the jagir system, zamindari system, and jobs passed on a hereditary basis. He established the Ashtapradhan system, which is eight ministers. The Maratha power declined slowly and eventually accepted the proposal of the East India Company in 1818. This brought an end to the great Maratha empire and its reign in the country.