Maratha Empire Quick Revision Guide for Competitive Exams
Maratha Empire (1674–1818)
Founding of the Maratha Empire
- Founder: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
- Year: 1674 (Coronation at Raigad Fort)
- Capital: Raigad
- Religion: Hinduism
- Language: Marathi
Significance: First major Hindu kingdom to rise in the Deccan after centuries of Muslim rule.
Major Leaders of Maratha Empire
| Leader | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Shivaji Maharaj | Founder; established a competent administration, navy, and forts system. |
| Sambhaji | Son of Shivaji; fought Mughals but captured and executed by Aurangzeb. |
| Rajaram | Escaped to Jinji (Tamil Nadu), continued resistance. |
| Tarabai | Rajaram’s widow; led resistance against Mughals. |
| Shahuji | Grandson of Shivaji; won civil war with Tarabai and established Satara seat. |
| Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath | Strengthened Maratha power; negotiated with Mughals. |
| Peshwa Baji Rao I | Expanded empire to the north (Delhi, Malwa, Gujarat). |
| Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) | Empire reached its peak but later lost in 3rd Battle of Panipat. |
| Mahadji Scindia | Revived Maratha power in North India post-Panipat. |
| Baji Rao II | Last Peshwa; exiled by British after Third Anglo-Maratha War. |
Important Battles
Important Events & Dates
Maratha Administration Highlights
- Ashta Pradhan Mandal: Council of 8 ministers under Shivaji
- Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance), Mantri (Interior), Senapati (Army), etc.
- Revenue System: Chauth (1/4th of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (1/10th extra) were collected from territories not under direct rule
- Military: Guerrilla warfare, strong navy, and fort-based defense.
🏰 Maratha Confederacy (Post-Shivaji)
After Shivaji, the empire became a confederation with regional Maratha leaders (Sardars) controlling different parts
End of the Maratha Empire
- Peshwa Baji Rao II signed Treaty of Bassein (1802) giving control to British.
- The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818) led to complete annexation.
- The British abolished the Peshwa position in 1818 and exiled Baji Rao II to Bithoor (near Kanpur).
Quick Facts for MCQs
- Founder of Maratha Empire – Shivaji Maharaj
- Coronation year – 1674
- Capital of Maratha Empire – Raigad
- Maratha battle with Abdali – 3rd Battle of Panipat (1761)
- Maratha–British war ending the empire – Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818)
- Treaty weakening Marathas – Treaty of Bassein (1802)
- System of ministers under Shivaji – Ashta Pradhan
- Revenue methods – Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
Detailed Military System of the Marathas
Economic Policies
Ashta Pradhan Council (Council of 8 Ministers)
Cultural Contributions
Foreign Relations
Maratha Confederacy
After the Peshwa became weak post-Panipat, the Maratha Empire transformed into a confederacy of powerful families:
Important Personalities
Decline of the Maratha Empire
- Defeat at Panipat (1761) – Huge loss of men and prestige.
- Internal Rivalry – Between Peshwas and other Maratha chiefs.
- Lack of Centralized Administration – Confederal system weakened unity.
- British Diplomacy – Treaty of Bassein divided the Marathas.
- Anglo-Maratha Wars – Exhausted resources and manpower.
Timeline for Quick Revision
Sample One-Liner MCQs
- Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire? → Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
- When did the Third Battle of Panipat take place? → 1761
- Which treaty led to British interference in Maratha affairs? → Treaty of Bassein (1802)
- Which fort was Shivaji crowned in? → Raigad Fort
- Who revived Maratha power after Panipat? → Mahadji Scindia
- In which year was Shivaji coronated as Chhatrapati? → 1674
- What was the capital of Shivaji’s kingdom? → Raigad
- Which Mughal general signed the Treaty of Purandar with Shivaji? → Jai Singh I
- Which Maratha leader defeated Afzal Khan? → Shivaji
- Who led the Maratha army in the Third Battle of Panipat? → Sadashivrao Bhau
- Who was the Peshwa during the peak of the Maratha Empire? → Baji Rao I
- Which Maratha ruler was known for establishing a naval force? → Shivaji
Administration & Governance
- The Council of Eight Ministers in Shivaji’s administration was called: → Ashta Pradhan
- Who was the finance minister in Shivaji’s council? → Amatya
- What was ‘Chauth’? → 25% tax on revenue
- Which fort was captured by Shivaji from the Mughals in 1670? → Sinhagad
- Tanaji Malusare is associated with the capture of which fort? → Sinhagad
Wars & Battles
- Battle of Pratapgad was fought in the year: → 1659
- Battle of Salher (1672) was significant because:→ Major Mughal defeat in open battle
- Which Maratha leader built a stronghold in North India after Panipat? → Mahadji Scindia
- Which treaty was signed between Peshwa Baji Rao II and the British? → Treaty of Bassein
- Which Anglo-Maratha War ended the Maratha Empire?→ Third
Personalities & Dynasties
- Who was the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire? → Balaji Vishwanath
- Who was Shivaji’s son and successor? → Sambhaji
- Which brave Maratha woman led the war against the Mughals after Rajaram’s death?→ Tarabai
- Which Maratha queen is known for her just rule and development? → Ahilyabai Holkar
- Who was the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire? → Baji Rao II
Miscellaneous
- Which Maratha family ruled Baroda? → Gaekwad
- Which Maratha leader was known as the ‘Napoleon of India’? → Baji Rao I
- Shivaji’s trusted advisor and spiritual guru was: → Samarth Ramdas
- Which Maratha ruler raided Surat twice? → Shivaji
- Who was known for diplomatic skills among Peshwas? → Nana Phadnavis
Founding & Expansion
- In which year did Shivaji raid Surat for the first time? → 1664
- Shivaji was born at which fort? → Shivneri
- Which Mughal officer lost his fingers in an attack by Shivaji? → Shaista Khan
- Shaista Khan was attacked by Shivaji in which year? → 1663
- Which battle is considered Shivaji’s first major military success? → Pratapgad
- Who was the commander of the Bijapur forces defeated by Shivaji at Pratapgad? → Afzal Khan
- Shivaji used which military tactic extensively? → Guerrilla warfare
- Which fort was built by Shivaji as his capital? → Raigad
Peshwas & Administration
- Who was the first hereditary Peshwa? → Balaji Vishwanath
- Which Peshwa expanded the Maratha Empire beyond the Vindhyas? → Baji Rao I
- Who was the Peshwa during the Battle of Panipat? → Balaji Baji Rao
- Who was the political advisor and de facto ruler after Panipat? → Nana Phadnavis
- Which treaty ended the First Anglo-Maratha War? → Treaty of Salbai
- Under which Peshwa did the Maratha Empire reach its greatest territorial extent? → Balaji Baji Rao
Wars, Treaties & Decline
- What was the result of the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–18)? → End of Maratha rule; British victory
- In which year was the Treaty of Bassein signed? → 1802
- Which Anglo-Maratha war started due to the Treaty of Bassein? → Second
- Who signed the Treaty of Bassein with the British? → Baji Rao II
- Who was the Maratha ruler during the Third Anglo-Maratha War? → Baji Rao II
Maratha Confederacy (Post-Shivaji)
- Who ruled Gwalior among the Maratha chiefs? → Scindia
- Which Maratha family ruled over Nagpur? → Bhonsle
- Which family ruled Baroda under Maratha confederacy? → Gaekwad
- Which ruler of the Holkar family is known for her development work? → Ahilyabai
Miscellaneous
Shivaji was formally given the title "Chhatrapati" at: → Raigad
Who administered justice in Shivaji’s council? → Nyayadhish
Shivaji’s Guru who wrote Dasbodh was: → Samarth Ramdas
Which title was assumed by Shivaji after coronation? → Chhatrapati
What was ‘Sardeshmukhi’? → 10% extra tax
Which sea power was a threat to Shivaji’s navy? → Siddis of Janjira
Which city was the Maratha capital under the Peshwas? → Pune