Rise and Fall of Martha Empire

Political Vacuum Filling: The Maratha Kingdom emerged as the most potent successor state, uniquely positioned to fill the political void left by the crumbling Mughal Empire.

Unity Challenges: Despite producing skilled commanders and statesmen, Maratha Sardars lacked unity and a cohesive vision required for establishing an all-India empire.

Shahu’s Release and Civil War: Shahu, Shivaji’s grandson, released in 1707 after Aurangzeb’s death, triggered a civil war against his aunt Tara Bai in Kolhapur, fueling rivalry among Maratha Sardars.

Power Struggles and Intrigues: Maratha Sardars, with loyal armies, aligned with contenders for power, exploiting the chaos to enhance their influence. Intrigues with Mughal viceroys further complicated the political landscape.

Balaji Vishwanath

Peshwa Leadership: The conflict between Shahu and Tara Bai in Kolhapur led to the establishment of a new Maratha government under Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath. His diplomacy and consolidation efforts transformed the Maratha state into an empire.

Balaji Vishwanath’s Rule: Appointed Peshwa in 1713, Balaji Vishwanath strengthened Maratha influence, utilizing internal conflicts among Mughal officials and securing significant territorial gains.

Baji Rao I’s Expansion: Baji Rao I, succeeding his father in 1720, became a bold and brilliant commander. Under his leadership, the Marathas waged campaigns against the Mughal Empire, expanding control over Malwa, Gujarat, and parts of Bundelkhand.

Maratha Ascendancy: Baji Rao’s campaigns extended Maratha control over Bengal, Mysore, and parts of North India, reaching its zenith by 1740. The Maratha families of Gaekwad, Holkar, Sindhia, and Bhonsle gained prominence.

Challenges and Defeat: The Marathas faced a major setback in the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, resulting in a significant loss of military strength and political prestige.

Recovery under Madhav Rao: Madhav Rao, Peshwa from 1761, restored Maratha fortunes, defeating the Nizam, securing tribute from Haidar Ali of Mysore, and reasserting control over North India.

Maratha Decline: After Madhav Rao’s death in 1772, internal struggles and British interference weakened the Maratha Empire. The First Anglo-Maratha War, 1775-1782, marked the beginning of British efforts to curb Maratha power.

British Supremacy: The British, through clever diplomacy, divided and conquered the Maratha Sardars in the Second and Third Anglo-Maratha Wars (1803-1819). While some Maratha states remained as subsidiaries, the Peshwa’s power was extinguished, marking the end of Maratha dominance.

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