The Marathas, a formidable warrior community hailing from the western region of India, played a pivotal role in shaping the medieval history of the Indian subcontinent. Emerging as a powerful force during the 17th century, the Marathas not only withstood foreign invasions but also established a robust and influential empire that spanned a significant portion of the Indian subcontinent. Exceptional military strategies, skilled leadership, and astute political maneuvering marked their rise to prominence. As a central force in the Deccan, the Marathas posed a challenge to the Mughal Empire and later became key players in the political landscape of pre-modern India. This exploration of Maratha history is essential for understanding the complex dynamics that unfolded during the medieval period and significantly influenced the socio-political fabric of the subcontinent.
The Marathas and their Policy of Expansion:
With Baji Rao’s ascent to the Peshwaship, the Marathas underwent a transformative phase, transitioning from a defensive posture to an aggressive expansionist policy. This marked a pivotal shift from the earlier focus on national survival to a deliberate endeavor of empire-building. The evolution of this new approach, however, was not instantaneous; rather, it emerged gradually, with Baji Rao playing a central role in crystallizing and implementing this altered trajectory.
1. Aurangzeb’s Reign and Emerging Trends:
- The shift in Maratha strategy began during the later years of Aurangzeb’s reign.
- Regular raids into Gujarat and Malwa signaled a change in the character of the Maratha movement.
2. Baji Rao’s Arrival and Legal Battle:
Baji Rao’s accession witnessed a protracted legal battle with Pratinidhi Shripat Rao in the Maratha court. Direction and timing of expansion, relations with Nizam-ul-Mulk, internal administration challenges, and the struggle for power between the Peshwa and Pratinidhi.
3. Expansion Views: Pratinidhi vs. Baji Rao:
Pratinidhi’s Perspective:
- Priority on Konkan and completing Shivaji’s conquest of Karnataka.
- Caution against provoking the Mughals excessively to avoid homeland invasion.
- Emphasis on stabilizing finances, strengthening the army, and establishing administrative stability before large-scale expansion.
Baji Rao’s Perspective:
- Highlighted Mughal Court’s weakness and internal conflicts.
- Dismissed Karnataka conquest as a domestic matter.
- Stressed alleged friendship of Hindu powers and discounted Nizam’s power.
- Advocated for a northward drive, alluding to Shivaji’s vision of Hindu domination.
- Appealed to Maratha Sardars’ predatory instincts with visions of the wealth in northern India.
4. Northward Expansion and Geopolitical Strategy:
- Baji Rao envisioned a Maratha dominance in Malwa and Gujarat as a strategic move.
- The plan was to create a schism between the Nizam and Delhi by securing Malwa and Gujarat. Marathas would encircle the Nizam’s territories, enabling them to turn against him without fear of Delhi’s assistance.
5. Realistic Goals and Political Hyperbole:
Baji Rao was pragmatic, understanding the impracticality of the immediate conquest of distant territories. While he rhetorically spoke of planting the Maratha flag on Attock, it was more a political hyperbole than an immediate goal. His primary focus was establishing Maratha dominance in Malwa and Gujarat as the initial steps toward a large and powerful Maratha empire.
Marathas and Nizam-ul-Mulk:
The historical connection between the Marathas and Nizam-ul-Mulk traversed various phases, significantly influencing Maratha activities in regions like Malwa and Gujarat. The intricate dynamics between these powers unfolded through diplomatic overtures, territorial disputes, and, at times, open hostilities.
Nizam-ul-Mulk’s Deccan Dominance: 1715-1717
As the Viceroy of the Deccan from 1715 to 1717, Nizam-ul-Mulk engaged in a protracted struggle with the Marathas for control over the Deccan’s Chauth and Sardeshmukhi. Despite repeated conflicts, Nizam-ul-Mulk’s endeavors were met with limited success. His tenure as Viceroy witnessed continuous warfare with the Marathas, setting the stage for a complex relationship that would evolve over the years.
The Shift in Maratha-Nizam Relations
Nizam-ul-Mulk’s revolt against the Sayyids marked a turning point. Following his successful rebellion, he acknowledged the Imperial Farman, recognizing the Marathas’ entitlement to the Chauth and Sardeshmukhi of the Deccan. This acknowledgment laid the groundwork for subsequent interactions between Nizam-ul-Mulk and the Marathas.
The Encounter of 1721:
Nizam-ul-Mulk’s first meeting with Baji Rao in 1721 aimed at establishing closer ties. Despite his efforts, a lasting understanding between the two powers remained elusive. The primary point of contention revolved around Karnataka, a region Nizam-ul-Mulk considered rightfully his due to his succession to the kingdoms of Bijapur and Golconda.
Karnataka Dispute 1721-1728
The dispute over Karnataka became a focal point of discord. While Nizam-ul-Mulk viewed it as his legitimate domain, the Marathas, with a historical interest dating back to Shahji’s time, were determined to exploit and subjugate the region. In Nizam-ul-Mulk’s absence from 1721 to 1724, hostilities escalated as his subordinate, Mubariz-ul-Mulk, violated Chauth and Sardeshmukhi agreements.
Diplomacy and Military Alliances: 1723-1728
Nizam-ul-Mulk made earnest attempts to maintain cordial relations with the Marathas. Encounters with Baji Rao in Malwa and a joint Maratha-Nizam contingent at the Battle of Shakar Khera in 1725 showcased diplomatic efforts. However, the situation took a precarious turn in 1728 as Nizam-ul-Mulk grew uneasy about Maratha operations in Malwa and Gujarat.
The Battle of Palkhed: A Decisive Moment
In 1728, tensions reached a breaking point, and both powers stood on the verge of war. Nizam-ul-Mulk, concerned about the Maratha expansion, suspended Chauth and Sardeshmukhi payments. His attempts to mediate in the Shahu-Sambhaji dispute backfired, leading to a swift and decisive response from Baji Rao. The Battle of Palkhed on 7th February 1728 concluded with a resounding victory for Baji Rao, solidifying Maratha dominance in the region.
Mungi Shevgaon Treaty of 1728:
The aftermath of the Battle of Palkhed saw the signing of the Mungi Shevgaon Treaty. Nizam-ul-Mulk reiterated Shahu’s claim to Deccan Chauth and Sardeshmukhi and pledged not to assist Sambhaji of Kolhapur. This treaty, while resolving immediate tensions, reflected the intricate dance of power, diplomacy, and territorial aspirations in the 18th-century Deccan.
The relationship between the Marathas and Nizam-ul-Mulk during this period was characterized by shifting alliances, territorial disputes, and a delicate balance of power. The Karnataka dispute and the Battle of Palkhed stand out as pivotal moments, shaping the contours of their interaction. The intricacies of this historical connection continue to provide valuable insights into the complex tapestry of India’s political landscape during the 18th century.
Maratha Advance into Gujarat and Malwa:
Background
The Marathas’ strategic expansion into Gujarat and Malwa was rooted in their demand for acknowledgment of claims to these crucial provinces. Balaji Vishwanath, during his return to Delhi in 1719, received imperial commands to secure the chauth of Gujarat and Malwa. In pursuit of establishing a stronghold, the Marathas intensified their attacks in these regions, pressing for the reinstatement of their claims. Despite the financial and geopolitical significance of Gujarat and Malwa, the Mughals and Nizam showed reluctance in committing to the Marathas.
Phases of the Maratha Empire Conquest
- First Phase: Establishing Claims (Gujarat)
The Maratha claim to the chauth and sardeshmukhi of Gujarat found acceptance from Sarbuland Khan, the Imperial administrator, in May 1726. However, Baji Rao’s primary focus remained on Malwa and later the Deccan during this phase. Nevertheless, the Marathas gained control of 28 districts in Gujarat’s south. Baji Rao’s return in 1730 marked a resurgence in Gujarat’s political landscape, with promises of fixed sums and territorial shifts.
- Second Phase: Consolidation (Gujarat)
By 1732, the Marathas had effectively acquired control of districts, enforcing their claims. Despite Governor Gaekwar’s attempts to oust the Marathas through force, the Marathas retaliated, leading to a shift in the balance of power. The united front of the Marathas prevailed, and Gujarat forces retreated, unable to control the situation.
- Third Phase: Annexation (Gujarat)
The final phase witnessed the formal annexation of Gujarat’s land. A written grant from the Emperor was all that remained for the Marathas to solidify their control. The appointment of Fakr-ud-Daulah as governor in 1749 marked a final Mughal effort to retake Gujarat, but the fall of Ahmedabad in 1753 signaled the end of Mughal rule in the region.
- First Phase: Challenging Chauth (Malwa)
In 1723, Baji Rao orchestrated the first organized attempt to assert the Maratha claim for chauth in Malwa. The appointed Mughal subahdar, Girdhar Bahadur, vehemently resisted Maratha demands. The war that ensued lasted until the Battle of Amjhara in November 1728, resulting in the deaths of Girdhar Bahadur and his cousin Daya Ram.
- Second Phase: Territorial Shifts (Malwa)
Baji Rao’s invasion of Bundelkhand in the aftermath of the Battle of Amjhara compelled M. Khan Bangash to cede territories in exchange for gratitude. The partitioning of Malwa among Maratha sardars into areas of control marked the second phase.
- Third Phase: Mughal Resistance (Malwa)
In 1734-35, Mughal efforts under Wazir Qamar-ud-Din and Bakhshi-ul-Mamalik Khan-i-Dauran reached their zenith to push the Marathas across the Narmada. A powerful alliance of Rajput Rajas and Mughal forces aimed to counter the Marathas. However, despite the formidable strength, the Maratha light cavalry proved decisive, encircling and defeating the regional forces at Toda Tank.
Between 1720 and 1761, the Maratha Empire expanded significantly, eroding the power of the Mughal Empire. By the 1720s, Gujarat and Malwa were wrested from the Mughals. The Maratha king’s supremacy over the Deccan was acknowledged by the 1730s. The raid on Delhi in 1737 further extended the Maratha Empire’s borders to include Rajasthan, Punjab, and beyond. This historical campaign exemplifies the strategic prowess and territorial gains that marked the zenith of Maratha power in the 18th century.
Maratha Advance into Doab and Punjab: (1741-1761)
The Maratha Empire’s foray into the Doab and Punjab, spanning the years 1741 to 1761, unfolded in two distinctive phases. The first phase (1741-1752) commenced with Baji Rao’s demise and the Mughal cession of Malwa and Gujarat. During this period, the Marathas secured the Chauth right over Rajasthan, laying the groundwork for their expansion into the Doab and Punjab. The second phase (1752-1761) witnessed the emergence of Ahmad Shah Abdali and a paradigm shift in Northern Indian politics, culminating in the infamous Battle of Panipat.
First Phase (1741-1752)
In the initial phase, the Marathas strategically concentrated on establishing their claim to the Chauth in “frontier” regions. Key developments included:
- Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa Campaigns: Raghuji Bhonsle orchestrated raids in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa to assert Chauth. Despite resistance from Nawab Alivardi Khan, a 1751 agreement fixed the Chauth at Rs.12,000 annually, with territorial exchanges favoring Raghuji.
- Deccan Conflicts: The Marathas engaged in conflicts over control of Karnataka and Khandesh against Nizam (Asaf Jah) and Nasir Jang, Nizam’s successor. The focus on Bengal and Orissa allowed the Nizam to establish temporary dominance in Karnataka.
- Rajasthan Intrigues: Maratha influence in Rajasthan, strategically facilitated by Peshwa’s lieutenants Holkar and Sindhia, aimed at extracting Chauth and campaign expenses from Rajput states. However, growing Rajput resentment culminated in the assassination of around 5000 Marathas in Jaipur in 1751.
Second Phase (1752-1761)
With Ahmad Shah Abdali’s rise and invasion in 1748, a new political landscape emerged. Key events included:
- Emperor’s Plea: Upon Abdali’s capture of Lahore, the Delhi Emperor sought assistance from the Peshwa. Sindhia and Holkar were dispatched to aid, marking a shift in Maratha intentions towards preserving the Mughal Empire.
- Collaboration with Safdar Jung: After Emperor Muhammad Shah’s death, Ahmad Shah appointed Safdar Jung as wazir. Seeking Maratha assistance against Ruhela Afghans and Ahmad Khan Bangash, Safdar Jung promised Rs.25,000 per day for campaign costs.
- Alliance and Subahdaris: The Marathas and the Emperor reached an agreement in 1752. The Marathas committed to protecting the Emperor from internal and external threats, receiving 50 lakhs in return. The Subahdaris of Agra and Ajmer were bestowed upon the Peshwas.
Alliance with Imad-ul-Mulk (1753-1759)
During 1753-1759, the Marathas allied with the wazir Imad-ul-Mulk, marking a zenith in Maratha power in North India. However, this period also saw the alienation of potential allies, laying the groundwork for the tragic events at Panipat in 1761.
The Maratha Empire’s advance into the Doab and Punjab was marked by strategic maneuvers, alliances, and conflicts. The initial focus on securing the Chauth and expanding influence in Rajasthan set the stage for the pivotal second phase, characterized by collaboration with the Emperor and confronting the looming threat of Ahmad Shah Abdali. The alliance with Imad-ul-Mulk showcased Maratha’s dominance but came at the cost of diplomatic isolation, ultimately contributing to the tragic outcome at Panipat in 1761.
Marathas’ Ascendance: The First Phase (1741-1752)
The Maratha Empire, emerging as a dominant force following Aurangzeb’s demise in 1707, embarked on a 50-year era of expansion into North India under the visionary leadership of Peshwa Baji Rao I and Chimanji Appa. This period witnessed the conquest of Gujarat, Central India, and Orissa, subjugation of Rajputana, raids in Bengal, and the imposition of Chauth on Bengal and Tiruchirapalli. The first phase, spanning from 1741 to 1752, unfolded with strategic shifts and challenges, marking a crucial chapter in Maratha history.
Features of the First Phase (1741-1752)
Concentration on Chauth in Frontier Areas:
- The primary focus of the Marathas during this phase was on establishing their claim to the Chauth of the so-called “frontier” areas.
- Raghuji Bhonsle played a pivotal role by raiding Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa for Chauth in 1741.
Annual Raids and Agreement with Nawab Alivardi Khan:
- Raghuji’s raids became an annual occurrence, solidifying Maratha presence in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
- Despite strong opposition from Nawab Alivardi Khan, an agreement was reached in 1751, fixing the Chauth at Rs.12,000 annually. South Orissa was ceded to Raghuji.
Control Over Orissa:
- The Marathas effectively took over Orissa as Raghuji Bhonsle was granted the authority to appoint the province’s governor.
Conflict in Deccan:
- The Marathas engaged in conflicts for control of Karnataka and Khandesh in the Deccan against Nizam (Asaf Jah) and his successor, Nasir Jang.
- The raids in Karnataka faced challenges due to Raghuji’s involvement in Bengal and Orissa, allowing the Nizam to establish dominance temporarily.
Conflict with Bussy and Treaty of Bhalke (1751):
- The conflict between the Peshwa and Bussy, the Frenchman ruling Haiderabad, ended in a draw.
- The Treaty of Bhalke (1751) compelled Bussy to hand over revenues of Khandesh, the western half of Berar, and the province of Baglana to the Marathas.
Rajasthan: A Strategic Stronghold:
- Rajasthan emerged as a strategic stronghold for the Marathas, and Peshwa’s lieutenants, Holkar and Sindhia, played key roles.
- Interference in internal affairs, including succession disputes, compelled most Rajput states to agree to pay Chauth and sometimes campaign expenses to the Marathas.
Rajput Resentment and Assassination:
- The Marathas’ entry into Rajasthan led to growing resentment among the Rajputs, culminating in the assassination of around 5000 Marathas in Jaipur in 1751.
- This event triggered a widespread uprising, with Rajputs retaliating against Maratha couriers.
Impact of the Maratha Approach in Rajasthan:
The narrow and self-centered Maratha attitude toward Rajasthan, particularly the Peshwa and lieutenants, Sindhias, and Holkar, exacerbated tensions and fueled Rajput hatred.
The first phase of Marathas’ expansion (1741-1752) showcased a dynamic period marked by strategic gains, conflicts, and the diplomatic challenges of managing diverse regions. While successful in securing Chauth in frontier areas and making strategic inroads, the Marathas faced growing resistance and resentment, particularly in Rajasthan. The impact of their approach during this phase set the stage for future complexities and strategic recalibrations in the Maratha Empire’s expansion into North India.
Marathas’ Dominance: The Second Phase (1752-1761)
The 18th century marked a transformative period in Indian history, witnessing the ascent of the Marathas alongside the decline of the Mughal Empire. The second phase of Maratha advancement into Doab and Punjab, spanning from 1752 to 1761, unfolded against the backdrop of political complexities, external invasions, and shifting alliances. Led by the capable general Baji Rao I, the Marathas became a significant power in Delhi, reshaping the political landscape of Northern India.
Features of the Second Phase (1752-1761)
Consolidation of Maratha Power in the Deccan
- Administrative Consolidation:
- Balaji Baji Rao prioritized administrative stability, focusing on consolidating Maratha conquests in the Deccan.
- Annual expeditions into Karnataka were launched, aiming to free the region from the control of the Hyderabad state.
- Expansion Tactics:
- The departure of Bussy from Haiderabad provided an opportunity for the Marathas to attach Haiderabad state.
- Through strategic maneuvers, the Marathas compelled Haiderabad to surrender key cities and a substantial sum at Udgir in 1761.
Maratha’s Expedition to the North
- New Political Dynamics:
- Ahmad Shah Abdali’s invasion in 1748 altered the political landscape of North India, prompting the Delhi Emperor to seek assistance from the Peshwa.
- Maratha Assistance:
- Sindhia and Holkar were dispatched to assist the Emperor in dealing with the external threat posed by Ahmad Shah Abdali.
- Strategic Alliance:
- Balaji’s actions reflected a combined strategy, emphasizing both consolidation and an aggressive stance in the north.
- Change in Maratha Intentions:
- The evolving situation compelled the Marathas to reconsider their intention of subverting the Mughal Empire, focusing on countering external threats.
- Wazir’s Request for Assistance:
- Safdar Jung, the Wazir, sought Maratha assistance against internal enemies, including Ruhela Afghans and Ahmad Khan Bangash.
- Maratha Response:
- Sindhia and Holkar quickly responded, leveraging the opportunity to establish themselves in the Doab and curry favor with the Imperial wazir.
- Safdar Jung’s Defeat:
- Ahmad Khan Bangash defeated Safdar Jung, prompting him to seek Maratha assistance against the external threat.
- Agreement and Terms:
- In 1752, an agreement was reached, with the Marathas committed to protecting the Emperor from internal and external foes in exchange for substantial financial compensation.
- Unmet Demands:
- Marathas demanded the authority to collect Chauth from Punjab, Sindh, and the Doab, but the Emperor ignored these demands.
Marathas’ Role in Changing Political Dynamics
- Rise of Imad-ul-Mulk:
- In 1753, Safdar Jung faced opposition, leading to a civil war with Imad-ul-Mulk and Najib Khan Ruhela aligning against him.
- Maratha Support for Imad-ul-Mulk:
- Imad-ul-Mulk sought Maratha support, offering a significant reward if the Peshwa assisted him in becoming the wazir.
- Alienation of Allies:
- The alliance with Imad-ul-Mulk marked a peak in Maratha power but also alienated potential allies, setting the stage for later challenges.
- Maratha Campaigns in North India:
- The Peshwa launched three major campaigns in North India during this period, led by Raghunath Rao and later by Sadashiv Bhau.
- Financial and Political Challenges:
- Raghunath Rao faced challenges in collecting funds and sought allies, contributing to the Marathas’ political and financial woes in the region.
- Maratha Diplomacy and Ambitions:
- Diplomatic efforts involved demands for funds from the Jat Raja and expeditions into Rajasthan, contributing to strained relations.
Marathas and the Changing Political System of Delhi
- Wazir’s Conflict and Civil War:
- In 1753, Safdar Jung’s conflict with the Emperor led to a civil war, with Imad-ul-Mulk leading opposition forces.
- Maratha’s Favoritism towards Imad:
- Marathas favored Imad-ul-Mulk, viewing a weak wazir as more amenable to their ambitions for the Doab’s Chauth.
- Impact on Relations:
- The alliance with Imad-ul-Mulk deepened distrust among the Awadh Nawabs towards the Marathas, a sentiment that would have repercussions.
- Decline of Mughal Emperor’s Prestige:
- The Maratha-Imad alliance coincided with the decline of the Mughal Emperor’s prestige, culminating in the assassinations of successive rulers.
- Strategic Implications:
- The alliance with Imad-ul-Mulk exemplified the breadth of Maratha ambitions and contradictions inherent in their pursuit of power.
The second phase of Maratha’s advancement into Doab and Punjab (1752-1761) witnessed a complex interplay of diplomatic strategies, military campaigns, and shifting alliances. While the Marathas consolidated their power in the Deccan, their foray into North India marked a significant chapter in Northern Indian politics. The evolving political dynamics, changing intentions, and strategic alliances during this period laid the groundwork for both Maratha dominance and the challenges that would culminate in the disaster at Panipat in 1761. The Marathas’ intricate involvement in the changing political system of Delhi shaped the destiny of the subcontinent during this crucial era.
The Peshwas
The institution of the Peshwas, established during the heyday of the Maratha Empire, played a pivotal role in shaping the political and administrative landscape of India. This article delves into the specifics of the Peshwa system, with a focus on key figures and historical events.
1. Peshwas and Their Strategic Alliances:
The Peshwas, as prime ministers to the Maratha rulers, strategically allied with influential sirdars, creating a pentarchy. Shindes of Gwalior, Holkars of Indore, Gaikwads of Baroda, and Bhosles of Nagpur formed semi-autonomous fiefdoms under Peshwa control.
2. Arrangements with Chhatrapati:
The Peshwas engaged in arrangements with Chhatrapati, the kings of Shivaji’s line. Similar to the hereditary shogun’s position in Japan, the Peshwa, and the Maratha king maintained separate capitals. The Peshwa received investiture robes from the king, showcasing respect.
3. Balaji Vishwanath (1713-1720):
Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, the first hereditary Peshwa, rose from a small revenue official to a Peshwa in 1713. He played a crucial role in establishing Shahu as the Maratha ruler and secured significant rights from the Mughal emperor, Farukh Siyar, in 1719.
4. Baji Rao I (1720-1740):
Baji Rao I, Balaji Vishwanath’s eldest son, succeeded his father at the age of twenty. Established a confederacy system among Maratha chiefs, assigning autonomous territories and empowering prominent Maratha families.
5. Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb Peshwa, 1740-1761):
Nanasaheb excelled in war, diplomacy, and administration, focusing on civil administration improvements. Nanasaheb’s policies suffered due to the destruction of the Maratha navy in 1756, leading to a strategic alliance with the British to overcome the Angre navy.
6. Third Battle of Panipat (1761):
The Afghan invader Shah Abdali inflicted a major defeat on the Marathas. The Marathas lost over 100,000 men, key sirdars, and valuable resources, marking a turning point in Maratha’s fortunes.
7. Peshwa Madhav Rao I (1761-1772) and Successors:
Madhav Rao, succeeding Nanasaheb, attempted to reclaim Maratha power lost at Panipat. Victorious battles against the Nizam of Hyderabad and Haider Ali of Mysore.
8. Peshwa Baji Rao II (Last Peshwa):
Baji Rao II, son of Raghunath Rao, marked the end of the Peshwa lineage. The British conquest followed the decline of Maratha power, marking the transition in Indian history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who were the Marathas?
Answer: The Marathas were a prominent warrior community in medieval India, primarily concentrated in the Deccan region. They played a significant role in Indian history, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Marathas eventually established a powerful and independent Maratha Empire.
2. What was the significance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maratha history?
Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Empire. He was a visionary leader who successfully established a Maratha state by resisting Mughal and Adil Shahi domination. Shivaji implemented innovative military strategies and administrative reforms that laid the foundation for the Maratha Empire’s expansion.
3. What were the key features of the Maratha military system?
Answer: The Maratha military system was characterized by its flexibility and mobility. The Marathas were skilled in guerrilla warfare and were known for their cavalry, particularly the light cavalry called “Maratha Light Horse.” The use of forts as strategic military assets and the formation of the Maratha navy were also significant aspects of their military prowess.
4. How did the Marathas contribute to the downfall of the Mughal Empire?
Answer: The Marathas played a crucial role in the decline of the Mughal Empire by repeatedly challenging its authority. Through a series of military campaigns, the Marathas weakened the Mughals and expanded their own empire. The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, where the Marathas suffered a setback, marked a turning point in Mughal-Maratha relations.
5. What was the significance of the Treaty of Purandar (1665) between the Marathas and the Mughals?
Answer: The Treaty of Purandar was a significant agreement between the Marathas, led by Shivaji, and the Mughals. According to the treaty, Shivaji agreed to become a vassal of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and cede several forts. However, Shivaji later escaped from house arrest, leading to renewed hostilities. The treaty highlighted the complex relationship between the Marathas and the Mughals during this period.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
