Maratha / Maratha / The Marathas and their Policy of Expansion
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 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 on establishing Maratha dominance in Malwa and Gujarat as the initial steps toward a large and powerful Maratha empire.
