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 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 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 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.