Maratha Empire History For SSC Exams: About Shivaji, Battles & Administration

Maratha Empire History For SSC Exams explains how a small regional power in the Deccan grew into one of the most dominant forces in medieval India. The empire’s rise was supported by the rugged geography between the Narmada River and the Krishna River, which provided natural protection and strategic advantage. 

Earlier controlled by the Vijayanagar Empire and later by the Bahmani Sultanate’s successor states like Ahmadnagar and Bijapur, this region became the strong base of Maratha power. Strong leadership, effective administration, and innovative military tactics helped the Marathas expand rapidly and challenge major empires across India.

Maratha Empire: Geographical Context and Early Status

The Maratha homeland, part of the Deccan Plateau or Deccan Trap, played a crucial role in their military success. Its high, rugged hills and dense forests were familiar to local Maratha soldiers, often from Konkan's tribal communities. They navigated this difficult terrain with agility, unlike the less-adapted armies of Ahmadnagar and Bijapur.

The Monitor Lizard (Ghorpad), a local fauna, was famously used by Marathas. These lizards, distinct from venomous Komodo Dragons, were tamed to scale sheer rock faces, aiding in fortress assaults, as exemplified by Tanaji Malusare's pet, Yashwanti. This intimate geographical knowledge gave the Marathas a significant strategic advantage.

The Role of Malik Ambar and Guerrilla Warfare

Before Shivaji, Malik Ambar, an Ethiopian slave who rose to power, refined Maratha combat styles. He recruited local Marathas, becoming known for looting Mughal armies in the Deccan under Emperor Jahangir. 

Malik Ambar is credited with teaching the Marathas the Guerrilla War Strategy, perfectly suited to the Deccan's terrain. His surprise ambush tactics were likened to a comical villain appearing suddenly to rob people (Memory Tip: Think of a villain appearing suddenly to rob people).

This strategy focuses on attacking without being seen. Tactics include hiding on hills or in dense forests, concealing oneself in dry leaves or shallow rivers, and launching sudden attacks before disappearing back into the environment.

Factors Contributing to the Rise of the Marathas

Several factors propelled the Marathas' emergence as an independent state:

1. Mughal Annexation and Policies: The Mughal annexation of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate and oppressive policies under Aurangzeb, such as temple destruction and forced conversions, fueled widespread resentment and a desire for liberation.

2. Spiritual and Political Guidance: Samarth Guru Ramdas traveled Maratha lands, raising awareness against Mughal rule. He became Shivaji's spiritual guru, instilling in him the duty to protect Hindu Dharma and oppose the Mughals.

3. Geographical Advantages: The region's rugged geography provided a natural defense and favored the Marathas' combat style.

4. Historical Interpretations: While historian V.A. Smith termed Marathas "dacoits" (robbers), Justice M.G. Ranade, in his book "Rise of the Maratha Power," argued it was a genuine national movement for freedom.

Shivaji Maharaj: Birth and Early Life

Shivaji's birth is most widely accepted as February 19, 1630, in Shivner Fort near Pune. His mother, Jijabai, named him Shivaji after the fort's deity, Shivneri Mata. 

His father, Shahaji Bhonsle, initially served Ahmadnagar, receiving the jagir of Pune. Following a fallout with Jijabai, Shahaji married Tukabai Mohite, joined the Sultanate of Bijapur, and relocated to Karnataka, leaving Jijabai and young Shivaji in Pune.

Shivaji's Upbringing and Key Influences

Three figures profoundly shaped Shivaji's character and mission:

Historian M.G. Ranade praised Jijabai's role in molding Shivaji's formidable character.

Shivaji's Early Military Campaigns (Against Bijapur)

Shivaji began his mission of establishing Swarajya by capturing forts from the Sultanate of Bijapur. He was a benevolent ruler, fostering immense loyalty among his people with his vision of freedom.

• First Major Conquest: In 1646, he captured the Torna Fort.

• Subsequent Conquests: He later captured Purandar Fort (1646). In 1656, he seized Javali Fort from Chandrarao More, whom he had assassinated after More refused to join Swarajya. He then made Rajgad Fort (1656) his capital, continuing to capture various other Bijapur forts.

The Confrontation with Afzal Khan (1659)

Alarmed by Shivaji's conquests, Bijapur's Badi Begum sent her powerful general, Afzal Khan, to crush the rebellion. Afzal Khan marched towards Pratapgad Fort, devastating villages, and proposed a private meeting, secretly planning assassination.

Shivaji's envoy, Krishnaji Bhaskar, loyal to Shivaji, warned him of the plot. Shivaji prepared meticulously: he wore iron armor (baktarband) under his clothes and armed himself with a hidden weapon, the Bagnakha ("tiger claws"). He positioned his elite 'Mavle' soldiers in the surrounding forests with orders to attack on his signal.

During their embrace, the larger Afzal Khan tried to stab Shivaji, but the armor saved him. Realizing the betrayal, Shivaji used the Bagnakha to fatally wound Afzal Khan. At Shivaji's signal, the Maratha army routed the unprepared Bijapur forces. Afzal Khan's head was sent to the Badi Begum, dramatically enhancing Shivaji's reputation.

The Mughal Response: The Shaista Khan Campaign (1660)

Shivaji's victory over Afzal Khan alarmed Aurangzeb, who considered Shivaji a "pahadi chuha" (hill rat). Aurangzeb dispatched his maternal uncle, Shaista Khan, with a massive Mughal army to the Deccan.

Shaista Khan initially succeeded, capturing numerous forts previously won by Shivaji, including Pune. Shivaji, however, adopted strategic patience, observing and planning rather than engaging in a direct confrontation.

The Ambush of Shaista Khan

Shaista Khan systematically captured around 33 forts, including Pune. Shivaji, advised by his Ashta Pradhan to act, waited for a strategic moment. His intelligence revealed that on April 15, 1663, Shaista Khan and his soldiers would be celebrating in the Pune fort. Shivaji saw this as an opportunity for a surprise attack to eliminate Shaista Khan, demoralizing Mughal forces.

For this mission, Shivaji summoned Tanaji Malusare. Tanaji famously used his pet monitor lizard, Yashwanti, to scale the fort walls.

 A rope, tied to the lizard, allowed Mavle soldiers to infiltrate silently. Once inside, they used guerrilla tactics against the unsuspecting Mughal soldiers. Shivaji reached Shaista Khan's bedroom and, as Shaista Khan attempted to flee, Shivaji struck him, severing his fingers. Shaista Khan escaped, wounded and humiliated, and was later dismissed by Aurangzeb.

The First Sack of Surat (1664)

Despite the psychological victory against Shaista Khan, Shivaji faced financial strain due to the looted treasuries. To replenish his funds, Shivaji planned to raid Surat, a major commercial hub and revenue source for the Mughal Empire, which also housed a British East India Company factory.

On February 10, 1664, Shivaji attacked and looted Surat. The Mughal faujdar, Inayat Khan, fled. George Oxinden was the East India Company's factory governor. The wealth plundered from Surat significantly compensated for Maratha losses.

The Treaty of Purandar (1665)

Aurangzeb, humiliated by the Shaista Khan incident and the sacking of Surat, sent Mirza Raja Jai Singh of Amer (Jaipur), a formidable Rajput general, with Diler Khan and a massive army to crush Shivaji. Jai Singh laid siege to the critical Purandar fort, where Shivaji's commander, Murarbaji Deshpande, bravely died defending it.

Facing overwhelming odds, Shivaji chose diplomacy, leading to the Treaty of Purandar.

• Date: June 24, 1665.

• Parties: Shivaji and Mirza Raja Jai Singh (representing Aurangzeb).

Despite Shivaji's appeal to Jai Singh's Rajput pride, Jai Singh remained bound by duty to Aurangzeb.

Terms of the Treaty:

1. Shivaji surrendered 23 of his 33 forts to the Mughals, with an annual income of 4 lakh Huns.

2. Shivaji kept 12 forts, including Raigad, with an annual income of 1 lakh Huns.

3. Shivaji's son, Sambhaji, was to be sent to the Mughal court and granted a 5000-mansabdar rank.

4. Shivaji received the Balaghat region but had to pay 40 lakh Huns to the Mughals.

5. Shivaji promised military aid to the Mughals against Bijapur.

6. Shivaji was required to visit Aurangzeb's court in Agra, with Jai Singh's son, Ram Singh, assuring his safety.

Shivaji's Visit to the Mughal Court and Escape (1666)

Shivaji, along with Sambhaji, arrived in Agra on May 22, 1666, entrusting his kingdom's administration to Jijabai. At court, he faced humiliation: placed in the row of 5000-mansabdars, while Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur, whom Shivaji had defeated, held a higher position.

Insulted, Shivaji protested loudly, rejecting a compensatory gift (khillat) and declaring the Treaty of Purandar null and void. Aurangzeb ordered Shivaji and Sambhaji to be placed under house arrest in the Jaipur Palace in Agra.

After months, Shivaji devised an escape. He feigned illness and requested permission to distribute sweets to saints and the poor. Initially, guards checked the baskets, but grew complacent. Seizing the opportunity, Shivaji and Sambhaji hid inside two large baskets and were carried out. They then disguised themselves and returned to the Deccan, escaping before Aurangzeb realized their absence.

Reconquest and Second Sack of Surat (1670)

Following his daring escape, a temporary truce ensued. Aurangzeb conferred the title of Raja upon Shivaji, and Sambhaji's 5000-mansabdar rank was restored.

Shivaji soon began recapturing ceded forts. On February 4, 1670, he recaptured Kondhana fort, though at the cost of Tanaji Malusare's life. Shivaji famously remarked, "Gad ala pan sinha gela" (We have won the fort, but lost the lion). By 1674, he had regained most of the 23 forts surrendered in the Treaty of Purandar (except Shivner). To fund his campaigns, he looted Surat a second time in October 1670.

Shivaji's Coronation (Rajyabhishek)

Jijabai desired to see Shivaji crowned as a sovereign king (Chhatrapati), as many still considered him merely a jagirdar.

First Coronation:

• Date: June 15, 1674

• Location: Raigad Fort, designated as the capital.

• Presiding Priest: Ganga Bhatt, a renowned Brahmin scholar from Kashi, as some local orthodox Brahmins questioned Shivaji's Kshatriya status.

• Titles Assumed: Chhatrapati (Sovereign Lord), Go-Brahmana Pratipalak (Protector of Cows and Brahmins), and Haindava Dharmoddharak (Upholder of the Hindu Faith).

• Witness: Henry Oxenden, an English envoy, was present.

Jijabai passed away 12 days later. A second, smaller coronation, according to tantric rites by Nishchal Puri Goswami, was held on September 24, 1674, to counter perceived ill omens. Following this, Shivaji issued his own currency: the gold Hun and copper Shivrai.

Maratha Administration

Shivaji established a highly structured and effective administration centered on the king and a council of ministers.

Central Administration: The Ashta Pradhan

The Chhatrapati was assisted by the Ashta Pradhan, a council of eight advisory ministers, similar to a modern head of state advised by a cabinet.

The eight ministers were:

1. Peshwa (Prime Minister): Oversaw general administration and advised the king.

2. Amatya / Majumdar (Finance Minister): Managed state accounts and revenue.

3. Mantri / Waqia-Navis (Chronicler): Maintained daily records and court proceedings.

4. Sachiv / Surunavis (Secretary): Managed official correspondence.

5. Sumant / Dabir (Foreign Minister): Advised on foreign relations.

6. Senapati / Sar-i-Naubat (Commander-in-Chief): Managed the army and military affairs.

7. Panditrao (Head Priest): Oversaw religious matters and charitable grants.

8. Nyayadhish (Chief Justice): Headed the judicial system after the king.