List of Maratha Wars: The Maratha Empire, one of the most significant powers in Indian history, saw many wars that shaped its rise, expansion, and eventual decline. From the early years of its establishment to the peak of its dominance, these wars are crucial to understanding the Maratha legacy.
The Maratha warriors, led by brave rulers like Shivaji Maharaj, faced numerous challenges from both within and outside the empire. Maratha wars not only influenced the Maratha Empire's territorial control but also left lasting impacts on Indian politics, culture, and society.
The history of the Maratha Empire is marked by a series of wars that played a crucial role in shaping its destiny. These conflicts were instrumental in establishing the Marathas as a dominant force in the Indian subcontinent, but they also contributed to its downfall in later phases.
The Maratha-Mughal conflicts were a series of battles between the Maratha Empire and the Mughal Empire in the 17th and early 18th centuries. These fights played a key role in making the Marathas a strong power and reducing Mughal control in India. Here is the list of key battles in Maratha War with the Mughals.
Battle | Year | Combatants | Result |
Battle of Pratapgarh | 1659 | Marathas vs. Bijapur Sultanate | Victory |
Battle of Pavan Khind | 1660 | Marathas vs. Bijapur Sultanate | Inconclusive |
Battle of Panhala | 1660 | Marathas vs. Bijapur Sultanate | Defeat |
Battle of Chakan | 1660 | Marathas vs. Mughal Empire | Defeat |
Battle of Umberkhind | 1661 | Marathas vs. Mughal Empire | Victory |
Battle of Surat | 1664 | Marathas vs. Mughal Empire | Victory |
Battle of Purandar | 1665 | Marathas vs. Mughal Empire | Defeat |
Battle of Sinhagad | 1670 | Marathas vs. Mughal Empire | Victory |
Battle of Salher | 1672 | Marathas vs. Mughal Empire | Victory |
Battle of Bhupalgarh | 1679 | Maratha Kingdom vs. Mughal Empire | Defeat |
Battle of Kalyan | 1682-1684 | Maratha Kingdom vs. Mughal Empire | Victory |
Battle of Ramsej | 1682-1688 | Maratha Kingdom vs. Mughal Empire | Defeat |
Battle of Wai | 1687 | Maratha Kingdom vs. Mughal Empire | Victory |
The Maratha-Nizam Wars were a series of conflicts between the Maratha Empire and the Nizam of Hyderabad in the 18th century. These wars were primarily driven by territorial disputes and the Marathas' ambition to assert their dominance in the Deccan region.
Battle | Year | Combatants | Outcome |
Battle of Palkhed | 1728 | Maratha Confederacy vs. Hyderabad Deccan | Victory |
Battle of Uruli | 1762 | Maratha Confederacy vs. Hyderabad Deccan | Victory |
Battle of Rakshasbhuvan | 1763 | Maratha Confederacy vs. Hyderabad Deccan | Victory |
Battle of Kharda | 1795 | Maratha Confederacy vs. Hyderabad Deccan | Victory |
The Maratha-Rajput Wars were conflicts between the Maratha Empire and various Rajput kingdoms during the 18th century. These wars were characterized by the Marathas' attempts to expand their influence into Rajputana, leading to both military confrontations and alliances.
Battle | Year | Combatants | Outcome |
Battle of Pilsud | 1715 | Maratha Confederacy vs. Kingdom of Amber | Defeat |
Battle of Mandsaur | 1732 | Maratha Confederacy vs. Kingdom of Amber | Victory |
Battle of Kakkor | 1759 | Maratha Confederacy vs. Kingdom of Amber | Defeat |
The Maratha-Mysore Wars were a series of conflicts between the Maratha Empire and the Kingdom of Mysore in the 18th century. These wars were primarily over territorial disputes in southern India and were marked by shifting alliances and intense battles.
War | Battle | Year | Outcome |
First Maratha-Mysore War | Battle of Rattihalli | 1764 | Victory |
Battle of Jadi Hanwati | 1764 | Victory | |
Battle of Sira | 1767 | Victory | |
Battle of Moti Talab | 1771 | Victory | |
Second Maratha-Mysore War | Battle of Saunshi | 1777 | Defeat |
First Battle of Nargund | 1778 | Defeat | |
Second Battle of Nargund | 1785 | Defeat | |
Battle of Adoni | 1786 | Defeat | |
Battle of Savanur | 1786 | Defeat |
The Anglo-Maratha Wars were a series of three battles fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These wars ultimately led to the decline of the Maratha Empire and the establishment of British supremacy in India.
First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782):
Triggered by the Treaty of Surat and concluded with the Treaty of Salbai, which maintained the status quo.
Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805):
Resulted in significant British gains, including control over Delhi and parts of the Maratha territories.
Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1819):
Led to the final defeat of the Maratha Confederacy and the establishment of British dominance over India.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, fought numerous battles during his lifetime to expand and defend his kingdom. Below is a list of some of the significant battles fought by him:
Battle | Year | Outcome |
Battle of Torna | 1646 | Shivaji captured Torna Fort from the Bijapur Sultanate |
Battle of Raigad | 1656 | Shivaji defeated the Adil Shahi forces and captured Raigad Fort, which later became his capital. |
Battle of Pratapgad | November 10, 1659 | Shivaji defeated Afzal Khan, a commander of the Bijapur Sultanate. |
Battle of Kolhapur | December 28, 1659 | Shivaji defeated the Adilshahi forces, expanding his control. |
Battle of Chakan | 1660 | Shivaji faced defeat against the Mughal Empire. |
Battle of Umberkhind | February 2, 1661 | Shivaji defeated the Mughal general Kartalab Khan. |
Sacking of Surat | January 5, 1664 | Shivaji raided Surat, defeating the Mughal captain Inayat Khan. |
Battle of Purandar | 1665 | Shivaji strategically defended his territories against the Mughal Empire. |
Battle of Sinhagad | February 4, 1670 | Tanaji Malusare led the Marathas to victory against the Mughal forces. |
Battle of Wadgaon | 1670 | Shivaji's forces defeated the Adil Shahi Sultanate, strengthening control over the western Deccan. |
Battle of Toppur | 1678 | Shivaji defeated the Bijapur Sultanate, gaining control over Toppur Fort. |
Battle of Sangamner | 1679 | This was Shivaji's last battle against the Mughal Empire, resulting in defeat. |
Battle of Vani-Dindori | 1679 | Shivaji's forces defeated the Mughals, capturing important territories. |
In conclusion, the Maratha Empire’s war legacy symbolizes its strength and strategy. They fought against powerful forces like the Mughal Empire and colonial powers, playing a key role in shaping India’s history. Maratha wars showcase their courage, tactics, and a relentless pursuit of independence.
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