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List of Maratha Wars, Important Battles of Maratha Empire

List of Maratha wars involves a series of battles during the 17th and 18th centuries between the Maratha Empire and various opposing forces. Check the list of Maratha wars here.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit5 Mar, 2025
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List of Maratha Wars

 

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.

List of Maratha Wars

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.

Maratha-Mughal Conflicts

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

Maratha-Nizam Wars

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

Maratha-Rajput Wars

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

Maratha-Mysore Wars

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

Anglo-Maratha Wars

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.

  1. First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782):

    • Triggered by the Treaty of Surat and concluded with the Treaty of Salbai, which maintained the status quo.

  2. Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805):

    • Resulted in significant British gains, including control over Delhi and parts of the Maratha territories.

  3. Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1819):

    • Led to the final defeat of the Maratha Confederacy and the establishment of British dominance over India.

List of Battles Fought by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

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.

Want to learn more about Indian History? Explore PW UPSC Courses and get ready for upcoming exam!

List of Maratha Wars FAQs

What were the main causes of the Maratha Wars?

The main causes were territorial expansion, resistance to Mughal dominance, and the Marathas’ desire to establish their own empire.

How did the Maratha Confederacy manage to defeat the Mughal Empire in several battles?

The Marathas used guerilla warfare tactics, strong leadership, and strategic fortifications to defeat Mughal forces in key battles.

How did the Maratha Wars impact the political landscape of India?

The Maratha Wars weakened the Mughal Empire and disrupted regional power dynamics, paving the way for the rise of other regional powers and colonial influences.

What were the key rivalries during the Maratha Wars?

The Marathas’ main rivals included the Mughal Empire, the Nizam, the British, and the Kingdom of Hyderabad.

How many Anglo-Maratha wars are there?

There were three Anglo-Maratha Wars fought between the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company. They took place from 1775 to 1819.
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