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3.The-Rise-of-the-Marathas.pdfppt/pdf/8th class social science Exploring Society: India and Beyond/By:K Sandeep Swamy(M.Sc,B.Ed)

8th class social science Exploring Society: India and Beyond By:K Sandeep Swamy(M.Sc,B.Ed) For Online Classes (IITJEE & NEET foundation and academics) contact : 9491878325 Subscribe Samyans Eduhub youtube channel A journey through the remarkable story of how the Marathas became the largest pan-Indian power before British rule, their governance systems, and their lasting impact on Indian history. Who Were the Marathas? The Marathas were native to the Deccan plateau, specifically present-day Maharashtra. They are identified by their language, Marathi, which has enjoyed a rich literary history since the 12th century. During the 13th century, most of Maharashtra was ruled by the Yadava dynasty with Devagiri (present-day Daulatabad) as its capital. In the early 14th century, the Yadava dynasty was overcome by the Khilji Sultanate from Delhi. Fig. 3.4. Postal stamp showing Sant Tukaram (left) and Fig. 3.3. Sant Ramdas (right) The Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra Cultural Foundation Between the 7th and 17th centuries, saints from diverse sections of society composed devotional songs and poetry in local languages, enabling their messages to spread widely. Notable Saints Saints such as Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, and Ramdas gained immense popularity in Maharashtra. They translated significant texts like the Upaniṣhads and Bhagavad Gītā into Marathi. Social Impact Some saints focused on fostering social organization and political awareness. This laid a strong cultural foundation that later facilitated the Marathas' emergence as a political power. The Birth of Shivaji Born into the Bhonsle Clan In 1630, Shivaji was born to Shahji and Jijabai. His father, Shahji, served the Deccan sultanates, often leading to his absence from home. Upbringing and Education in Pune Shivaji was raised in Pune under the guidance of Jijabai and trusted officials. He received a strong education and values amidst a region plagued by constant conflicts among Deccan sultans, which deeply affected the common people. Early Military Campaigns At just 16, Shivaji initiated his military campaigns. He began by consolidating control over the Pune region, capturing neglected forts, and fortifying their defenses. Shivaji's Vision of Swarajya Military Foundation Shivaji strengthened and captured neglected forts, establishing a strong defensive network across his dominion. Naval Power He built a revolutionary Maratha navy to secure access to coastal resources and protect against European powers. Political Sovereignty Crowned as Chhatrapati in 1674, Shivaji established formal independence and marked the beginning of his own era. Cultural Revival Shivaji promoted Sanskrit and Marathi, rebuilt temples, and revived traditional arts and cultural values. Shivaji's vision of a sovereign kingdom or 'Swarājya' extended to political, economic, and cultural aspects, creating a foundation for Maratha power. The Revolutionary Maratha Navy Shivaji's kingdom expanded to In

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3.The Rise of the Marathas 8th class social science Exploring Society: India and Beyond By:K Sandeep Swamy(M.Sc,B.Ed) For Online Classes (IITJEE & NEET foundation and academics) contact : 9491878325 Subscribe Samyans Eduhub youtube channel A journey through the remarkable story of how the Marathas became the largest pan-Indian power before British rule, their governance systems, and their lasting impact on Indian history.
Who Were the Marathas? The Marathas were native to the Deccan plateau, specifically present-day Maharashtra. They are identified by their language, Marathi, which has enjoyed a rich literary history since the 12th century. During the 13th century, most of Maharashtra was ruled by the Yadava dynasty with Devagiri (present-day Daulatabad) as its capital. In the early 14th century, the Yadava dynasty was overcome by the Khilji Sultanate from Delhi. Fig. 3.4. Postal stamp showing Sant Tukaram (left) and Fig. 3.3. Sant Ramdas (right)
The Bhakti Movement in Maharashtra Cultural Foundation Between the 7th and 17th centuries, saints from diverse sections of society composed devotional songs and poetry in local languages, enabling their messages to spread widely. Notable Saints Saints such as Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, and Ramdas gained immense popularity in Maharashtra. They translated significant texts like the Upaniṣhads and Bhagavad Gītā into Marathi. Social Impact Some saints focused on fostering social organization and political awareness. This laid a strong cultural foundation that later facilitated the Marathas' emergence as a political power.
The Birth of Shivaji Born into the Bhonsle Clan In 1630, Shivaji was born to Shahji and Jijabai. His father, Shahji, served the Deccan sultanates, often leading to his absence from home. Upbringing and Education in Pune Shivaji was raised in Pune under the guidance of Jijabai and trusted officials. He received a strong education and values amidst a region plagued by constant conflicts among Deccan sultans, which deeply affected the common people. Early Military Campaigns At just 16, Shivaji initiated his military campaigns. He began by consolidating control over the Pune region, capturing neglected forts, and fortifying their defenses.
Shivaji's Vision of Swarajya Military Foundation Shivaji strengthened and captured neglected forts, establishing a strong defensive network across his dominion. Naval Power He built a revolutionary Maratha navy to secure access to coastal resources and protect against European powers. Political Sovereignty Crowned as Chhatrapati in 1674, Shivaji established formal independence and marked the beginning of his own era. Cultural Revival Shivaji promoted Sanskrit and Marathi, rebuilt temples, and revived traditional arts and cultural values. Shivaji's vision of a sovereign kingdom or 'Swarājya' extended to political, economic, and cultural aspects, creating a foundation for Maratha power.
The Revolutionary Maratha Navy Shivaji's kingdom expanded to India's west coast, and to secure access to coastal resources, he established a navy - a revolutionary step at the time. Unlike the Bijapur Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, which had limited naval capabilities, the Maratha Navy became a formidable force whose exploits became legendary. The navy helped protect coastal territories and challenge European dominance of the seas, with Kanhoji Angre later guiding the Marathas to victory in many naval battles. Fig. 3.6. The Sindhudurg Fort near the Maharashtra-Goa border is one of the several naval fortifications built by the Marathas.
Guerrilla Warfare: The Maratha Advantage 1 Small, Focused Groups Utilized small groups of soldiers in a focused way to defeat much larger armies 2 Speed and Surprise Relied on quick, unexpected attacks that caught enemies off guard 3 Terrain Knowledge Used intimate knowledge of local geography, especially mountains and forests 4 Fort Network Leveraged a network of forts as bases for operations and safe retreats
Famous Military Exploits The Afzal Khan Encounter Shivaji killed Bijapur general Afzal Khan in a one-on-one meeting at Pratapgad fort, using a weapon called wāgh nakh (tiger's claw). The Marathas then routed Khan's army with guerrilla attacks from the mountains. Fig. 3.7. Wāgh nakh or the 'tiger's claw' The Shaista Khan Raid With only a few soldiers, Shivaji raided Mughal nobleman Shaista Khan's camp at night. The Khan barely escaped, losing a few fingers, and promptly left Maharashtra. The Sacking of Surat Shivaji sacked Surat, a wealthy Mughal port city, obtaining treasure worth almost one crore rupees. He spared religious places and the house of a charitable man.
Shivaji's Coronation and Southern Conquests In 1674, Shivaji was coronated with full Vedic rites at the mountain fortress of Raigad. His formal title became 'Shri Raja Shiva Chhatrapati,' and he started his own era, the Rājyābhiṣheka shaka. After his coronation, Shivaji embarked upon a conquest of the South, also referred to as the dakṣhiṇa-digvijaya, which included parts of present-day Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This southern extension later gave the Marathas great strategic depth against Mughal invasions. Fig. 3.8. A court scene with Shivaji on his throne receiving visitors
Shivaji's Legacy Shivaji's military tactics and strategic thinking allowed him to defeat much larger forces and build a powerful kingdom. His vision of Swarajya (self-rule) extended beyond military conquest to include cultural revival and efficient governance. Europeans compared him to Alexander, and Indian leaders like Bundela prince Chhatrasal were inspired by his struggle against the Mughals. A fever claimed Shivaji's life when he was fifty, but within his lifetime, his exploits had become legendary across India and beyond.
The Marathas After Shivaji 1 Sambhaji's Rule After Shivaji's death, his son Sambhaji became Chhatrapati. Aurangzeb invaded the Deccan, captured and executed Sambhaji, and seized Raigad. 2 Rajaram and Tarabai Rajaram became the next Chhatrapati and fled to Gingee in Tamil Nadu. After his death, his queen Tarabai led Maratha forces in making large-scale inroads into Mughal territories. 3 Rise of the Peshwas The centralized state gave way to a more decentralized structure with the Peshwa (prime minister) wielding great influence. Bajirao I and Nanasaheb Peshwa led pan-Indian expansion. 4 British Conquest Three Anglo-Maratha wars (1775-1818) ended Maratha power due to internal disunity and superior British organization and technology.
Maratha Empire at Its Height The Marathas brought large parts of India under their control, briefly controlling areas as far as Lahore, Attock, and even Peshawar (in modern-day Pakistan). Despite suffering a disastrous defeat at Panipat in 1761, they quickly recovered during the time of Peshwa Madhavrao I. Under Mahadji Shinde (Scindia), they recaptured Delhi in 1771, which remained under their control until the British captured it three decades later. In the latter half of the 18th century, the Marathas were the chief rivals of the British in India. Fig. 3.11. The extent of the Maratha empire in 1759.
Maratha Civilian Administration Centralized System Shivaji instituted a relatively centralized administration, abolishing hereditary posts and land assignments. Salaried Officials Every government official received a salary from the state treasury rather than collecting from assigned lands. Regular Transfers Officials were periodically transferred to ensure they wouldn't gain enough power to dictate terms to the king. Council of Ministers The aṣhṭa pradhāna manḍala, or council of eight ministers, assisted the king with administration.
Maratha Taxation System 25% Chauth Tax levied from provinces not directly under Maratha control 10% Sardeshmukhi Additional tax collected beyond the chauth In return for these taxes, the Marathas protected those provinces and did not intervene in their internal administration. The Mughals approved this arrangement through various treaties, and over time, some of these provinces became part of the Maratha Empire.
Maratha Military Organization Infantry Foot soldiers armed with swords, lances, and guns formed the backbone of the Maratha army. Cavalry The cavalry consisted of bārgīrs (state-equipped) and shiledārs (self-equipped), known for their swift movements. Navy The maritime force secured the west coast, effectively challenging European dominance on the seas. Forts A vast network of strategic strongholds, the forts served as the core of the Maratha state's defense. In the 18th century, the Marathas also adopted European-style disciplined troops and artillery, particularly under Mahadji Shinde who had a large European-style army.
Maratha Naval Power Kanhoji Angre guided the Marathas to victory in many naval battles through clever use of geography and battle tactics, despite technological disadvantages. Europeans forced Indians to purchase their naval trade passes (cartaz in Portuguese) at a price. The Marathas challenged this practice and started demanding passes from the Europeans themselves. Frustrated Europeans labeled Kanhoji Angre a "pirate" for challenging their naval dominance. Fig. 3.17. Maratha ships attacking English ships
Maratha Judicial and Trade Systems Judicial System Efficient system with moderate use of capital punishment The panchāyat was the main body delivering justice Appeals could be made to Maratha chiefs The kotwāl (police) maintained law and order in towns Trade Networks Shivaji encouraged trade and participated in maritime foreign trade Ships sent to ports as far as Yemen, Oman, and Malaysia Roads, bridges, and ferry networks maintained Active commerce in gold, textiles, and other goods
Cultural Revival Under the Marathas Language Promotion Shivaji commissioned the Rājya- Vyavahāra-Koṣha to promote Marathi, providing Sanskrit equivalents for Persian words used in diplomacy. Religious Respect While a devout Hindu, Shivaji respected other religions. He rebuilt desecrated temples and promoted religious institutions. Literary Support The Marathas supported Sanskrit and Marathi literature, creating a renaissance in local cultural expressions. Fig. 3.18. Shivaji's seal
Remarkable Maratha Women Tarabai (1675-1761) Fearless warrior queen who led large Maratha armies, expanding northward and outsmarting the Mughal Empire to preserve independence. Ahilyabai Holkar (1725-1795) Wise ruler of the Holkar kingdom, known for her care for common people and extensive restoration of temples, ghats, wells, and roads across India.
The Moḍī Script Cursive Form of Devanagari The Moḍī script, a cursive variation of Devanagari, served as the primary script for Maratha correspondence and official documents. Efficiency in Communication Designed for faster writing, Moḍī was extensively used for administrative records, personal letters, and official communications throughout the Maratha Empire. Cultural Identity and Administration This unique script was a vital part of Maratha cultural identity and contributed significantly to their administrative efficiency and record- keeping.
The Thanjavur Marathas Founding the Dynasty Ekoji, Shivaji's half-brother, conquered the Thanjavur region in the late 17th century, marking the beginning of Maratha rule in present-day Tamil Nadu. Patrons of Arts The Thanjavur Marathas were great patrons of the arts, with many rulers themselves being poets and dramatists, fostering a rich and innovative cultural environment. Syncretic Culture This vibrant cultural environment was multilingual, with Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi cultures interacting freely and contributing to a unique syncretic identity.
Serfoji II: A Renaissance Ruler Patron of Arts Serfoji II supported musicians who were instrumental in shaping modern Carnatic music and the early stages of Bharatanatyam dance. Scholar He was well-versed in many Indian and European languages, even writing a Marathi play that described world geography. Medical Pioneer Serfoji II established the Dhanwantari Mahal, a medical institution offering free treatment using both traditional Indian and Western medicine. Printing Press He started the first printing press in India by a native ruler, significantly advancing knowledge dissemination across the region.
European Interactions "Among the merchants, the hat-wearers like the Portuguese, the English, the Dutch, the French and the Danes also conduct trade. But they are not like other merchants…. They are fully intent on entering this land, increasing their territory and propagating their religion. They are obstinate people, and Navy and gunpowder are their chief weapons. Their traffic should be controlled, and they shouldn't be allowed to build strong buildings." — Ramachandrapant Amatya, Ādnyāpatra (1715) Naval Challenges The Marathas challenged European naval dominance and their system of forcing Indians to purchase trade passes. Anti-Slavery Stance Shivaji forbade the Dutch from trading slaves, demonstrating his concern for his subjects when many Europeans were capturing and selling Indians into slavery. International Recognition Shivaji's exploits became renowned enough to be reported in the London Gazette, with Europeans comparing him to figures like Alexander the Great.
The Maratha Legacy Challenge to Mughal Dominance Established the largest Indian empire before British rule, significantly challenging the existing Mughal power. Efficient Administration Developed innovative governance systems that effectively balanced central authority with regional powers. Cultural Revival Fostered a vibrant revival of local Hindu traditions while maintaining religious tolerance and respect for all faiths. Inspiration for Independence Their valiant resistance against oppressive rule laid crucial groundwork for India's future freedom movement. The Marathas' brave fight against oppressive rule and foreign power was driven by the fiery ideal of Swarājya (self-rule), which later inspired many Indians to believe they could govern themselves.
Key Takeaways Foundation Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha kingdom in the 17th century, with its resistance to Mughal power helping its pan- Indian expansion in the 18th century. Military Strategy Forts were the core of the Maratha state, with hundreds controlled to strengthen their regional power. Their formidable navy resisted European naval supremacy despite technological disadvantages. Cultural Impact The Marathas inspired new cultural confidence amongst Indians in various regions, contributing to cultural revival and innovation across the subcontinent.