2. Background of the Maratha Empire
• The Maratha Empire can be traced back to the 17th century in the western
Deccan Plateau of India, primarily in the present-day state of Maharashtra.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is credited as the founder of the Maratha
Empire. Born in 1630, Shivaji carved out an enclave from the declining
Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur that formed the genesis of the Maratha Empire.
• The Empire expanded significantly under Shivaji’s leadership, with his vision for
a “Hindavi Swarajya” (self-rule of Hindu people). His strategy involved
innovative military tactics and a robust administrative system.
• Over time, the Maratha Empire spread beyond present-day Maharashtra,
reaching as far north as Peshawar in present-day Pakistan and as far south as
Tamil Nadu.
3. Rise of the Peshwas
• The term Peshwa referred to the prime minister of the Maratha Empire, but over time, the Peshwas
became the de facto leaders, overshadowing the Maratha monarchs.
• The initial role of the Peshwa was to advise the monarch and manage the day-to-day administration.
However, the growing influence of the Peshwas made them the primary power centers.
• Balaji Vishwanath (1713-1720) was the first significant Peshwa, marking the rise of the Peshwa dominion
in Maratha politics. Under him, the position became hereditary, with the Bhat family holding onto it.
• His son, Baji Rao I (1720-1740), further augmented the Maratha influence in India. His expeditions across
India are legendary, and his cavalry raids in the northern territories expanded the Maratha territory vastly.
• Over time, multiple Maratha families became influential, including the Holkar, Scindia (Shinde), Bhosale,
and Gaekwad. These families had their own territories and armies but recognized the Peshwa’s leadership.
• The Peshwas held prominence till the third battle of Panipat in 1761. The battle was a significant setback for
the Marathas against the Afghan king Ahmad Shah Durrani.
4. Importance of the 18th century in
Maratha history
• The 18th century was a pivotal time for the Maratha Empire. It was marked by rapid territorial expansion, internal power
struggles, and confrontations with other major powers in the Indian subcontinent.
• The early 18th century saw the Maratha power reach its zenith, especially under Baji Rao I. The Marathas conducted
successful expeditions in the northern territories and extracted tributes from the Mughal Empire.
• The Marathas established a system called Chauth and Sardeshmukhi. Chauth was a tax collected from the territories not
directly controlled by the Marathas, amounting to roughly 25% of the produce. Sardeshmukhi was an additional 10% tax on
top of Chauth.
• However, internal rifts among the Maratha chieftains and external threats began to challenge the Empire’s stability. Their
decentralized structure, while a source of strength initially, became a vulnerability.
• The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 was a defining moment of the century. The extensive casualties and the death of
Sadashivrao Bhau, a key leader, halted the Maratha expansion into northern India.
• Post the battle, the Peshwas couldn’t regain their earlier authority, and regional chieftains like the Holkars and Scindias
became more autonomous.
• By the end of the 18th century, the British East India Company emerged as a significant colonial force. The Marathas faced
them in the Anglo-Maratha Wars which eventually led to the decline of the Maratha Empire and the rise of British
dominance in India.
5. The Genesis of Peshwa Power Origins
of the Peshwa title
• The term Peshwa has its roots in the Persian language, translating
to “foremost” or “prime”.
• Originally, the title was equivalent to a chief minister or prime
minister position within the Maratha Empire.
• The Peshwa’s role was to advise the Chhatrapati, the Maratha
monarch, and handle the day-to-day administration of the empire.
• While the title initially began as a non-hereditary position, it
eventually transformed into a hereditary one, especially during the
tenure of Balaji Vishwanath.
6. Balaji Vishwanath’s contributions
• Balaji Vishwanath is recognized as the first significant Peshwa who stamped authority on the title
and elevated its prestige.
• Born in 1662 in Shrivardhan, he was initially a small-time revenue official but gradually rose in ranks
due to his intelligence and diplomatic skills.
• Appointed as the Peshwa in 1713 by Chhatrapati Shahu, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the
Maratha Empire.
• One of his major contributions was the resolution of the Mughal-Maratha conflict. He negotiated with
the Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar, securing rights for the Marathas to
collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi from the Deccan provinces.
• Balaji Vishwanath established the precedent of the Peshwa title becoming hereditary, ensuring that
his son, Baji Rao I, succeeded him after his death in 1720.
• Through his leadership, the Peshwa’s residence in Pune became a significant political center,
overshadowing many other power centers within the Maratha Empire.
7. Transition from a priestly role to
administrative and military leadership
• The Peshwas, in their early years, were primarily Brahmins, known for their priestly and scholarly
duties.
• The Brahmins, being the learned class, were naturally sought for advisory roles within the Maratha
administrative structure.
• Balaji Vishwanath’s ascendancy marked a shift, turning the Peshwa title from a purely advisory role
to one with immense administrative responsibilities.
• Under Balaji Vishwanath and his successors, especially Baji Rao I, the Peshwa title evolved further.
They not only became pivotal in administration but also began leading military campaigns.
• This shift from priestly duties to military leadership was unprecedented. The Peshwas demonstrated
that one’s background did not restrict one from diversifying roles and reaching the zenith of power.
• The Peshwas’ military successes, strategic alliances, and administrative reforms ensured that their
legacy was not just limited to religious or scholarly endeavors. They became synonymous with the
power and prestige of the Maratha Empire itself.
8. Baji Rao I and His Expansions Military
campaigns
• Baji Rao I: Born on 18 August 1700, the eldest son of Balaji Vishwanath.
• Assumed the role of Peshwa in 1720 at a young age of 20.
• Believed in the mantra, “Let us transcend the barren Deccan and conquer the fertile plains of the north”.
• His tenure witnessed numerous campaigns, transforming Maratha power dynamics in India.
• Battle of Palkhed (1728):
• Fought against the Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad.
• Demonstrated exceptional strategic brilliance by employing non-traditional warfare methods.
• Resulted in a strategic victory for the Marathas and the Treaty of Mungi Shevgaon.
• Campaign against Malwa (1729-1737):
• Objective to weaken Mughal influence.
• Conquered territories and established Maratha authority.
• Malwa became a Maratha province by 1737.
• Campaign in Gujarat (1730-1736):
• Aimed to counter growing European influences.
• Established Maratha dominance by appointing a Maratha governor in Surat.
• Attack on Delhi (1737):
• Intent to showcase Maratha power to the Mughals.
• Although not a full conquest, caused significant alarm and political ripples in the Mughal capital.
9. Diplomatic strategies
•Formed an alliance with the Rajputs, traditional opponents of the Mughals.
•Collaborated with local leaders, rewarding them for their allegiance to
strengthen Maratha’s regional influence.
Fostering alliances:
•Marriage alliances with significant princely states bolstered political
relations.
•Baji Rao’s own marriage to Kashibai and later Mastani, played roles in
consolidating alliances.
Use of matrimonial ties:
•Whenever possible, preferred peace treaties over warfare, such as the Treaty
of Mungi Shevgaon.
•Emphasized on ensuring that the terms always favored Maratha interests.
Negotiations and treaties:
10. Relations with the Mughal
Empire
• Ambiguous relationship: Despite frequent conflicts, the Marathas
didn’t aim for complete annihilation of the Mughal Empire.
• Baji Rao recognized the symbolic significance of the Mughal Empire in
maintaining order in the subcontinent.
• Strategic autonomy: Maintained autonomy, refrained from becoming
Mughal vassals.
• Revenue collections: Extracted rights like Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
from Mughal territories without direct governance.
• Interactions with Mughal emperors: Frequent interactions with
emperors like Muhammad Shah, sometimes as allies, sometimes as
adversaries.
11. Expansion towards the north
• Driven by the vision to expand Maratha influence across the subcontinent.
• Invasions into Central India: Marked the beginning of northern
expeditions.
• Push towards the Gangetic plains: Extended Maratha reach to regions like
Bundelkhand and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
• Conquests in Punjab: Late in his tenure, moved towards Punjab with an aim
to counter Afghan influences.
• Impact on northern polity: Baji Rao’s northern expeditions decentralized
power dynamics, weakening centralized empires like the Mughals.
• Cultural exchange: Northern campaigns led to a blend of Marathi and North
Indian cultures, leading to enriched architectural and cultural legacies.
12. Balaji Baji Rao and the Peak of Peshwa
Dominance Pune as the Maratha capital
• Pune’s Emergence: Previously considered a modest town, Pune
underwent a transformation to become the nerve-center of Maratha
power during Balaji Baji Rao’s tenure.
• Strategic Importance: Located in the heart of Maharashtra, Pune’s
strategic position provided easy access to various Maratha territories.
• Infrastructure Development: Numerous architectural marvels like
the Shaniwar Wada (built in 1732) were constructed, symbolizing the
city’s elevated status and the grandeur of Maratha might.
• Cultural Hub: Pune emerged not only as a political but also as a
cultural hub. Traditional Marathi art, theater, and music flourished
under the patronage of the Peshwas.
13. Economic policies
• Revenue System: Balaji Baji Rao, often referred to as Nana Saheb,
introduced several reforms in revenue collection to streamline the process.
• Chauth and Sardeshmukhi: Continued the system of collecting Chauth
(one-fourth of the revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (an additional 10%).
• Land Revenue: Implemented efficient systems to ensure timely
collection, minimizing evasion.
• Trade and Commerce: Encouraged internal trade and established various
trade routes, bolstering Maratha economy.
• Ports: Recognized the significance of coastal towns, thus fostering
commerce through ports like Alibaug.
• Agricultural Boost: Promoted agriculture by granting incentives to farmers
and introducing better irrigation techniques.
14. Relations with other Maratha
chieftains
• Coalition Dynamics: The Maratha Empire was not a centralized entity;
rather, it was a coalition of various chieftains and clans, each wielding
significant power in their territories.
• Holkar and Scindia: Maintained delicate relations with powerful clans
like the Holkars of Indore and Scindias of Gwalior.
• Bhosale Clan: Relations were often strained due to power dynamics and
territorial ambitions.
• Diplomatic Maneuvers: Balaji Baji Rao often resorted to diplomacy to
maintain harmony among the chieftains.
• Matrimonial Alliances: Leveraged marriage ties to solidify alliances and
ensure cooperative politics.
• Military Collaborations: Joint military campaigns were undertaken, uniting
Maratha forces against common adversaries.
15. Internal Dynamics and
Administration Revenue systems
The Maratha Empire developed unique revenue systems tailored to
Indian conditions.
Land revenue system:
• Principal source of income for the Maratha administration.
• Land was classified based on its fertility.
• Revenue rates differed according to the type of crop cultivated.
• System ensured fairness and encouraged cultivation.
Customs and duties:
• Charged on goods transported within the empire’s territory.
• Sea trade was especially lucrative, given the Maratha’s coastal control.
• Customs posts were established at strategic points.
16. Military organization
Integral to the Marathas’ rise and sustenance of power.
Standing army:
• Consisted of infantry, cavalry, artillery, and navy.
• Professional soldiers received regular salaries.
Guerrilla warfare:
• Pioneered by Shivaji Maharaj, refined by successive Peshwas.
• Focused on swift attacks, minimizing open field battles.
• Took advantage of the rugged Western Ghats topography.
Forts and strongholds:
• Central to the defense strategy.
• Marathas built and maintained numerous forts across the Deccan plateau.
• Examples: Sinhagad, Raigad, and Pratapgad forts.
17. Role of chauth and sardeshmukhi
• It was a tax levied at one-fourth of the land revenue or
produce.
• Collected from territories not directly under Maratha control.
• Acted as a protection fee, ensuring the Marathas would not
attack.
Chauth:
• Additional tax, amounting to 10% over and above chauth.
• Collected as a historical right, signifying Marathas as the
sovereigns.
• Imposed mostly in Maharashtra, recognized as the Marathas’
homeland.
Sardeshmukhi:
18. Contributions to Indian history
• Diplomacy and Statecraft: The Peshwas displayed immense acumen in diplomacy,
forming alliances and establishing Maratha supremacy in vast parts of India.
• Military Tactics:
• Guerrilla Warfare: Perfected by earlier Maratha rulers, this tactic was extensively
used by the Peshwas to thwart larger and better-equipped armies.
• Navy: Recognizing the strategic importance of the coastline, the Peshwas bolstered the
Maratha navy, impacting maritime activities along the western coast of India.
• Administrative Innovations:
• Taxation: Efficient revenue systems and land tenure policies were introduced, which
were subsequently adopted and modified by the British colonial regime.
• Justice System: They established a well-structured judicial system, with a focus on
swift and fair justice.
19. Conclusion Overall impact of the Peshwa era on Indian history
• Emergence as a Dominant Power: The Peshwa era marked the zenith of Maratha dominance in the
Indian subcontinent.
• Established Maratha Confederacy which extended influence from Tamil Nadu in the south to
Peshawar in the north.
• Challenged established powers like the Mughal Empire and took on European colonial forces.
• Administrative Innovations: Introduced several administrative reforms.
• System of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi: Revenue systems that streamlined the Maratha economy.
• Efficient land management and record-keeping that would serve as a model for future
administrations.
• Cultural Renaissance: Marathi language and culture flourished during this time.
• Revival of literature, arts, and music such as Natya Sangeet and Tamasha.
• Promoted education, leading to an increase in Marathi literature and regional chronicles.
• Religious Influence:
• Although predominantly following the Hindu faith, the Peshwas promoted religious tolerance.
• Places like Pandharpur saw significant growth and became prominent centers of pilgrimage.
20. Lessons for modern India
• Unity in Diversity: The Peshwas, despite their regional identity,
integrated various ethnicities and communities under their rule.
• An example for modern India about embracing the vast cultural
tapestry and forging national unity.
• Administrative Efficiency: The methods adopted by the Peshwas in
revenue collection, governance, and infrastructure development.
• Offer valuable lessons for contemporary public administration in
terms of transparency and effectiveness.
• Diplomacy over Conflict: The Peshwas, though formidable in war,
also relied heavily on diplomacy.
• Modern India can derive lessons in foreign policy and internal
conflict resolution from this aspect.
21. Future research directions on the Marathas
• Untapped Regional Chronicles: Many regional chronicles and Marathi manuscripts from the Peshwa
era remain untranslated and unanalyzed.
• Could provide deeper insights into regional politics, cultural norms, and societal structures of the
time.
• Maratha Naval Power: The Maratha navy and its activities against European colonial powers remain a
relatively less explored domain.
• Research can focus on shipbuilding techniques, naval warfare strategies, and trade routes
controlled by the Marathas.
• Women in the Peshwa Era: Historiography has generally been silent on the role of women during this
period.
• Future research could delve into their roles in society, their education, rights, and their
contributions in various fields.
• Comparative Studies with other Asian Powers: Comparative analysis of the Marathas with
contemporary powers in Asia.
• Can provide insights into geopolitical strategies, cultural exchanges, and economic policies.
