APEEJAY SCHOOL, MODEL TOWN, JALANDHAR

CHAPTER- 2 (HISTORY) CH- THE RISE OF THE MARATHAS

CHAPTER NOTES

Who were the Marathas?

• They were the native to the Deccan plateau, mainly present-day
Maharashtra.
• They spoke Marathi, a language with a rich literary history since the 12th
century.
Which region do the Marathas belong to?
• Their Political roots go back to Yadava dynasty until conquest by the
Khiljis. Their capital was Devagiri ( Present day Daulatabad)
What was the contribution of Bhakti movement in Maharashtra during 7 th to
17th century?
• Cultural foundation shaped by the Bhakti movement (saints like
Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, Ramdas).
 These saints composed devotional songs and poetry in the languages of
masses.
 They helped in the translation of Upnishads and Bhagwat Geeta into
Marathi.
 As a result Bhakti literature in Marathi strengthened social unity and
politcal awareness.
Foundation of Maratha Power & Rise of Shivaji
Write a note on Early life of Shivaji Bhonslae.
• Shivaji Bhonsle born in 1630 to Shahji and Jijabai in Pune.
• Inspired by hardship under Deccan Sultanates, He aimed for Swarājya
(self-rule).
Discuss the military campaigns of Shivaji.
• At 16,he began capturing forts and consolidating territory in Pune region.
• He established a navy (1657) – revolutionary in Indian politics.
• He adopted guerrilla warfare to defeat larger armies (e.g., Afzal Khan at
Pratapgad).
• His Famous raids were Shaista Khan’s camp (1663) & Sack of Surat (1664,
1670).
• He faced Aurangzeb’s forces, signed Treaty of Purandar, escaped from
Agra using fruit baskets.
• Coronated at Raigad in 1674; later conquered southern territories
(Dakṣhiṇa-digvijaya).
• Forbade slave trading by Europeans; died in 1680.
Why Shivaji felt the need to establish a navy?
 To secure access to the resources of coastal regions.
Why Shivaji adopted Guerilla warfare policy?
 To protect the people from large and powerful enemies.
 He wanted to use small groups of people in a focused way, with speed,
surprise and knowledge of the terrain to defeat bigger armies.
What was the benefit of sacking of Surat to the Shivaji?
 He obtained enormous treasure (one crore of Rupee) from the port city
Surat.
 Event of Sacking of Surat became so famous that they appeared in
London Gazzette ( Newspaper)
 Shivaji became very famous not only in India but also in World.

What was the result of sacking of Surat by Shivaji?

 The sacking of Surat was a great insult to the Mughals. Aurangzeb sent
Jaisingh to defeat Shivaji. Shivaji was defeated and he entered enter
into a treaty. He had to give up sizeable part of his kingdom and his
son Sambhaji had to enter Mughal services.
Which policy was adopted by Shivaji to escape from house arrest by
Aurangzeb?
 He started distributing gifts which contains fruits and sweets packed in
big baskets to holy men and Mughal generals.
“Shivaji was a master Strategists and a true Visionary” Do you agree?
Support your answer by giving suitable examples.
 His exploits had become legendary across India and beyond.
 The Europeans compared him with ancient generals like Alexander.
  Bundela price was so inspired by Shivaji. He established his own
independent kingdom.
 The famous Hindi poet Bhushan composed poems in Shivaji’s praise .
The Marathas after Shivaji
• Sambhaji succeeded Shivaji; executed by Aurangzeb.
• Rajaram shifted base to Gingee; conflict spread to south India.
• Tarabai (Wife and Queen of Rajaram) led northward expansion against
Mughals after Aurangzeb’s death.
• After the death of Aurangzeb powerful governors gained power and
became Peshwas (Bajirao I, Nana Saheb) who expanded Maratha power
pan-India.
Role of Peshwas:
• They Controlled Delhi (1754) and even Lahore, Attack and Peshawar.
• They were Defeated at Third Battle of Panipat (1761) but regained
strength under Madhavrao I.
• Peshwas recaptured Delhi in 1771 (Mahadji Shinde).
• Anglo-Maratha wars (1775–1818) ended Maratha rule, largely due to
internal disunity and British superiority.
Maratha Administration
1. Civil Administration
• It was Centralised under Shivaji;
He abolished hereditary posts and paid officials from state treasury.
• They care for soldiers’ families by giving them pensions and secured
hereditary posts for sons.
• He established Aṣhṭa Pradhāna Manḍala (8 ministers) –
a) Pradhan (PM) b) Amatya (Finance) c) Sachiv (Land
Revenue)
d)Nyāyādhīsh (Justice) e) Panditrāo (Religious) f) Senāpati (Army)
g) Mantrī (Intelligence) h) Sumant (Foreign).
• They imposed taxes like Chauth (Which was 25%) & Sardeshmukhi (Which
was10% extra to chauth) from the provinces that were not directly under
them.
2. Military Administration
• Armed forces were divided into three parts: Infantry, Cavalry (Bārgīrs –
state funded, Shiledārs – self-funded), Navy.
• Forts were the core of defence.
• Notable naval commander: Kanhoji Angre – challenged European sea
control.
3. Judicial Administration
• Panchāyat delivered local justice; appeal possible to chief.
• Kotwāl maintained law & order in towns.
4. Trade
• Encouraged maritime trade (Muscat, Mocha, Malacca).
• Built roads, ferries, bridges.
Which type of military administration was develop under Shivaji?
 Armed forces were divided into three parts: Infantry, Cavalry (Bārgīrs –
state funded, Shiledārs – self-funded), Navy.
 They had European Style disciplined troops and artillery.
 Swords and lances were preferred weapons of Marathas.
 Guns were used in sizeable numbers.
 Rockets were also used in military campaigns.

Cultural Contributions
• Promoted Marathi & Sanskrit literature (Rājya-Vyavahāra-Koṣha).
• Rebuilt temples, respected other faiths.
• Used Devanagari script on coins & seals – assertion of cultural identity.
• Revived Hindu traditions without discrimination.
1. Role of Maratha Women
• Ahilyabai Holkar – She ruled Indore for 30 years, rebuilt temples (Kashi
Vishwanath, Somnath) and promoted crafts (Maheshwar weaving).
• Tarabai – She led northward campaigns, preserved Maratha independence.
2. Marathas in Thanjavur
• Ekoji (Shivaji’s half-brother) founded Maratha rule there.
• Syncretic culture – blend of Tamil, Telugu, Marathi.
• Serfoji II – patron of arts, Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, medicine
(Dhanwantari Mahal), printing press, temple inscriptions.
3. Legacy of the Marathas
• Largest Indian empire before British rule.
• Fort-based strategy and strong navy challenged foreign dominance.
• Inspired later movements for self-rule (Swarājya).
• Contributed to cultural revival across India.