Maratha Empire

Maratha empire was spread over 208 square million kilometers and is believed to have catapulted the decline of the Mughal Dynasty in the nation. Maratha Empire rose to imperial supremacy during the regime of the Great king Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhonsle who made Raigad his royal capital after defeating the Mughals and Bijapur Sultanate.
History of Maratha Empire

Shivaji Bhonsle was capable of establishing himself as the leader of the Hindu Maratha kingdom after he became victorious against Aurangzeb and the Adil Shahi Dynasty of Bijapur during 1674. Shivaji's grandson Shahu was the king till 1749 followed by the very first Peshwa who was appointed as the head of government. However, the Peshwas lost against the Afghans at the Third Battle of Panipat.

Rulers of Maratha Empire
The rulers of Maratha Empire have been discussed in brief below:


Shivaji: His subjects crowned him as 'Chhatrapati' or 'sovereign' of Maratha kingdom during 1674.
Sambhaji: Sambhaji was the elder son of Shivaji who was credited for defeating Chikka Deva Raja of Mysore.

Shahuji: Shahuji revolted against the rule of his aunt Tarabai and her son. He became the new ruler of Maratha Empire. This instigated the formation of Kolhapur and Satara during 1707.

Peshwa Baji Rao I: Baji Rao I or Baji Rao Vishwanath (Bhat) Deshmukh was confirmed as the Peshwa in April 1720 after the death of Balaji Vishwanath by Chhatrapati Shahu and worked as an impressive general for Shahuji.

Anglo-Maratha Wars

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