Maratha Empire History

Peshwa Baji Rao I (1720-1740) expanded Maratha power significantly, bringing Gujarat and Malwa under Maratha control through military campaigns. His reign marked the peak of Maratha expansion in North India before the disaster at Panipat. Shivaji founded the empire but didn't reach these regions. Balaji Vishwanath focused on securing recognition from the Mughals. Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb) ruled later.

The Bhonsle clan ruled the Nagpur confederacy of the Maratha Empire. Raghuji Bhonsle established Nagpur as a major Maratha center in eastern India. Gwalior was ruled by Scindias. Baroda (Vadodara) was ruled by Gaekwads. Pune was the seat of the Peshwas themselves, not a confederacy.

A farman was an imperial order or directive issued by the Mughal emperor. It was an official decree carrying the authority of the emperor, used to grant rights, confirm positions, or issue commands. The term appears in Mughal-Maratha relations, includingfarmans granting Marathas rights to collect chauth and sardeshmukhi. It's not a religious decree (that would be a fatwa) or warfare tactic.

The Scindias of Gwalior were the last major Maratha state to accept the British Subsidiary Alliance, doing so in 1803 after the Treaty of Surji-Anjangaon following the Second Anglo-Maratha War. The Bhonsles (Nagpur) and Holkars (Indore) had accepted earlier. Gaekwads of Baroda accepted in 1802. Scindia's resistance under Daulat Rao Scindia continued longest until military defeat forced acceptance.

The Treaty of Salbai was signed on May 17, 1782, by representatives of the Maratha Empire and the British East India Company after long negotiations to settle the outcome of the first Anglo-Maratha War.

Baji Rao II signed the Subsidiary Alliance with the British in 1802 after being defeated by Holkar. This treaty marked the beginning of direct British interference in Maratha affairs and reduced the Peshwa to a subsidiary ally. The other Maratha leaders like Appa Sahib Bhonsle, Yashwant Rao Holkar, and Daulat Rai Scindia resisted the Subsidiary Alliance and fought against British expansion.

The statement about forcing prisoners of war to become slaves is incorrect because Shivaji was known for his humane treatment of prisoners. Historical records show he treated captured prisoners with respect and did not force them into slavery. Options A, B, and D are all true - Shivaji was simple and religious, tolerated other religions, and organized the Marathas against the Mughal empire.

The British proclaimed 'Now India is ours' after the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805) because this war destroyed the major Maratha power centers. The defeat of the Scindias, Bhonsles, and Holkars left the British as the dominant power in India with no significant Indian rival remaining. The First Anglo-Maratha War was actually a British defeat.

Shivaji found the state of Maratha kingdom and Shahu appointed Peshwas as the Prime Ministers of the Maratha Empire.

Shivaji was crowned as Chhatrapati in 1674 at Raigad Fort in a elaborate coronation ceremony. This coronation marked the formal establishment of the Maratha Empire and Shivaji's declaration as an independent sovereign ruler, challenging Mughal authority. The year 1674 is well-documented in historical records as the coronation year.

Baji Rao I served as Peshwa to Shahu (Shahu Maharaj), who released from Mughal captivity became the Maratha ruler. After Shahu's death in 1749, Baji Rao I continued his policies but technically served as Peshwa to the throne. Shahu appointed Baji Rao I as Peshwa in 1720, recognizing his administrative and military capabilities.

The Second Anglo-Maratha War was fought from 1803 to 1805 between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire. This war resulted in decisive British victories at Assaye, Laswari, and Argaon, leading to the annexation of large Maratha territories. The First Anglo-Maratha War was 1775-1782, and the Third was 1817-1818.

Shivaji was born in 1627 AD at Shivner Fort near Junnar in Pune district. This is the historically accepted birth year based on contemporary records and accounts. The year 1640 AD would make him too young to have achieved his documented conquests by the 1650s, and 1776 AD is clearly incorrect as it's after his death.

Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb) witnessed the zenith of Maratha power during his reign from 1740-1761. Under his leadership, the Maratha Empire reached its greatest territorial extent, extending from Punjab in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south. This period included the famous Battle of Panipat in 1761, which marked the turning point and decline.

Under the Peshwas, particularly Balaji Baji Rao, the Maratha Empire stretched to Peshawar in the northwest. The Maratha forces under Raghunath Rao and later Malhar Rao Holkar reached Peshawar in the 1750s, making it one of the northernmost points of Maratha expansion. This demonstrated the extensive reach of Maratha military power.