Regional Kingdoms – Marathas, Vijayanagar, Rajputs, Sikh Kingdoms
Delhi Police Exam History Section
Introduction
After the decline of the Mughal Empire (esp after Aurangzeb), many strong regional powers emerged in India.
These kingdoms challenged centralized rule and prepared the background for British expansion later.
Maratha Empire
Chief architect: Shivaji
Capital: Raigad
Famous policies: Ashta Pradhan Council
Military system → Guerrilla warfare leadership
After Shivaji → Peshwas became powerful
3 Anglo-Maratha Wars (→ Cause for decline)
Important Peshwas: Balaji Vishwanath, Bajirao I, Balaji Bajirao (Nana Saheb)
Vijayanagara Empire
Founded in 1336 by Harihara & Bukka (Sangama dynasty)
Capital: Vijayanagar (Hampi) – modern Karnataka
Flourished during Krishna Deva Raya (Tuluva Dynasty)
Defeated by combined Deccan Sultanates at Battle of Talikota (1565)
Architecture style: Dravidian temples (e.g., Vittala Temple)
Rajput Kingdoms
Rajputs played major role in North India
Rana Pratap famous for Haldighati Battle (1576) against Akbar
Rajputs later signed alliances & matrimonial relations with Mughals (esp Akbar)
Important Rajput States: Mewar (Rana Sanga, Rana Pratap), Marwar (Jodhpur), Amber/Jaipur (Kachwaha)
Sikh Kingdom (Punjab Region)
Formation roots in Sikh Gurus (10 Gurus)
Khalsa created by Guru Gobind Singh (1699)
Founder of Sikh Empire: Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1799)
Capital: Lahore
Built strong modern army (European style)
Treaty of Amritsar (1809) with British
Sikh empire ended after Anglo-Sikh Wars
QUICK RECAP (5 Points)
Shivaji → founder of Maratha Empire, guerrilla warfare specialist
Vijayanagar → powerful southern empire, defeated at Talikota (1565)
Krishna Deva Raya → greatest Vijayanagar ruler
Rajputs resisted + allied with Mughals at different times
Sikh Empire founded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Lahore
Sample MCQs
The founder of Vijayanagar Empire was:
Options: (a) Harihara & Bukka (b) Shivaji (c) Ranjit Singh (d) Rana Sanga
View Answer
A. Harihara & Bukka
Who founded the Sikh Empire?
Options: (a) Guru Arjan (b) Guru Gobind Singh (c) Ranjit Singh (d) Rana Pratap
View Answer
C. Ranjit Singh
Battle of Talikota resulted in the fall of which empire?
Options: (a) Mughal (b) Vijayanagar (c) Maratha (d) Rajput
View Answer
B. Vijayanagar
Previous Year Pattern Questions
Who created the Khalsa Panth?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa Panth in 1699
Which battle led to the decline of Vijayanagar Empire?
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Battle of Talikota (1565) led to the decline of Vijayanagar Empire
Name the capital of Maratha Empire under Shivaji.
Type: SSC/Delhi Police Pattern
View Answer
Raigad was the capital of Maratha Empire under Shivaji
You've completed Regional Kingdoms Concepts!
Courage Tip: Focus on associating each kingdom with their founders and key events - Marathas (Shivaji, Peshwas), Vijayanagar (Harihara-Bukka, Talikota battle), Rajputs (various clans and their Mughal relations), and Sikhs (Guru Gobind Singh, Ranjit Singh). Remember important battles like Talikota and Haldighati, and the administrative systems like Ashta Pradhan. These regional powers played crucial roles in shaping India's political landscape after the Mughal decline.
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