SSC CGL - Vedic Period Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Marathas (17th–19th Century)
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
Founder of Maratha Empire
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630–1680)
- Crowned in 1674 at Raigad
- Fought against Mughals and Adil Shahi rulers
- Created a strong and independent Maratha kingdom in Maharashtra
Shivaji’s Administration
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ashta Pradhan | Council of 8 ministers (e.g., Peshwa – PM, Amatya – Finance) |
| Forts | Strong network of forts like Raigad, Pratapgad |
| Revenue System | Collected Chauth (1/4th) and Sardeshmukhi (1/10th) |
| Military | Guerrilla warfare tactics, navy built |
After Shivaji
- Sambhaji (1681–89) – Captured and killed by Aurangzeb
- Rajaram & Tarabai – Continued resistance against Mughals
- Shahu Maharaj – Won civil war with support of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath
Peshwa Era
| Peshwa | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Balaji Vishwanath | Laid foundation of Peshwa rule |
| Baji Rao I | Expanded empire; undefeated warrior |
| Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) | Third Battle of Panipat (1761) |
| Madhavrao I | Restored Maratha power after 1761 loss |
| Baji Rao II | Last Peshwa; defeated in 1818 |
Important Battles
| Battle | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Third Battle of Panipat | 1761 | Major defeat for Marathas |
| Anglo-Maratha Wars | 1775–1818 | British victory over Marathas |
Decline of Maratha Power
- Internal rivalries among Holkars, Scindias, Gaekwads
- Defeat in Third Battle of Panipat
- British took advantage during Anglo-Maratha Wars
- 1818: End of Maratha rule after surrender of Baji Rao II
Key SSC Points
- Shivaji: Founder of Maratha Empire, expert in guerrilla warfare
- Ashta Pradhan: 8-member council
- Chauth & Sardeshmukhi: Revenue terms
- Peshwa Baji Rao I: Brilliant general
- Third Battle of Panipat (1761): Major turning point
- 1818: Maratha rule ends after Third Anglo-Maratha War
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