Notable Rulers of Maratha Empire
The Maratha Empire, which rose to prominence in the 17th century under the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj, saw several notable rulers who expanded its territories and influence across India. Below is a table summarizing some of the key rulers and their contributions to the Maratha Empire:
| Ruler | Reign | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Shivaji Maharaj | 1674–1680 | Founder of the Maratha Empire; established a competent and progressive civil rule with well-structured administrative organizations. |
| Sambhaji Maharaj | 1681–1689 | Expanded the empire’s territories, faced Mughal aggression bravely, and continued the work of consolidation and expansion started by Shivaji. |
| Rajaram I | 1689–1700 | Continued resistance against the Mughals during a period of intense conflict; secured Maratha presence in the south. |
| Tarabai | 1700–1707 (Regent) | Acted as regent for her son Shivaji II; led the Maratha resistance against the Mughals with considerable success. |
| Shahu I | 1707–1749 | Successfully negotiated with the Mughal Empire to gain rights for Maratha to collect taxes in Deccan; expanded the empire’s influence. |
| Balaji Vishwanath | 1713–1720 (Peshwa) | As Peshwa, effectively the ruler; negotiated the Treaty of Lonavala with the Mughals, which marked the beginning of the empire’s expansion. |
| Baji Rao I | 1720–1740 (Peshwa) | Expanded the Maratha Empire northwards beyond the Vindhya Range, and weakened the Mughal Empire significantly. |
| Balaji Baji Rao | 1740–1761 (Peshwa) | Led the empire to its zenith in terms of territory and power but also saw the defeat at the Battle of Panipat in 1761. |
| Madhav Rao I | 1761–1772 (Peshwa) | Revived Maratha fortunes after the defeat at Panipat, and restored its status as a major Indian power. |
| Ahilyabai Holkar | 1767–1795 (Queen of Indore) | Not a ruler of the entire Maratha Empire but a leading figure; renowned for her administrative ability, development work, and patronage of arts. |
This table highlights the rulers who played pivotal roles in shaping the Maratha Empire through their administrative skills, military strategies, and contributions to the cultural and social fabric of their territories. The empire’s decline began in the late 18th century, culminating in its eventual defeat by the British East India Company in the early 19th century.
Maratha Empire (1674-1818)
The Maratha Empire was an Indian Empire that existed from 1674 to 1818 in the Indian history. The capital of the whole empire was Puna (Present Pune), and Raigad Fort was the nodal administration hub of the whole Maratha Empire at the initial stage.
In this article; we will discuss the Maratha Empire in detail.
Table of Content
- Maratha Empire (1674 to 1818) – Overview
- Maratha Empire Map
- Origins of Maratha Empire
- Maratha Empire During the Peshwa Era
- Notable Rulers of Maratha Empire
- Wars and Conquests of Maratha Empire
- Decline Of Maratha Empire
- Maratha Empires’ Legacy