The Maratha Empire was founded in 1674 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after he declared himself the king of the Marathas.
Shivaji Maharaj’s reign was marked by several military campaigns, including the capture of the fortresses of Raigad, Shivneri, and Torna.
After Shivaji’s death in 1680, his son Sambhaji took over as king but was captured and executed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1689.
Sambhaji’s brother, Rajaram, took over as king and led the Marathas in a guerrilla war against the Mughals.
In 1707, Rajaram died and was succeeded by his son, Shivaji II.
During the reign of Shivaji II, the Marathas continued their campaign against the Mughals, eventually defeating them in the Battle of Bhopal in 1738.
In 1739, the Marathas suffered a major defeat at the hands of the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani in the Battle of Karnal.
The Marathas continued to expand their empire under the leadership of Peshwa Baji Rao I, who became the de facto ruler of the Maratha Empire in 1720.
Baji Rao I’s reign was marked by the consolidation of Maratha power in the Deccan and the establishment of the Peshwa dynasty.
In 1761, the Marathas suffered a catastrophic defeat at the hands of the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani in the Third Battle of Panipat, which resulted in the decline of the Maratha Empire.
The Marathas continued to fight against the British East India Company, but were ultimately defeated in the Anglo-Maratha Wars of the early 19th century.
The last Peshwa, Baji Rao II, was deposed by the British in 1818, marking the end of the Maratha Empire.
The Marathas played a major role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, which was an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow British rule in India.
The Maratha community continued to play a significant role in Indian politics during the colonial period and after independence.
In 1947, the Marathi-speaking regions of the former Bombay Presidency were organized into the state of Bombay, which was later split into the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960.
Maharashtra is now one of the most industrialized states in India, with a thriving economy and a rich cultural heritage.
The Maratha community remains an influential force in Maharashtra politics, with many prominent politicians and leaders hailing from the community.
The Marathi language is widely spoken in Maharashtra and is recognized as an official language of the state.
The Maratha Empire has left a lasting impact on Indian history, with its legacy evident in the art, literature, and culture of the region.
Today, the Maratha community continues to celebrate its rich history and cultural heritage through festivals, traditions, and other cultural activities.
