- 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.