Maratha Empire facts for kids
The Maratha Empire was a powerful group of Indian states. They ruled a large part of the Indian subcontinent in the 17th and 18th centuries. The empire existed from 1674 until 1818. The Marathas are often credited with helping to end the rule of the Mughal Empire in India.
The Marathas were skilled warriors from the western Deccan Plateau. This area is now known as Maharashtra. They became famous by creating their own rule for Hindu/Indian people in their region. In the 17th century, the Marathas grew strong under the leadership of Shivaji. He fought against the Adil Shahi dynasty and the Mughal Empire. Shivaji formed his own kingdom with Raigad as its capital. The Marathas were known for moving quickly in battle. They took control of more land during the Mughal–Maratha Wars. Eventually, they controlled a large part of India. Their power ended after a series of wars against the British.
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Who Were the Marathas?
The Marathas were a group of people from the western part of India. They were known for their bravery and fighting skills. They lived in the hilly areas of the Deccan Plateau. This region helped them develop strong warrior traditions.
The Rise of Shivaji
The Maratha Empire began with a great leader named Shivaji. He was born in 1627. Shivaji started to challenge the powerful rulers of his time. These included the Adil Shahi dynasty and the Mughal Empire.
Shivaji believed in self-rule for his people. He gathered a strong army. They used clever tactics, like guerrilla warfare, to fight bigger armies. In 1674, Shivaji was crowned king. He established his own kingdom. This marked the official start of the Maratha Empire.
Expanding the Empire
After Shivaji, other leaders continued to expand the empire. They were called the Peshwas. The Peshwas were like prime ministers who held a lot of power. Under their leadership, the Maratha Empire grew very large.
The Marathas fought many battles. They gained control over many regions in India. Their empire stretched across a huge area. It included parts of central and northern India. They became one of the most powerful forces in the subcontinent.
The End of the Empire
The Maratha Empire faced new challenges in the late 18th century. The British East India Company was growing stronger in India. The British wanted to control more land and trade.
The Marathas and the British fought several wars. These were known as the Anglo-Maratha Wars. The Marathas were brave, but the British had a very strong army. After a series of defeats, the Maratha Empire officially ended in 1818. Many Maratha states then became part of British India.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Early Maratha conquests, in Shivaji's and Shahji's time
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A portrait of Shivaji Maharaj
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Sambhaji, eldest son of Shivaji
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Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath
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Peshwa Baji Rao I
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Peshwa Balaji Bajirao
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Peshwa Madhavrao I
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Mahadaji Shinde restored the Maratha domination of northern India
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A mural depicting the British surrender during the First Anglo-Maratha War. The mural is a part of the Victory Memorial (Vijay Stambh) located at Vadgaon Maval, Pune.
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Peshwa Madhavrao II in his court in 1790, concluding a treaty with the British
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Battle of Assaye during the Second Anglo-Maratha War
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Peshwa Baji Rao II signing of the Treaty of Bassein with the British
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Maratha king of Gwalior at his palace
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Pratapgad fort, one of the earliest forts administered by Shivaji.
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Maratha darbar or court.
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Gold coins minted during Shivaji's era, 17th century.
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A painted scroll depicting different types of ships of the Marathan Navy including some captured English ships. -
Maratha Gurabs ships attacking a British East India Company ship
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Arms of Maratha
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Ramchandra Pant Amatya
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Thanjavur Maratha palace
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Maratha kingdom in 1680 (yellow)
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Maratha Empire at its peak in 1759 (orange)
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Maratha Empire in 1760 (yellow)
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Maratha Empire in 1765 (yellow)
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Maratha Empire in 1795 (yellow)
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Maratha Empire in 1805
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Maratha Princely States in 1823
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See also
In Spanish: Imperio maratha para niños
