Rise of Marathas and Decline of Mughal Power

Background: Mughal Power in Rajasthan before Maratha Rise

Before the rise of the Marathas, Rajasthan was under significant influence of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal-Rajput alliance, established during Akbar’s reign, led to relative stability in the region. Prominent Rajput rulers like Raja Man Singh of Amber and Maharana Pratap of Mewar played key roles in shaping the Mughal-Rajput relations. However, by the early 18th century, Mughal authority began to weaken due to succession disputes, administrative inefficiency, and external invasions. This decline created a power vacuum in Rajasthan, making it vulnerable to new powers like the Marathas. The Mughal emperors after Aurangzeb (died 1707) were largely ineffective, and their inability to maintain control over Rajput states led to increasing autonomy among Rajput rulers. The weakening of central authority also resulted in frequent conflicts among Rajput states, further destabilizing the region. ⭐ परीक्षा महत्वपूर्ण तथ्य: • Aurangzeb died in 1707, leading to succession crises • Battle of Haldighati fought in 1576 between Akbar and Maharana Pratap • Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur were major Rajput states under Mughal suzerainty • Remember the year 1707 as a turning point for Mughal decline • Questions often focus on the significance of Mughal-Rajput alliances

• Mughal-Rajput alliance established by Akbar in the late 16th century
• Aurangzeb’s death in 1707 marked the beginning of Mughal decline
• Rajput states like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur gained autonomy in the early 18th century
• Frequent succession disputes weakened Mughal control over Rajasthan
• Mughal governors (Subedars) lost effective control over Rajput territories
• 📌 Mughal-Rajput Alliance: Political and matrimonial alliances between Mughal emperors and Rajput rulers
• 📌 Subedar: Provincial governor under the Mughal administration

Emergence of the Marathas: Expansion into North India

The Marathas, originally from the Deccan region, emerged as a formidable power under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. After Shivaji’s death, the Peshwas (prime ministers) led Maratha expansion into northern India. By the early 18th century, the Marathas had established their dominance over large parts of central and western India. Their military campaigns frequently targeted Mughal territories, including Rajasthan. The Marathas adopted a policy of collecting 'Chauth' (one-fourth of revenue) from conquered or threatened territories. Their cavalry-based warfare and rapid movements allowed them to penetrate deep into Rajasthan. The weakening Mughal administration could not resist Maratha incursions, and many Rajput states were forced to negotiate or pay tribute to the Marathas. ⭐ परीक्षा महत्वपूर्ण तथ्य: • Peshwa Baji Rao I ruled from 1720 to 1740 • Marathas entered Rajasthan after 1720 • Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were major sources of Maratha income • Remember the role of Peshwas in Maratha expansion • Questions often ask about the meaning of 'Chauth' and its impact

• Marathas originated from Maharashtra under Shivaji (ruled 1674-1680)
• Peshwa Baji Rao I (1720-1740) led northward expansion
• Marathas collected 'Chauth' and 'Sardeshmukhi' from Rajasthan
• Maratha raids in Rajasthan intensified after 1720
• Marathas used fast-moving cavalry for effective raids
• 📌 Chauth: One-fourth of revenue collected as protection money by Marathas
• 📌 Peshwa: Prime Minister and de facto leader of the Maratha Empire