Maratha Empire

Overview

The Maratha Empire was founded by Sivaji as an independent kingdom which covered much of India between 1674 and 1818. From the time of Sivaji's grandson it was effectively ruled from Pune by the Peshwa (prime minister) and gradually evolved into a confederacy of powerful regional rulers. These were the Gaekwads of Baroda, the Holkars of Indore, the Scindias of Gwalior and the Bhonsales of Nagpur.

The British became involved in a dispute beween rival claimants to the throne of the Maratha Empire which led to the 1st Maratha War in 1777. They again took sides in 1803 resulting in the 2nd Maratha War. In 1817 Pindari incursions led to the 3rd Maratha War which resulted in the breakup of the Maratha Empire.

External links

Maratha Empire Wikipedia