What is the greatest contribution of the Maratha Empire?

 Do you know? 7 out of 12 current Jyotirlinga Temples were rebuilt by Marathas under their rule!

Here is the list..

1] Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarpradesh.

• In 1669 CE, Emperor Aurangzeb destroyed the temple.
• In 1777 CE, Maratha Queen Ahilyabai Holkar built the present temple of Kashi Vishwanath.
• In 1828, Maharani Baiza Bai Scindia built a low-roofed colonnade with over 40 pillars in the Gyan Vapi precinct.
• 1844, Raghuji Bhonsle III of Nagpur donated silver to the temple.

2] Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Mahārashtra.

• In 1690, Aurangazeb destroyed the Temple and set up a Mosque on it!
• In 1754, Balaji Bajirao pulled down the Mosque and reconstructed temple at the cost of 16 lakh rupees also changed the name of city from Gulshanabad to Nashik.
• Sadashivrao bhau presented gold crown to the temple [Marathas also marked the sum of Rs.16000 a year to defray the cost of the daily puja]

3] Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Mahārashtra.

• During 13th-14th century Delhi Sultanate destroyed the Temple.
• In the 16th century, temple was re-constructed by Maloji raje Bhosale of Verul (grandfather of Shivaji Maharaj).

4] Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple, Madhyapradesh.

• In 1235, Sultan Altamash attacked Ujjain and destroyed the Temple and built a Mosque on it!
• Shivlinga was lying under the water of tank called Koti Tirtha for "five centuries"!
• In 1735, Ujjain came under Ranoji Scindia, his minister Ramchandra Sukhtankar pulled down the Mosque and reconstructed the present day temple at Same place.
• After five centuries, Shivalinga was taken out and reinstalled in newly built temple.

5] Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, Mahārashtra.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji made a grant of a village named Kharosi to Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga during his rule.
• Later, the reconstruction of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga started by Chimnaji Bhide Naik in 1736 CE. Its patronage continued right upto the end of Maratha rule (1818).

6] Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple, Madhyapradesh.

• In 11th century, Mahmud of Ghazni severely damaged the temple structure.
• Peshwa Bajirao II rebuilt the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple as earlier was mutilated beyond repair. Ahilyabai Holkar also made further renovations and beautification of ghats.

7] Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple, Gujarat.

• In 1669, Somnath temple was defiled and converted into the Mosque on the order of Aurangazeb.
• In 1783, Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar constructed a new temple near the site of the old Somnath temple. It had a two storied garbha griha with the linga placed below ground level as a measure of abundant caution. The fear of iconoclasm remained firm as late as 1783!

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🔸Marathas built hundreds of Temples all over India. Queen Ahilyabai Holkar built temples & Dharmashalas from Srinagar in North to Rameswaram in South.

🔸Maratha Sardars like Raghuji made several Donations to Puri Jagannath temple, Balaji temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple.

🔸The current version of Varanasi's riverbanks (Ghats, Forts, Temples) we see today were rebuilt after 1700 AD by rulers of Maratha Empire. The royal patrons of the ghats were kings from the Scindia, Holkar, Bhonsle, and Peshwa families.

The German historian Herr Springel wrote in the Histoire Marratore in 1791 A.D. (i.c. before Grant Duff wrote and pub lished his book History of the Marathas) :

"I have undertaken to write the History of the Maratha people because they alone had annihilated the most powerful Mughal empire and had afterwards successfully carried on warfare with the English. My countrymen should therefore know something of these people and their history"

This is the greatest contribution of Maratha Empire!

Tanaji Malusare

 Tanaji Malusare, often regarded as one of the

most iconic warriors in Maratha history, played a significant role in the expansion of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He is best known for his bravery, particularly during the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670. Here’s a detailed look at Tanaji’s life and his contributions:

Early Life:

Tanaji Malusare was born in the village of Godoli in present-day Maharashtra, India. He hailed from the Malusare clan of the Maratha community. He was a trusted lieutenant and close companion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who valued his courage and loyalty. His early life remains largely undocumented, but it’s believed that he showed exceptional martial skills from a young age.

Role in the Maratha Empire:

Tanaji was part of Shivaji Maharaj’s core group of warriors, known as the "Mavlas." These warriors were fiercely loyal and played a crucial role in Shivaji’s campaigns against the Mughals and other adversaries. His exceptional leadership and combat skills earned him recognition and respect from both his fellow Marathas and their enemies.

Battle of Sinhagad:

The Battle of Sinhagad (1670) is the most famous episode in Tanaji's life. In 1670, the Marathas sought to recapture the fort of Sinhagad, which had been captured by the Mughal Empire. The fort, strategically located near Pune, was critical for controlling the region.

Shivaji Maharaj tasked Tanaji Malusare with the mission of capturing Sinhagad. Knowing that the fort was heavily guarded, Tanaji devised a clever plan. His troops scaled the steep cliffs of the fort using a technique known as the "Gorilla Warfare" method, which was highly effective in mountainous terrain. The Marathas surprised the Mughals, and after a fierce battle, the fort was recaptured.

During the battle, Tanaji fought valiantly but was mortally wounded. As per historical accounts, Tanaji’s last words were, "This fort is of great importance, and it must remain in our hands." His death was a significant loss for the Maratha Empire, and it deeply affected Shivaji Maharaj, who is said to have mourned the loss of his close friend and companion.

Legacy:

Despite his early death, Tanaji Malusare’s legacy lives on in Maratha history. The Battle of Sinhagad became a symbol of bravery and sacrifice for the Marathas. His heroics and unwavering loyalty to Shivaji Maharaj made him one of the most celebrated figures in the history of the Maratha Empire.

In his honor, the fort of Sinhagad is sometimes referred to as "Tanaji’s Fort." There is also a famous inscription at the fort that commemorates his bravery. The story of Tanaji’s sacrifice continues to inspire generations, and he is remembered as a symbol of valor, patriotism, and selfless service.

Cultural Depictions:

Tanaji Malusare’s life and his heroic deeds have been celebrated in various forms of art, literature, and films. One of the notable films about his life is Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020), which dramatizes the events of the Battle of Sinhagad and highlights Tanaji’s role in the Maratha Empire's rise.

Conclusion:

Tanaji Malusare’s contribution to the Maratha Empire and his sacrifice at the Battle of Sinhagad ensure that he remains one of the greatest warriors in Indian history. His loyalty, bravery, and selflessness continue to be honored in India, particularly in Maharashtra, where he is celebrated as a true hero.

TARABAI - THE MARATHA QUEEN WHO FOUGHT THE MUGHAL EMPIRE

Tarabai was the daughter in law of chatrapati shivaji maharaj. Wife of rajaram, the younger brother of sambhaji maharaj.

After shivaji maharaj died, his oldest son sambhaji maharaj took over the maratha empire and fought the Mughals for years strengthening themselves and weakening the Mughals. When sambhaji maharaj bravely died 1689 while fighting aurangzeb. His younger brother took over the empire. Sambhaji maharaj’s wife and son were captured.

When even rajaram died and maratha empire didn't have any male heir while fighting the dominant Mughal Empire. Rajarams wife TARABAI took over maratha empire and bravely fought for years. Not only she weakened the Mughal Empire, she regained the lost territories of Marathas . She bravely fought battles after battles.

Under her leadership, Marathas carried out guieralla warfare harrassing the Mughal army. By 1707 aurangzeb died and under tarabai’s leadership maratha empire became the dominant power in India.

Tarabai remains one of the greatest female rulers in Indian history. Her leadership helped keep the Maratha Empire alive during its most challenging times. She is remembered as a warrior queen who defied the odds and ensured the survival of her people.

Between 1702 and 1705, the Marathas launched aggressive campaigns that weakened the Mughal hold in the Deccan. Aurangzeb, who had personally led the campaign, faced severe setbacks

Tarabai proved that even in a male-dominated society, a woman could lead an empire in wartime. She not only kept the Marathas united but also led them to victories that ensured their survival.

Tarabai didn't just defend Maratha territory—she expanded it. Under her leadership:The Marathas attacked Mughal strongholds in Gujarat, Malwa, and Central India.They continued pressing into the Mughal territories, forcing the emperor to shift focus from offense to defense.

Tarabai is the unsung queen of our history, without her the maratha empire would have fallen in hands of Mughal Empire. She rised like a ray of hope for every maratha, every hindu in crucial times.

Who were the first Maratha warriors to invade Delhi?

 

The first Maratha campaign against Delhi occured in 1737 under Peshwa Bajirao. This was not a campaign to conquer Delhi but only to scare the Mughals.

In 1736, Bajirao visited Rajputana. On the behalf of Bajirao, Jai Singh of Jaipur requested the Mughal court to appoint Bajirao as the governor of Malwa. Bajirao had also demanded that holy places like Mathura, Gaya, Allahabad, and Kashi should be given to him. The Mughal court refused such demands. Baji Rao then decided to march on Delhi as a show of force.

Baji Rao first marched into Malwa and destroyed all remaining Mughal forces there (Baji Rao had already conquered most of Malwa in 1732–34)

By rapid marches he arrived in Malwa and effected a junction at Bhilsa with the troops which had been quartered in the province for the monsoon. Except for the strongholds of the Rohilla Chief, the province had for all practical purposes become a Maratha principality. This island of opposition to Maratha influence could no longer be suffered to remain. The Peshwa therefore directed his arms against the refractory Yar Muhammad Rohilia, invested him in Bhopal and forced him to pay a contribution of five lakhs of rupees (December 1736). Bhilsa was next attacked and carried after a week's fighting (13th Jan 1737).’ The province of Malwa thus completely subdued could no longer be used to support the huge hordes the Peshwa was leading.

• Page 130, Peshwa Bajirao I and Maratha expansion.

Baji Rao then subdued various bundela chiefs who opposed him. Meanwhile Saadat Khan of Awadh defeated a force led by Malhar rao holkar. Saadat Khan boasted about his victory at the Mughal court. Hearing about this, Baji Rao decided to directly march on Delhi to show his real power.

Bajirao arrives in Delhi

Sending away his heavy baggage and other impedirnents to Bundelkhand he made a dash on the capital so switily and secretly, that none of the Mughal Commanders were aware of his whereabouts till he was actually in the vicinity of the Capital. Avoiding the direct Delhi Agra highway, the Peshwa followed an unfrequented route through the hilly country Of the Jats and Mewatis and appeared before the Capital on 29th March, 1737.

• Page 133–134, Peshwa Bajirao I and Maratha expansion.

The Marathas plundered the outskirts of Delhi causing great panic in the city

An immense booty was made here, and the Marhattas having passed the night near Khwaja Qutubuddin’s monument, the next day, which was Arafat day, they plundered the street inhabited with jewellers, and sacked and burned all the shops of that town. About noon they proceeded farther, and sacked the town of Palam, from whence the shoals of runaways and wounded flying into the city, filled it with dreadful accounts of what they had seenand felt; and the citizens, without further enquiry, lost both their courage and their senses, filled the city with uproar, and the whole soon became one continuous scene of dismay and confusion.

• Page 417, The Era of Bajirao.

A Mughal army tried to attack Baji Rao but was defeated

The younger elements in the Mughal contingent led by the fiery Mir Hasan Khan Koka, agitated for quick attack on the Marathas. As a result a contingent of 7 to 8 thousand troops led by Mir Hasan Khan ventured out and was drawn deep into the Maratha camp where the Peshwa’s soldiers led by Holkar, Sindia and Pawar inflicted a crush ing defeat on the Mughals.

• Page 99, Baji Rao I The Great Peshwa.

Baji Rao however did not attack the city and instead withdrew

The fair capital of the Mughals, the ancient city of Delhi, now awaited to be sacked and despoiled of its splendour and wealth by its new conqueror. But the Peshwa was not a barbarian cast in the mould of an Atilla or a Chengis Khan. He had made a dash on the capital not to lay it under sword and fire, but to enforce on the Mughal Government tbe policy of concessions advocated by Jai Singh and Khan Dauran and favoured by the Emperor personally. The Peshwa rightly imagined that his mere appearance at the gates of the capital would force the hands of the Emperor. On 31at March he disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared two days eariler.

• Pages 135–136, Peshwa Bajirao I and Maratha expansion.

On the way back Baji Rao had a brief skirmish with the forces of Mughal Vizier.

In evening after the Marathas had marched a distance of 10 miles they sighted near Badshahpur the Vazir’s army. After a long and tiring march following a heavy engagement, the Peshwa was in no mood to attack the Vazir. Neither could the Vazir array his forces for battle, as his artillery and a part of his men were yet on the road. There was a brush between the two forces in the failing light of the day; one elephant and a few horses were seized by the Marathas and then they moved another eight miles before encamping for the night.

• Page 136, Peshwa Bajirao I and Maratha expansion.

Avoiding any further Mughal army, Bajirao returned

In fact an advance party of the Mughals saw Baji Rao and Mastani “seated on the saddle cover, drinking and singing while they rested.” Now the Peshwa had to retreat as quickly as possible as a combination of the Mughal forces would prove disastrous to the Marathas. Passing through Rajputana he reached Narnol and then Ajmer. The Mughals could not pursue the Marathas and the Emperor had recalled them to Delhi. The Rajput princes once again affirmed their loyalty to the Peshwa and solicited his protection.

• Page 104, Bajirao the great Peshwa.

Bajirao's lighting speed raid on Delhi humbled the Mughal government and demoralised the army and citizens of Delhi.

Temples in Goa built by Maratha Empire

 

• Shree Mangesh temple, Mardol

This temple had its origins in Kushasthali Cortalim, a village in Saxty (Salcette) which fell to the invading Portuguese in 1543. In the year 1560, when the Portuguese started conversions in Salcete taluka, the Saraswats moved the Manguesh Linga from the original site at the Kushasthali to its present location at Mangueshi.

Current structure was only built under Maratha rule, some 150 years after it had been moved. The Peshwas donated the village of Mangeshi to the temple (also funded the construction of temple) in 1739 on the suggestion of their Sardar, Shri Ramchandra Malhar Sukhtankar, who was a staunch follower of Shri Mangesh.

• Shanta Durga temple, Panji

The original temple at Quelossim (Keloshi) in Salsete was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1564. The goddess was transferred to Kavalem and worship was continued there.

This current temple was constructed during the reign of Chattrapati Shahu, in about 1738. Naroram Mantri (Naroram Shenvi Rege) originally from Kochara village in the Vengurla region was a Mantri (minister) in Shahu's Court around 1723. He obtained finances to construct the new temple for the goddess from Shahu.

The temple construction started around 1730 and, with the help from other Mahajans, the present temple was completed. Due to his efforts, the village of Kavalem was bequeathed to the Temple by Shahu Maharaj in 1739.

• Saptkoteshwar temple, Narve

This temple was reconstructed by Shivaji Maharaj during his campaign in Goa. It was decimated by the Portuguese in 1540 along with other temples.

Why Aurangzeb did not get a success over maratha ?

 The medieval era was in hand of mughals because more than half india was in their possession except south but islamic empires like bijapur and govalkonda already acknowledge the suzerainty of mughals in shah jahan reign.

But when cruel emporer aurangzeb got a throne in civil war his ambitions turned to annex entire india. He was powerful fanancially as well as in military. He held almost 10 lakhs troops and high military in entire asia but he failed in Deccan.

Sir Jadunath Sarkar published a book on aurangzeb that is “ short history of aurangzeb “ he mentioned the sentence of Nepolean Bonaparte, he used to say “ A Spanish Ulcer ruined me just like Deccan Ulcer ruined Aurangzeb “ why aurangzeb could not annex south from marathas when he finished bijapur and govalkonda.

The maratha was a audacious power which never accepted mughal suzerainty at all. They was Deccani jamindars who worked for muslims sultanates several years but in the leadership of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj they defy the islamic sultanate power and revolted against them.

Whole Bijapur and Ahemadnagar dynasties were depended on maratha jamindars but later both sultanates had to received huge loss due to jamindars revolt.

All marathas had a immnese knowledge about southern geography while without any analysis and experience aurangzeb launched a expedition against maratha in 1681. He thought maratha will not able to resist us after the death of Shivaji Raja but his son king Sambhaji was also brave and intelligent as like his Father.

Reign of Sambhaji Raje - Before aurangzeb arrived in Deccan Sambhaji Maharaj destroyed huge part of mughal territory. He broke the aurangzeb misunderstanding that he will captured maratha empire. Aurangzeb alone fought against maratha but he had to face failure only. His son prince Akbar revolted against him and took shelter of marathas. According to Mughal chronicles aurangzeb sworn to kill Sambhaji then he will put the crown on his head.

Chatrapati Sambhaji literally challenged aurangzeb and defeated many times, many cities annexed and captured mughal treasures. Aurangzeb never got any huge success against Sambhaji then he decided to allince with portugese and abysinians.

First abysinian made alliance with aurangzeb but Sambhaji Assaults fell on them then they never put any step against Marathas and broke alliance. Next portugese acknowledge to assist aurangzeb but when Sambhaji entered in Goa then portugese also surrendered in front of his valour.

Continuously failure of aurangzeb made him crazy the 26 years old youth Sambhaji defeated mughals that is very bad insult of aurangze. Then he turned his ambition to captured Bijapur and in a year he possessed whole bijapur with Sikandar Adilshah and slew him. Then he turned to Govalkonda and he did same which he did with bijapur.

His intension again turned to maratha in 1688 whole year he faced failure and in 1689 he got successed to make a prison Sambhaji ( Sambhaji Maharaj relatives treachery with him ). He didn’t kneel down and spurned to life and sacrificed for Empire.

After him his younger brother Rajaram Ascended to throne he conflicted with aurangzeb 11 years and defeated him and scattered his ambition. Aurangzeb tried to arrest him but not possible. In 1700 King Rajaram died at Kondhana fort due to illness. Aurangzeb thought now maratha empire will fall in our hand easily because there were no anyone heir of next King.

But Rajaram wife Maharani Tarabai take overed the charge of empire and in 7 years from 1700 to 1707 she conflicted mughal power and finally aurangzeb died in Maharastra with his ambitions and dreams.

Tragedy of Aurangzeb - 1. Unequality in religions

2. Cruel and lack of understanding.

3. Worse behaviour with Generals.

The major reasons aurangzeb could not conquer maratha empire -

1. No Geographical knowledge of south.
2. No understanding with enemies.
3. Had a worse habit to make enemy in every place.
4. Impossible ambitions.
5. No analysis on maratha power.
6. No limit of endevour after several failure.

These are the reason aurangzeb could not annex south from maratha and had to stay in tent for 26 years and not able to go back delhi. He got repent on his deeds and lost all empire and its management.

ಮರಾಠಾ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯ, ಸಿಖ್ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಬ್ರಿಟಿಷ್ ಭಾರತದಂತಹ ಇತರ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳಿಗೆ ಹೋಲಿಸಿದರೆ ಮೊಘಲ್ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಬಲ ಹೇಗಿತ್ತು?

 ಅವರ "ಮಹಾನ್" ಮೊಘಲ್ ಔರಂಗಜೇಬ್ ಶೋಚನೀಯವಾಗಿ ಸೋತ ಯುದ್ಧಗಳ ಪಟ್ಟಿ ಇಲ್ಲಿದೆ-

1) ಸರೈಘಾಟ್ ಕದನ (1671)- ಅಹೋಮ್ಸ್

2) ಸಲ್ಹೇರ್ ಕದನ (1672) - ಮರಾಠರು

3) ಡೆಬಾರಿಸ್ ಕದನ (1680) - ರಜಪೂತ

4) ಅರಾವಳಿ ಕದನ (1680) - ರಜಪೂತರು

5) ಬುರ್ಹಾನ್‌ಪುರ ಕದನ (1681)- ಮರಾಠರು

6) ಇಟಖುಲಿ ಕದನ (1682)- ಅಹೋಮ್ಸ್

7) ಕಲ್ಯಾಣ್ ಕದನ (1682) - ಮರಾಠರು.

?? ಕೊಂಕಣರ ಮೇಲೆ ಮೊಘಲರ ಆಕ್ರಮಣ (1684) - ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಮರಾಠರು

9) ವೈಸ್ ಕದನ (1687) - ಮತ್ತೆ ಮರಾಠರು

10) ಅಥಾನಿಸ್ ಕದನ (1690) - ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಮರಾಠರು

11)ನದೌನ್ ಕದನ (1691) - ಸಿಖ್ ಮತ್ತು ರಜಪೂತ ಪಡೆಗಳ ಒಕ್ಕೂಟ

12) ಗುಲೇರ್ ಕದನ ( 1696) - ಸಿಖ್ಖರು

13) ಆನಂದಪುರ ಕದನ (1700) - ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಸಿಖ್ಖರು

14) ನಿರ್ಮೋಹಗಢ ಕದನ (1702) -ಸಿಖ್ಖರು ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ.

15) ಬಸೋಲಿ ಕದನ (1702) - ಮತ್ತೆ ಸಿಖ್ಖರು.