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!

The Gupta Empire: The Golden Age of India

 

The Gupta Empire, which flourished from around 320 CE to 550 CE, is often regarded as the "Golden Age" of ancient India. This period is noted for its remarkable advancements in various fields including science, mathematics, literature, art, and architecture, laying the foundations for much of India's cultural and intellectual legacy. Under the rule of the Guptas, India witnessed a cultural renaissance that would influence the region for centuries to come.

The Rise of the Gupta Empire

The Gupta Empire was founded by Chandragupta I around 320 CE in the Magadha region (modern-day Bihar). His successors, especially Samudragupta and Chandragupta II, expanded the empire through both military conquests and strategic alliances. The Gupta Empire's strategic location in northern India allowed it to control a vast territory stretching from the Deccan Plateau in the south to the Himalayas in the north.

Under Chandragupta II (also known as Vikramaditya), the empire reached its zenith. This period marked a time of prosperity, both economically and culturally. The stability created by the Gupta rulers facilitated advancements in various fields of knowledge.

Cultural and Intellectual Achievements

1. Science and Mathematics Aryabhata, the renowned mathematician and astronomer, lived during this period. He made significant contributions to the understanding of the solar system, including the concept that the Earth rotates on its axis. Aryabhata's work on zero and the decimal system had far-reaching impacts, and his approximation of pi was remarkably accurate for his time. Varahamihira, another prominent scholar, made contributions to astronomy and mathematics and wrote the famous text Brihat Samhita, which covered a variety of subjects from astrology to geography. The development of algebra, geometry, and the understanding of trigonometry also flourished during this era, with Indian scholars making major strides in these fields.
2. Literature and Arts The Gupta period is also famous for its literary achievements. The most celebrated Sanskrit poet, Kalidasa, created masterpieces such as Shakuntala and Meghaduta, which remain classics of Indian literature. His works are known for their beauty, literary sophistication, and exploration of themes like love, nature, and mythology. The Gupta period also saw the emergence of other notable writers such as Bhasa and Bhavabhuti, whose plays and poems contributed greatly to Sanskrit literature.
3. Art and Architecture Gupta art is marked by its grace and refinement, particularly in the form of sculptures and temple architecture. Temples built during this period often featured intricate carvings, and the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, known for their elaborate wall paintings, were created during this time. These murals depict stories from the lives of Buddha and Hindu deities, showcasing the artistic mastery of the period. Coins from the Gupta Empire, often made of gold, were produced with intricate designs and inscriptions, displaying the wealth and sophistication of the empire.
4. Philosophy and Religion The Gupta period was also notable for the consolidation and growth of Hinduism. The concept of Vishnu as the supreme deity gained prominence, and the religious texts known as the Puranas were written during this period, documenting Hindu mythology and cosmology. Buddhism also continued to thrive, though by this time, it was slowly being absorbed into the fabric of Indian society, influencing both religious thought and culture.

Political Structure and Administration

The Gupta Empire was known for its strong, centralized administration, where the emperor, seen as a semi-divine figure, had ultimate authority. The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a local ruler or a governor appointed by the emperor. The administration was supported by a well-organized bureaucracy, and towns and cities saw significant urbanization during the Gupta period.

The Gupta rulers also introduced policies that encouraged trade, both domestically and internationally. Trade routes connected the Gupta Empire to Central Asia, the Mediterranean world, and Southeast Asia, leading to economic prosperity. The Indian Ocean trade network flourished, and India exported goods such as spices, textiles, and precious stones.

Decline of the Gupta Empire

Despite its remarkable achievements, the Gupta Empire eventually began to decline in the late 5th century CE. Several factors contributed to its fall, including:

• Invasions by the Hunas (a Central Asian nomadic tribe), which weakened the empire's territorial control.
• Internal strife and the decentralization of power as regional rulers began to assert their independence.
• The rise of local kingdoms and external pressure weakened the Gupta military and economic structure.

By 550 CE, the Gupta Empire had largely disintegrated, marking the end of the "Golden Age." However, the legacy of the Gupta Empire continued to influence subsequent Indian kingdoms and cultures.

Legacy of the Gupta Empire

The Gupta Empire's contributions to science, mathematics, literature, and culture have had a profound impact on Indian civilization. The developments made during this period laid the foundation for later advancements in both the Islamic Golden Age and the European Renaissance.

The Gupta Empire is still regarded as a shining example of India's intellectual and cultural achievements. Its period of peace and prosperity created an environment in which knowledge flourished and art was perfected, making it one of the most celebrated periods in Indian history.

Conclusion

The Gupta Empire’s reign stands as one of the most remarkable periods in India's history. From scientific breakthroughs to artistic triumphs, the "Golden Age" of India shaped the nation's cultural heritage for centuries. The intellectual and artistic advancements of the Gupta period not only influenced the subcontinent but also contributed significantly to the global history of knowledge. The empire’s legacy continues to be celebrated today for its contributions to science, mathematics, literature, and philosophy, making it an enduring symbol of India's golden past.

Why Did the Mauryan Empire Collapse So Quickly After Ashoka's Reign?

 The Mauryan Empire (321 BCE – 185 BCE) was one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient Indian history. It reached its peak under Emperor Ashoka (268 BCE – 232 BCE), whose policies of Dhamma (Dharma), non-violence, and Buddhist patronage reshaped its governance. However, just a few decades after Ashoka’s death, the empire crumbled. What caused such a swift decline? Let’s explore the key factors behind the Mauryan Empire's collapse.

1. Weak Successors and Succession Crisis

One of the biggest reasons for the fall of the Mauryan Empire was the lack of strong leadership after Ashoka. His successors—Dasaratha, Samprati, Salisuka, Devavarman, Satadhanvan, and Brihadratha—failed to maintain the vast empire’s stability. Unlike Ashoka, they lacked military and administrative prowess, leading to internal instability.

• Frequent dynastic struggles and weak rulers led to decentralization of power.
• Provinces and local governors started asserting independence, weakening central authority.
• Brihadratha, the last Mauryan emperor, was eventually overthrown by Pushyamitra Shunga, marking the end of the dynasty.

2. Over-Emphasis on Non-Violence

Ashoka's embrace of Buddhism and Ahimsa (non-violence) had profound effects on the empire:

• The once powerful Mauryan military saw reduced aggression, making the empire vulnerable to invasions.
• Military officers and soldiers, who previously enjoyed great status, saw their importance decline, leading to dissatisfaction.
• The empire stopped expanding, leading to economic stagnation as conquests were a key source of revenue.

While Ashoka’s moral and ethical governance inspired many, it also weakened the empire’s defensive capabilities, making it easy prey for external threats.

3. Economic Strain and Administrative Challenges

The Mauryan economy, though strong under Chandragupta Maurya and Bindusara, struggled post-Ashoka:

• The large bureaucracy and military required immense resources, but revenues declined due to halted territorial expansion.
• Ashoka’s monumental infrastructure projects (pillars, stupas, and rest houses) drained resources.
• High taxation led to public unrest and weakened trade networks.

Moreover, the vast empire was difficult to govern efficiently:

• The centralized administration was too rigid to adapt to local needs.
• Corrupt officials and power struggles within the bureaucracy weakened governance.

4. Provincial Rebellions and Loss of Control

With weak central authority, regional governors and local rulers started breaking away:

• The Satavahanas in the Deccan and Greco-Bactrians in the northwest asserted independence.
• Kalinga, which Ashoka had brutally conquered, remained a region of resistance.
• The Shungas and Kanvas later emerged as dominant powers in northern India.

This fragmentation led to the disintegration of the once-unified empire.

5. External Invasions and Pressure from Neighboring Kingdoms

The Mauryan Empire’s northern and western frontiers were constantly under threat:

• Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek rulers began encroaching on Mauryan territory after Ashoka.
• The decline in military strength under Ashoka’s successors made it easier for foreign invasions.
• Pushyamitra Shunga’s coup against Brihadratha marked the final blow to the Mauryan dynasty.

Lessons from the Fall of the Mauryan Empire

The Mauryan Empire’s decline offers valuable lessons for both historical analysis and modern governance:

1. Strong leadership is crucial – A powerful empire requires competent rulers to sustain its legacy.
2. Balanced policies matter – Ashoka’s humanitarian approach was noble, but military strength is also essential for stability.
3. Economic sustainability is key – Over-spending on infrastructure and welfare without economic growth leads to collapse.
4. Decentralization can be a double-edged sword – While local governance is important, too much autonomy can cause disintegration.

Final Thoughts

While Ashoka remains one of India’s greatest rulers, his successors failed to uphold his legacy. The Mauryan Empire’s collapse was a result of weak leadership, economic challenges, military decline, and administrative inefficiencies. Understanding these factors not only helps us analyze ancient history but also draws parallels to modern political and economic systems.

By learning from history, we can shape a better future—one that balances compassion with strength, expansion with sustainability, and governance with adaptability.

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.

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 did Babur fear the Vijayanagar Empire?

 Babur ruled North India somewhere between 1526–1530 period.

You need to note this period was under the rule in South India by none other than “Sri krishna devaraya” who was pinnacle of Vijaynagara Empire. One of the most powerful kings of Indian history.

Empire covered whole of South India except some parts of Karnataka and Telangana. Even Sri Lanka was tributary of the empire.

Even today ,go to parts of Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh you will hear how well respected is “Sri Krishna Devaraya”.

Karnataka people often tell you ,under him , “Hampi was so rich ,gold and diamonds were sold in streets of the city “ Such a flourishing empire it was.

Let's take a look at the empire under him first and get back to our question.

He was a great leader and had faced Deccan sultanates with ease often referred to as “ Destroyer of Turks”.

Hampi was one of the largest and was the richest city in the entire world at its peak. When Vijaynagara Empire fell and power was broken subsequently in battle of talikota in 1565 , it took opponents somewhere around 6 to 12 months to loot and burn the city. You will be amazed to see how magnificent even the ruins are today , if you visit Hampi , a UNESCO World Heritage site. This city is a mirror for our culture and prosperity.

He was respectful to foreign visitors, able administrator , ruthless law maker, tolerant to every religion and was an excellent army general himself.

Coming to the query, you may see Babur , a barbarian who had well versed in war tactics ,proved in battle of Panipat against Lodhi.

But Sri Krishna Devaraya had the most effective army in South East Asia. Vijayanagar empire had an army strength of 7,00,000 and Babur had a mere 60,000. Though one can say , Babur had a strategy of defeating larger empires, but if ever he went to war with Sri Krishna Devaraya, it would have resulted in fall of his emerging kingdom.

Any attempt made of invading Vijayanagar empire, Babur’s Army would have been slaughtered and would have resulted in wiping out the Mughals even before it was well established and Delhi would have soon fallen into hands of winning kingdom.

So Babur was clever and played it safe.

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.