After the fall of Mughal empire, many new kingdoms started to rise in India. Among these, the Maratha Empire became one of the most powerful.  This chapter tells us about how the Maratha expanded their power under strong leadership, clever strategies, brave soldiers.  

 SHIVAJI   MAHARAJ. 

Rise after Shivaji Maharaj.

    Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, passed away in 1680. His dream was to create a strong and independent Maratha Kingdom. His son Sambhaji took over the throne, but he faced constant attacks from Mughals. In 1689, The Mughals captured and killed him. 

     The Mughals thought they had defeated the Marathas, but they were wrong. The Maratha leaders like Rajaram, Tarabai, and later shahu Maharaj, continued to fight bravely, They kept the Maratha spirit alive. 

      Balaji Vishwanath.

          Shahu Maharaj.

When Shahu Maharaj became the ruler in 1707, he brought peace and unity among the Marathas. He appointed Balaji Vishwanath as the peshwa (chief minister). Balaji was a smart leader and helped strengthen the Maratha Empire by making friends with other powerful rulers. Under his leadership, the Marathas began to regain their lost territories.   

      BajiRao I

A brave and smart leader, played a big role in expanding their power. 

To support his army and government, Bajirao introduced two important taxes called chauth and sardeshmukhi. Theses taxes helped the Maratha earn money and show their control over new lands. One of Bajirao's greatest victories was against the Nizam of Hyderabad in the Battle of Palkhed in 1728. Using clever plans and fast-moving soldiers, Bajirao surrounded the Nizam's army and forced him to surrender without much fighting. 

   Nizam Of       Hyderabad 

This victory made the Maratha Empire even more respected and powerful. 

 Bajirao's ambition didn't stop there. He led successful campaigns into important regions like Malwa and Bundelkhand, defeating local rulers and bringing these territories under Maratha control. The fertile lands and resources of these regions further strengthened the empire.  

  Battle of Bhopal

The Maratha also faced challenges from other powerful forces. In 1737, Bajirao led the Marathas to great victory at the battle of Bhopal, defeating a combined army of the Mughals and their allies. This battle confirmed  Maratha dominance in central India.