Que. The Marathas posed a significant threat to the integrity of the Mughal Empire. Discuss.

मुगल साम्राज्य की अखण्डता के लिए मराठा एक महत्त्वपूर्ण खतरे की तरह खड़े थे। विवेचना कीजिए।

Structure of the Answer

(i) Introduction: Briefly introduce the Marathas’ rise as a formidable regional power challenging the Mughal Empire’s “territorial integrity and authority.”

(ii) Main Body: Analyze the Marathas’ military strategies, political maneuvers, and economic disruptions that collectively weakened the “Mughal Empire’s stability and power.”

(iii) Conclusion: Summarize the Maratha threat as a significant factor leading to the “Mughal Empire’s fragmentation” and eventual decline in India.

Introduction

The rise of the “Marathas,” led by dynamic leaders like “Shivaji” and “Baji Rao,” posed a substantial threat to the “Mughal Empire’s territorial unity,” as they challenged Mughal control through persistent military and political maneuvers.

Military Threat and Territorial Encroachment

(i) Continuous Warfare: The Marathas waged frequent wars, especially in the Deccan, challenging Mughal dominance and severely “draining Mughal resources” over time.

(ii) Guerrilla Warfare: Using “guerrilla tactics” under Shivaji’s leadership, the Marathas inflicted heavy losses on Mughals, who struggled with this unconventional warfare.

(iii) Peshwa Expansion: Under Peshwa Baji Rao, Marathas expanded into “north and central India,” encroaching on traditional Mughal territories.

(iv) Key Battles: Major confrontations, such as the Battle of Salher, showcased Maratha strength, further undermining Mughal military confidence and territorial control.

(v) Fort Conquests: The Marathas captured strategic forts, such as “Raigad and Purandar,” solidifying their hold over critical regions and weakening Mughal power in those areas.

Political Influence and Administrative Erosion

(i) Formation of Alliances: The Marathas allied with regional kingdoms, fragmenting “Mughal influence” in southern and central India, limiting their political authority.

(ii) Influence in Northern India: Gaining recognition from the Mughal emperor in the 1719 Treaty of Delhi, the Marathas increased their authority across northern regions.

(iii) Chauth and Sardeshmukhi Collection: The Marathas imposed “Chauth” and “Sardeshmukhi” taxes on Mughal territories, undermining Mughal revenue systems and weakening their control.

(iv) Weakening Nobility: Frequent conflicts with Maratha forces led to internal division among the “Mughal nobility,” with loyalties splintered and authority diluted.

(v) Political Interference: By the 18th century, Marathas exerted significant influence over Delhi, weakening central Mughal authority and increasing their power over regional governance.

Economic Disruptions and Fiscal Strain

(i) Trade Route Disruption: Maratha incursions along major “trade routes” disrupted commerce, reducing the Mughal Empire’s access to essential revenue sources.

(ii) Revenue Loss from Conquered Territories: Maratha control over rich areas like “Malwa” deprived the Mughals of vital tax income, reducing funds for administration and military needs.

(iii) Piracy and Coastal Raids: Maratha piracy, especially on the western coast, further diminished Mughal maritime trade, hurting their economic stability.

(iv) Increased Military Spending: To counter the Marathas, the Mughals spent heavily on defense, further “draining the empire’s resources” and deepening its fiscal crisis.

(v) Agricultural Decline: Constant warfare damaged agricultural lands, reducing productivity and revenue, compounding the economic difficulties facing the “Mughal administration.”

Symbolic and Psychological Threat

(i) Loss of Imperial Image: The Maratha successes damaged the Mughal perception of invincibility, eroding respect for the empire among other regional powers.

(ii) Shivaji’s Coronation: Shivaji’s coronation as “Chhatrapati” signified an assertion of Maratha sovereignty, challenging Mughal claims of authority over the Deccan.

(iii) Resistance to Mughal Authority: The Marathas’ defiance against Aurangzeb’s authority encouraged other regional states to question Mughal supremacy, fueling discontent.

(iv) Mughal Nobles’ Divided Loyalties: The nobles’ internal conflicts with Maratha influences weakened unity within the Mughal court, increasing instability.

(v) Impact on Successive Rulers: The Maratha threat challenged successive Mughal emperors, destabilizing their rule and leaving them unable to restore the empire’s former strength.

Conclusion

The “Maratha threat” posed a profound challenge to the “Mughal Empire’s integrity,” creating significant political, economic, and military strain that contributed to its “gradual decline” and altered the balance of power in early modern India.