1. 'Das Bodh' (Advice to a Disciple) is a classical work of Marathi literature authored by Samarth Ramdas, the spiritual preceptor of Shivaji. Composed in verse, the text provides comprehensive instruction on practical morality, metaphysics, administration and the ideal qualities of a good ruler. It stRead more

    ‘Das Bodh’ (Advice to a Disciple) is a classical work of Marathi literature authored by Samarth Ramdas, the spiritual preceptor of Shivaji. Composed in verse, the text provides comprehensive instruction on practical morality, metaphysics, administration and the ideal qualities of a good ruler. It strongly promoted the ideals of Karma Yoga (the path of action) and spiritual consciousness, making it a critical source for understanding the moral and ethical framework underpinning the Maratha struggle for independence.

    See less
    • 151
  2. The 'Sarjami' system was the Maratha version of the feudal military land grant system, akin to the Mughal Jagirdari system. Under this system, Maratha military chiefs (Sardars) were granted Sarjam (revenue assignments) from a specific territory. In return, they were required to maintain a fixed numbRead more

    The ‘Sarjami’ system was the Maratha version of the feudal military land grant system, akin to the Mughal Jagirdari system. Under this system, Maratha military chiefs (Sardars) were granted Sarjam (revenue assignments) from a specific territory. In return, they were required to maintain a fixed number of cavalry and foot soldiers for the state. While effective for rapid expansion, the system’s decentralizing tendencies were a source of tension between the central Peshwa administration and the autonomous Maratha chiefs.

    See less
    • 31
  3. Peshwa Bajirao II was the first major Maratha Sardar (chief) to accept the Subsidiary Alliance by signing the Treaty of Bassein in 1802. Following his defeat by Jaswant Rao Holkar, the Peshwa signed the treaty, agreeing to the permanent stationing of a British subsidiary force in his territory and sRead more

    Peshwa Bajirao II was the first major Maratha Sardar (chief) to accept the Subsidiary Alliance by signing the Treaty of Bassein in 1802. Following his defeat by Jaswant Rao Holkar, the Peshwa signed the treaty, agreeing to the permanent stationing of a British subsidiary force in his territory and surrendering control over foreign policy. This act, born out of political desperation, was a devastating blow to Maratha independence, as it effectively placed the de jure head of the Confederacy under British control.

    See less
    • 146
  4. Following the Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji visited the Mughal court and was confined by Emperor Aurangzeb in the Jaipur Bhavan in Agra in 1666 AD. Feeling dishonoured, Shivaji determined to escape. He famously feigned illness and escaped by concealing himself and his son, Sambhaji, in large baskets sRead more

    Following the Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji visited the Mughal court and was confined by Emperor Aurangzeb in the Jaipur Bhavan in Agra in 1666 AD. Feeling dishonoured, Shivaji determined to escape. He famously feigned illness and escaped by concealing himself and his son, Sambhaji, in large baskets supposedly containing sweetmeats intended for distribution to priests. This spectacular and legendary escape further cemented his reputation as a formidable and resourceful leader.

    See less
    • 39
  5. In 1659, the Sultan of Bijapur dispatched his most formidable general, Afzal Khan, to suppress Shivaji's rebellion. Khan was confident in his ability to capture the 'mountain rat' through either force or treachery. Shivaji, anticipating a double-cross at their arranged meeting at the base of PratapgRead more

    In 1659, the Sultan of Bijapur dispatched his most formidable general, Afzal Khan, to suppress Shivaji’s rebellion. Khan was confident in his ability to capture the ‘mountain rat’ through either force or treachery. Shivaji, anticipating a double-cross at their arranged meeting at the base of Pratapgad Fort, executed Khan using his Bagh Nakh (tiger claws). This decisive act eliminated the greatest threat to the nascent Maratha state, established Shivaji as a fearsome leader and led to the Marathas capturing significant Bijapur territory.

    See less
    • 40