1. Mewar, ruled by the Sisodia dynasty, was the only major state in Rajputana that refused to submit to the sovereignty of Akbar throughout his reign. The most famous ruler, Rana Pratap Singh, treated Mughal suzerainty as an affront to his honor and fought Akbar’s forces fiercely, culminating in the BaRead more

    Mewar, ruled by the Sisodia dynasty, was the only major state in Rajputana that refused to submit to the sovereignty of Akbar throughout his reign. The most famous ruler, Rana Pratap Singh, treated Mughal suzerainty as an affront to his honor and fought Akbar’s forces fiercely, culminating in the Battle of Haldighati (1576). While Marwar (Jodhpur), Amer (Jaipur) and Bikaner all accepted Mughal service through alliance or submission, Mewar’s resistance remained an enduring symbol of defiance.

     

    See less
    • 131
  2. Sher Shah Suri initiated the systematic practice of issuing 'Patta' and securing 'Qabuliyat'. This reform was key to his efficient and equitable revenue system. The Patta was the deed that recorded the land area, crop type and the precise amount of tax due to the state. [Image illustrating the PattaRead more

    Sher Shah Suri initiated the systematic practice of issuing ‘Patta’ and securing ‘Qabuliyat’. This reform was key to his efficient and equitable revenue system. The Patta was the deed that recorded the land area, crop type and the precise amount of tax due to the state. [Image illustrating the Patta and Qabuliyat documents] The Qabuliyat was the corresponding document of consent signed by the cultivator. This process eliminated ambiguity, protected the rights of the cultivators and minimized exploitation by local intermediaries.

    See less
    • 27
  3. The Marathas first acquired crucial administrative and military expertise serving the Deccan Sultanates, namely Ahmednagar, Bijapur and to an extent, Golconda. Maratha Sardars (chiefs) like Shahaji Bhonsle, Shivaji’s father, held high Jagirs (land grants) and commanded large forces, learning the intRead more

    The Marathas first acquired crucial administrative and military expertise serving the Deccan Sultanates, namely Ahmednagar, Bijapur and to an extent, Golconda. Maratha Sardars (chiefs) like Shahaji Bhonsle, Shivaji’s father, held high Jagirs (land grants) and commanded large forces, learning the intricate Mughal-style revenue and military systems. This invaluable experience in handling state affairs and managing large armies formed the practical foundation upon which Shivaji later built the independent Maratha state.

    See less
    • 126
  4. Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian minister of Ahmednagar, was the first to brilliantly utilize the Marathas' 'Bargigiri' (guerrilla warfare) system against the Mughal forces. He trained the Maratha light cavalry to harass, cut supplies and evade direct confrontation, achieving significant success againstRead more

    Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian minister of Ahmednagar, was the first to brilliantly utilize the Marathas’ ‘Bargigiri’ (guerrilla warfare) system against the Mughal forces. He trained the Maratha light cavalry to harass, cut supplies and evade direct confrontation, achieving significant success against Emperors Akbar and Jahangir. Ambar’s strategic genius in perfecting these tactics provided a working model for Shivaji, who later adopted and elevated ‘Bargigiri’ as the core of the independent Maratha military strategy.

    See less
    • 140
  5. The most critical event was the appointment of Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa by Shahu in 1713. Balaji, a highly capable administrator, was instrumental in politically unifying the Maratha factions supporting Shahu. He consolidated the Maratha state by achieving the 1719 Mughal-Maratha Treaty, which leRead more

    The most critical event was the appointment of Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa by Shahu in 1713. Balaji, a highly capable administrator, was instrumental in politically unifying the Maratha factions supporting Shahu. He consolidated the Maratha state by achieving the 1719 Mughal-Maratha Treaty, which legalized Chauth and Sardeshmukhi collection. By the end of his term, he had centralized all administrative and military power in the office of the Peshwa, making the Chhatrapati a figurehead and launching the era of the Peshwas.

    See less
    • 144