The transformation of the Peshwaship occurred as the office became “hereditary” starting with the family of Balaji Vishwanath. By gaining direct control over the state’s finances and the most powerful military contingents, the Peshwas marginalized the Chhatrapati. The Chhatrapati became ...
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Malwa served as the essential “land bridge” between the Maratha heartland in the Deccan and the rich plains of Northern India. Strategically, it was the gateway to Delhi and the Doab region. By controlling Malwa, the Marathas secured their supply ...
In Northern India, Maratha rule was often characterized by revenue extraction (Chauth) rather than deep-seated administrative reform. This was primarily due to the “short duration” and instability of their control. Constant warfare with Afghans, Jats and Mughals forced the Marathas ...
The growth of the Scindia and Holkar dynasties was a clear sign of “regional militarization.” To manage vast conquered lands, the Peshwas granted these families the right to raise private armies and collect local taxes. This created powerful, self-sustaining regional ...
While the Marathas were militarily strong, their inability to form a stable diplomatic front against the British proved fatal. Internal rivalries between the Peshwa, Scindia and Holkar allowed the British East India Company to use “divide and rule” tactics. The ...